Writing Picture Books is ideal for anyone who wants to write a picture book that publishers and kids adore.
You will:
Learn about the picture book industry
Create characters children will love
Use language and rhythm to tell your story
Receive direct feedback on your own writing
Get guidance on publishing and illustrations.
“I have learned so much in this course that I can now apply to my stories to give them a fighting chance of being considered. I’d say it is well worth the investment in time and money. There is so much gold in there that you’ll come away overwhelmed with information… but in a good way!”
– Ross MacKay, Writing Picture Books graduate
Key information | |||||
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Key information: | |||||
This is an online course
Duration 1
This is an online course
Opens: Monday 25 November 2024 Start any time during the week
Opens: Monday 25 November 2024 Start any time during the week
Duration:
7 weeks, Includes 2–week Christmas break Allow 3–4 hours per week
Duration:
7 weeks, Includes 2–week Christmas break Allow 3–4 hours per week
Feedback:
Weekly
Feedback:
Weekly
With: Cathie Tasker
With: Cathie Tasker $450 | |||||
In this online course, you’ll discover what you need to do to turn your story idea into a real picture book that kids— and their parents— will love to read. (Don't worry if you don't yet have a story idea – it's likely you'll be inspired as you complete the course!)
What is it that makes popular picture books so magical? How do you really know what appeals to children? Writing a picture book that publishers want is an art. But there are clear guidelines you can follow.
You'll unlock a module full of lessons each week and complete a small assignment due each Sunday night – plus receive direct feedback from your online tutor – an expert in the world of picture books.
There are also supplementary lessons that provide practical tips for illustrators – perfect if you're interested in both the writing and illustration side of picture book creations.
What is a children’s picture book? You’ll explore many examples of children’s picture books and how the text and illustrations should work together. Understanding the format will help you understand the kinds of topics children are interested in, the word length and the pace of your story. You’ll receive feedback on a 3-part comparison writing exercise.
In this module, you’ll look at the constraints and joys of writing for the 32-page format common to picture books. You’ll discover how to write an opening with regard to characterisation and emotion. And explore turning points, climaxes and resolutions. You’ll also learn about point of view and “show, don’t tell”. Your tutor will provide feedback on a piece you create in close focus point-of-view using a clear main character.
Learn how to plan your text for a double-page spread. This module will look at invisible punctuation – something unique to the picture book format. Once you understand the pace and structure of the format, you can focus on the action and emotional resonance, plus core themes which drive a picture book. You’ll receive feedback on an original story assignment.
In this module, you’ll look at poetic text to make your prose sparkle. You’ll also learn about some common traps for new picture book authors and discuss how to polish and edit your work. You’ll discover how different voices and reading patterns can change the rhythm and meaning of your work, as well as how to use noises and onomatopoeia, repetitive texts and more. You’ll receive tutor feedback on another original story assignment.
In this final week, you’ll learn how to submit your manuscript to a publisher, what to expect when working with an editor, and some legal and financial aspects. We’ll also share some great ways to keep in touch with the industry and its new trends. You’ll have the opportunity to bring together all of the skills you’ve learned and apply them to your own original story (including marketing blurbs) and receive valuable tutor feedback.
For this online course, you should be familiar with the following picture books (available at libraries or bookstores):
“If it wasn’t for the Australian Writers’ Centre, I think that I would have just always been in that stage of ‘I want to write one day’, the stage that I’ve been at since uni days. I probably would have never made the time to do the work, I would have not had deadlines, and I wouldn’t have had a clear pathway of how to reach my goals.
Through the Australian Writers’ Centre, I discovered that if I follow a pathway to publication, I can really do it. I always recommend Australian Writers’ Centre courses to my friends. Their courses are very structured and focused and I really feel that if you stick to it and do what they say, you will have success.”
– Zewlan Moor, author of Nothing Like Me and The Bill Dup
Writing Picture Books does not require any artistic skills (although if you have them, good for you!). It is a course in storytelling for anyone keen to explore this magical genre. People like these:
Whether you want to follow in the footsteps of Maurice Sendak, Julie Vivas, Catherine Rayner or Bob Graham, this course will equip you with the information you need to write picture books that will enchant younger readers.
You already know how to draw – so we’re not going to teach you how to do that! Instead, you’ll learn the essential skills to write a brilliant picture book. And, in every module, we ALSO have a dedicated section – just for illustrators – to show you exactly how your images should work with the text, whether they’re your words or someone else’s.
You’ll discover how to create images that enhance the story, understand compositions that work (and those that don’t), what you need to know about the golden spiral and character creation, how the reader’s eyes track across the page, what you need to do to create movement, the importance of layering, what materials to avoid, how to show your work, and much more.
Importantly, you’ll gain the confidence and skills you need to write and illustrate picture books that publishers want to commission and readers will cherish forever.
Writing Picture Books provides you with all the foundation skills you need to start creating fantastic picture book stories. And when you feel your story is ready to take to the next level, our Writing Picture Book Masterclass will cast an expert eye over your work. It’s the polish and publication advice all good stories need!
KNOWLEDGE: | There’s a surprising amount to learn about the mechanics of putting a picture book together. |
CONFIDENCE: | Having the skills to create your own stories and knowing the formula is a fantastic thing! |
INSPIRATION: | Even if you didn’t have ideas before, the online course will help unleash your creativity. |
MOTIVATION: | The positive support and forward momentum this course offers, along with a continuing online community, will drive you to write your own picture book! |
“Do not submit a manuscript until you do this course. Absolutely a must do! I've come away with so much knowledge that I didn't know I needed. It was great fun too! Thank you so much for giving me a fabulous five weeks to try something for myself.”
Donna Louise Jones
“I never thought I'd say this, but I really enjoyed the homework assignments. They kept my mind in a place I love to be all week long. The tutor was an expert and gave valuable advice on how to improve our writing. Do the course! It will set you free. Thank you Australian Writers' Centre!”
Kelli Thomas
“I thoroughly enjoyed the course and it was probably one of the best online courses I've done in a while. I found the feedback positive, informative and not too overwhelming. I was able to use the feedback and advice to rework my ideas, tweak and adjust accordingly. Couldn't have asked for more!”
Rich Turer
“The material and assignments were challenging and yet still manageable with a full-time job and children to care for. My tutor was great – her feedback was to the point and she was very quick to respond to questions. Great online learning environment if you are willing to commit the time.”
Nikki Macor Heath
Enrol in this online course today and unlock a new world of picture book storytelling… you won’t regret it!
Key information | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key information: | |||||
This is an online course
Duration 1
This is an online course
Opens: Monday 25 November 2024 Start any time during the week
Opens: Monday 25 November 2024 Start any time during the week
Duration:
7 weeks, Includes 2–week Christmas break Allow 3–4 hours per week
Duration:
7 weeks, Includes 2–week Christmas break Allow 3–4 hours per week
Feedback:
Weekly
Feedback:
Weekly
With: Cathie Tasker
With: Cathie Tasker $450 | |||||
About us
Contact us
Phone: (02) 9929 0088
Email: [email protected]
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