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How to write and illustrate children’s story books
Date and time
Location
The Guardian
Kings Place 90 York Way London N1 9GU United KingdomRefund Policy
Description
Learn how to turn your doodles and scrawls into captivating fiction for children that will be a hit with publishers too
Anyone who’s ever read to children knows that they’re one of the most discerning audiences around. If it’s your ambition to create original picture books for young people, you need to know what you’re doing in order to hold their attention.
In this one-day course, picture book author and illustrator Rebecca Elliott (Just Because, The Last Tiger, Naked Trevor) will teach you how to make the most of your ideas, and help you understand exactly what commissioning editors are looking for, and how to achieve it in your work. Through a series of talks and practical exercises, Rebecca will guide you through the journey from turning a few scribbled notes and scrawled doodles into a rich and entertaining to story, to putting together a portfolio and submitting your work to publishers. Along the way, you’ll build a toolkit of essential writing skills, including pacing, structure, characterisation and editing, to ensure your stories will bring joy to children time and time again.
This course is for you if...
- You want to make it as a professional children’s book writer and/or illustrator but aren’t sure where to start
- You have the beginnings of a great picture book concept but don’t know how to go about getting it down on paper
- You have a children’s book illustration portfolio and want to know how to turn your artwork into captivating stories publishers will love as much as children do
Course description
This practical one-day course teaches attendees the essential basics of written and visual storytelling for children, as well as how to how to get your work publishing. Topics covered include:
- What makes a good picture book
- Ideas and what to do with them
- Writing dos and don’ts
- Linguistic and storytelling tricks
- Pacing and editing
- Illustration styles
- Characterisation and composition
- Building a portfolio
- Submitting your work to publishers
- Feedback session with Rebecca Elliott
Tutor profile
Rebecca Elliott is a children’s book writer and illustrator whose titles have received several award nominations and wins, including a 2012 Kate Greenaway nomination for Zoo Girl. Rebecca’s acclaimed books about her disabled daughter, Just Because and Sometimes have received praise from former UK Children’s Laureates Michael Rosen and Jacqueline Wilson.
Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website
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Welcome to Guardian Masterclasses – a unique programme of learning embedded within one of the world's most forward-thinking media organisations.
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