This focused 3-part online course is designed for aspiring picture book creators ready to take their ideas from inspiration to polished work, with an eye toward publication. Whether you are a writer, an illustrator, or both, this course will guide you through the critical steps of refining your concept, deciding on the right structure for your story, and perfecting your manuscript. Tuition includes all three classes and access to video replays for 30-days after the final live session. (Classes may NOT be purchased individually). Video replays can be accessed under MEMBER HOME > MY RESOURCES.
Thursday, April 8th, 1-2:30pm PACIFIC / 4-5:30pm EASTERN
Picture This! Developing Your Picture Book Idea, taught by author e.E Charlton-Trujillo
This dynamic, fun, and informative session will help you identify and develop picture book ideas that only you can tell. With engaging exercises, practical tips, picture book samples, and an interactive Q&A, Picture This! Developing Your Picture Book Idea will give you the confidence to start (or keep) writing now!
Thursday, April 15, 1-2:30pm PACIFIC / 4-5:30pm EASTERN
To Rhyme or Not to Rhyme... That is the Question, taught by author Valerie Bolling
Do you write rhyming picture books or plan to? In this session, we’ll explore: the advantages and disadvantages of writing in rhyme; considerations when querying with rhyming manuscripts; the difference between rhyming and lyrical writing; rhyming tips and resources; and recommendations of books by authors who write in rhyme. We’ll also engage in a writing exercise to help you decide if you have a story that should be told in rhyme or prose. And there will be time for questions throughout the presentation.
Thursday, April 22nd, 1-2:30pm PACIFIC / 4-5:30pm EASTERN
Revision for Submission, taught by Executive Editor Melissa Manlove
Change your relationship to revising your picture book in this 90-minute webinar. Revision can be playful, exciting, and transformative—and at its best, it encompasses a wide variety of strategies. The more approaches to revision you have to choose from, the more effective and energizing your revision practice will become. In this webinar, bring a handful of drafts to choose from and play with, and come away thinking of revision like a vast toolkit that can solve anything and like a whole playground’s worth of ways to delight in the process!
Your Instructors (click photo to read bio)
