This workshop is full. To be added to the waitlist, email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org.
A Workshop on Writing Picture Books
ALL LEVELS
For authors and author/illustrators with a picture book idea, welcome to your January Jumpstart! This dynamic, high-energy session will send you back to the writing desk or studio brimming with creative tools and momentum for the picture book project you've been sitting on, dreaming on, or actively drafting. Come with an idea in your head, a working draft, or anything in between. You'll explore your story's authentic core and reasons for being through a series of visual and writing exercises, plus identify the next steps for your project, and learn best practices for manuscript formatting and revision, thumb-nailing even if - especially if - you don't draw, dummy books, and preparing your picture book for submission or independent publishing.
Lucky will provide a crash course in the elements and principles of picture book making, resources for accessing the big beautiful picture book creators' community, and advice on publishing traditionally vs self vs hybrid options. Participants will not share their work or receive feedback from each other, but all will have the option of emailing a manuscript, thumbnails, or dummy book to Lucky for written feedback. This feedback opportunity is included in the course fee, but material must be sent by December 27, hence the jumpstart! You'll need: A picture book idea (in any form, including in your head) A large sheet of sturdy paper, at least 11x17 Your Journal/sketchbook Your favorite writing tool(s) - pens or pencils Optional - some colorful pens and highlighters
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online via Zoom. Students do not need to create an account to participate, but should test out Zoom before their class if they are first-time users. On Thursday January 5th from 5:30pm to 6:00pm, MWPA staff will offer a tech help session on Zoom. Students are encouraged to attend the tech help session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, if they have any tech concerns, use Zoom infrequently, or simply would like to test their connection, and those who do not are responsible for ensuring that they are able to use Zoom on their own. The week of the workshop, students will be emailed a link that they may click to enter the test session and the class.
+ REQUIRED EQUIPMENT A reliable, fast internet connection (broadband wired or wireless (3G or 4G/LTE), speakers & a microphone (built-in or USB plug-in), and a webcam (built-in or USB plug-in).
If you would like to quickly and easily test your internet connection and your computer’s compatibility with Zoom, click HERE. Full details on supported Operating Systems, internet browsers, and more can be found HERE. To download and familiarize yourself with Zoom, click HERE.
Lucky Platt's stories and narrative art explore themes of resilience, healing, positive self expression and inclusion through many forms, including picture books, animation, murals, paper sculpture and crankies. Her debut children's book, Imagine a Wolf (Page Street Kids 2021) was a 2022 Maine Literary Awards Finalist in Children’s, a 2022 Ezra Jack Keats Award Finalist in New Writers, a 2021 New England Book Award Finalist, and has been translated into several languages. She has presented narrative art and writing workshops for children and adults through Maine Media Workshops & College, Maine Crafts Association, Waterfall Arts, Schoodic Arts for All, The Harlow, Ecology Learning Center and many Maine libraries and indie bookshops. Lucky is a recipient of three Maine Arts Commission Project Grants (2016, 2020 and 2022) in literary and visual arts, and a founding board member of Unity Public Library in Unity, ME, where she is also the artist-in-residence.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via our website. We cannot guarantee registration in the final 24-hours before a workshop, and can rarely accommodate day-of registration.
PAYMENT & CANCELLATION POLICIES
If you need to withdraw from a class after registering for any reason, please email or call the MWPA immediately. You may be eligible for a partial refund or credit, depending on how far in advance you cancel. → MORE INFORMATION
QUESTIONS
For any questions regarding this workshop, please contact Meghan Sterling at programs@mainewriters.org.
REGISTER BY PHONE
Call 207-228-8263 and register with your VISA or MasterCard.
REGISTER BY MAIL
If you prefer to pay by mail, please print this registration form (downloadable PDF) and mail it to the MWPA with a check or credit card information.
SCHOLARSHIP
The MWPA is proud to offer one full scholarship to this workshop for members-only. Scholarships are awarded on a combination of need and merit. Email Meghan at programs@mainewriters.org to see if the scholarship is still available. Application Due by December 23rd at 9:00 a.m.
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MWPA WORKSHOP POLICIES
Registration in any MWPA workshop, program, or event constitutes your agreement to our terms and conditions. → MORE INFORMATION