Workshops

Picture book writers often contemplate the age-old question: would it be a crime to write my story in rhyme? This workshop will discuss various aspects of writing in rhyme, such as the basics of meter, types of rhyme and where to find them, and classic rhyme schemes and poetic forms. Next, we will discuss the specifics of writing a rhyming picture book, including using refrains and repetition, and the ways in which rhyming PBs differ from traditional poetry. Finally, we will discuss ways to rethink prose to incorporate poetic techniques

Hands-on activity: Participants will bring samples of their work that we will analyze together for meter, rhyme, and story. Ideally, participants will bring at least one manuscript page to share (longer excerpts are welcome if time permits).

Author; Author/lllustrator;

Beginner; Intermediate

Published; Not Yet Published

Are you naturally funny, but not sure how to transfer that to the page? Or are you more on the serious side and trying to figure out how to add humor to your work? Veteran comedy writer, children’s book author, comedy magazine creator, and comedy writing instructor, Ethan T. Berlin will teach you how to use the magic of point of view to expand your humorous writing skills. After a group lesson, each participant will take the skills they’ve learned and write the premise for a humorous children’s picture book based off of a classic nursery rhyme or fairy tale.

Author; Author/Illustrator

Beginner; Intermediate; Advanced

Published; Not Yet Published

The query letter has one goal: To entice an agent or editor to read your work. This intensive, 90-minute workshop will demystify the art of writing a query that grabs an agent's attention and makes them eager to read more. We'll delve into the nuts and bolts of crafting a persuasive letter, covering:

• The Agent's Perspective: What makes a query stand out? 
• The Anatomy of a Query: We'll break down each crucial component (the hook, the book, the cook)
• Dos and Don'ts: Avoiding common pitfalls that can lead to a pass.

What You'll Need: laptop: You don't necessarily need to have already written a query for this workshop, but if you do have one, feel free to bring it so you can make potential edits. You'll leave with practical tips and the confidence to craft a query that truly shines

Author

Beginner; Intermediate

Published; Not Yet Published

A hands-on comics making workshop. Participants will learn the nuts and bolts of making comics, and gain a deeper understanding of what separates cartooning from just drawing or writing, and have an opportunity to tell their own stories using the language of the art-form. The workshop bounces back and forth between an engaging and entertaining slideshow, to a series of comics making activities featured in a workbook specially designed for this event. Attendees will warm up with doodles, create a cartoon avatar, practice controlling the reader's eye as it moves across the page, and write a four-panel cartoon inspired by their own experiences. At the end, attendees will design a cover based on the stories they have told and leave having created their own comic book to take with them.

Author; Illustrator; Author/Illustrator

Beginner; Intermediate

Published; Not Yet Published

Bring your completed first draft of a picture book text to this hands-on 90-minute picture book revision workshop. As we transform our picture book text into a picture book text dummy, we will go beyond basic pagination and layout. As we create a text dummy, we will revise, polish and fine tune pacing, page turns, story arc and flow, rhythm and read aloud-ability. Using paper, pencil, stick figures and sticky notes, participants will create a physical dummy of their picture book manuscript which they will then workshop with a partner to reveal additional opportunities for revising and polishing.

Author; Author/Illustrator

Beginner; Intermediate

Not Yet Published

Create characters that linger in readers' memories long after the book is finished. Learn the three places from which to create character and how to build each character from the outside in, delving deep beneath the surface to reveal strengths, weaknesses and driving passions. Learn to connect the truest parts of yourself and your experiences to your young readers with characters that are like them emotionally, yet unique in the ways in which they present to the world. No more cardboard or stereotyped characters! Your characters will have depth and power as they drive your stories forward. After this workshop, you’ll be able to use a variety of techniques and resources to craft characters who will populate unforgettable stories that grab readers' imaginations on page one and won't let go.

Among other hands-on activities, attendees will write an obituary and a dating profile for their characters.

Author

Beginner; Intermediate; Advanced

Published; Not Yet Published

Mike will lead participants in a hands-on workshop aimed at helping writers and illustrators gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between the written word and the images that work together to make a compelling picture book.

Both writers and illustrators will explore this partnership through fun exercises as Mike shares his approach to getting the most out of what is is said, shown, and left to the mind and heart of the readers.

Author; Illustrator; Author/Illustrator

Beginner; Intermediate

Published; Not Yet Published

This workshop introduces a three-step strategy to enhance a specific scene or chapter. The first pass focuses on the scene's structure. We will identify the structural components of the scene and analyze whether each element effectively propels the narative forward, with an emphasis on clarity, proportion, and pacing. 

The second pass delves deeper to add nuance and resonance to the scene. We will use writing prompts to sharpen the character’s desires and the story's themes. 

The third pass addresses conciseness and presentation, ensuring the text is polished. This revision process is designed to help middle grade and YA writers deliver the most pleasing scene possible to their readers. 

Author

Intermediate; Advanced

Published; Not Yet Published

Join for a journey into the art of world-building! Create an immersive environment design through this hands-on workshop designed to help illustrators unlock their creative potential to craft rich, imaginative worlds for their stories. Through guided prompts and drawing exercises, participants will explore techniques for developing unique settings for their characters that help bring their stories to life. Together we will work on strategies and sketch ideas for environment designs and props and piece it all together in a quick, layered drawing. Whether you’re illustrating a picture book, a graphic novel or a book cover this workshop will provide the tools and inspiration needed to build visually stunning worlds and environments that complete your next narrative concept. 

Materials Needed:

* Sketchbooks or drawing pads

* Pencils, pens, fine liners for sketching

* Erasers

* 4 photo references of different kinds of landscapes or environments

Author; Illustrator; Author/Illustrator;

Beginner; Intermediate; Advanced;

Published; Not Yet Published

Are the scenes in your books “just there”? or are they JEWELS? Does each scene hum with purpose, propelling the reader forward? In this workshop, we’ll take your scenes from utilitarian to inspired. We’ll focus on: showing, not telling (and how to know the difference!), writing dialogue with purpose, ending scenes effectively, and using scenes to structure your story. Examples will focus on middle-grade fiction, but PB and YA writers can benefit as well. The workshop will be interactive, with lots of opportunities for engagement. There is also a hands-on scene-writing exercise. 

Author

Beginner; Intermediate

Published; Not Yet Published