How to write for children

Have you ever dreamed of writing books for children? This one-day workshop will teach you the skills you need to keep a young audience enthralled by your storytelling. Led by bestselling children’s author Lucy Coats, the course includes practical writing and workshopping sessions, and in-depth advice on how write engaging tales for children (aged 7-12).

Course content

• An overview of the children’s book world – how it works, and a guide to the genres within it
• The archetypes of children’s fiction
• How to build a good children’s book character
• How to plan a perfect plot
• How to use backstory without being boring
• How to write dialogue that makes your story flow
• Advice on improving confidence and sense of purpose
• Practical writing exercises and workshopping of participants’ compositions
• Q&A and group discussion

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees should read or familiarise themselves with as many modern children’s (aged 7–12) books as possible before the course. You will be sent a list of suggested reading one week before the class (or, for late sign-ups, shortly after you purchase your ticket).

This course is for you if...

• You have an interest in writing for children as a possible career, or for a casual source of income
• You want to learn how to create unique personalised works of fiction for your own children or relatives
• You’re a writer looking to move into children’s fiction

Tutor profile

Lucy Coats worked as a children’s editor and bookseller before turning to full-time writing. She’s the author of many titles for all ages including the bestselling Atticus the Storyteller's 100 Greek Myths, which was shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award. Her latest works include the series Beasts of Olympus and the novel Cleo, the first of two books for young adults. Lucy also blogs and writes for publications including Mslexia and Publishing Talk. She tweets as @lucycoats.

Guest speaker profile

Michelle Lovric writes historical fiction for both children and adults. Her novel The Remedy was long-listed for the Orange Prize. Michelle’s latest works include The Fate in the Box and The True and Splendid History of the Harristown Sisters. For the past three years, she has also been a Royal Literary Fund Fellow at the Courtauld Institute of Art.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website