Class Description
In this two-session workshop, we will dive into the art of picture book writing.
In the first session, we'll explore picture book writing essentials, including planning and storyboarding for the 32-page format, as well as elements of language and rhythm; character and emotion arcs; and tension and plot. Picture book writing is challenging, and this workshop aims to provide writers with tools, tips, and skills to further navigate this format. We’ll examine some recently published fiction and nonfiction picture books for page turns and the interplay of text and pictures.
In the second session, participants will give and receive feedback on their picture book manuscripts shared with the class and instructor several days in advance of the workshop. We’ll discuss next steps and further revisions, with an eye toward submitting to children's book agents and editors.
In this class, we’ll examine a range of picture books authored by Carole Boston Weatherford, Bao Phi, Katie Yamasaki, Traci Sorrells, Andrea Wang, Miranda Paul, Kelly Starling Lyons, Kao Kalia Yang, Julie Flett, Suzanne Slade, Margarita Engle, Ilima Loomis, Dan Santat, Isabel Quintero and many more.
Class Format
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Scholarship Information
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. After registering, a yellow Resources tab will appear in this section containing a link to join class. Please note that you will need to be logged into view the Resources tab.
Zoom Participation:
In our experience, the intimate nature of a writing workshop benefits from on-camera participation. Students are of course welcome to turn their camera off whenever they need to, but it is a community norm for cameras to be on most of the time. You can learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
You can enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting by clicking the CC button at the bottom of the screen. If you'd like to access the transcript after class, please make sure to let your instructor ahead of time that you'd like a copy.