Writing Children’s Picture Books That Resonate
A timeless picture book read aloud can create a deep hush in a room filled with wiggly children. This moment is part of the magic of sharing books with children. But capturing that elusive “hush” in about 500 words is the ever-present challenge of the picture book writer.
In this workshop, writers will explore what creates this magical hush. Through an examination of both recent and classic picture books, participants will discuss the characteristics of a timeless story, including story arc, the character’s quest, poetic language, pacing, and theme. They will also develop ways to deepen their own work by mining the world around them for evocative and compelling moments. Participants will leave with a variety of handouts to continue learning about class topics.
After the discussion, participants will have the opportunity to give and receive feedback on their current works-in-progress of 800 words or less. Participants are not required to have a work-in-progress to attend, and will glean valuable information even from participating in the feedback process of others.
+ PLEASE BRING A short list of favorite picture books.
+ PLEASE SUBMIT After registering, participants are asked to submit a children’s book manuscript or excerpt of up to 800-words (12 pt font, double-spaced) by no later than 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 5. Please take this deadline and word limit seriously as late submissions likely cannot be accepted, and excess words will be cut. Please note that these manuscripts will be distributed in advance via email to the other workshop participants. Please email the manuscript to hannah@mainewriters.org with the subject line: “WALSH WORKSHOP MSS.” *Word docs (ideally) or PDFs only, please.
+ PLEASE NOTE This workshop will occur online, using the video meeting platform 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, November 12, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, MWPA’s Hannah Perry will offer a test session on Zoom. Students are strongly encouraged to participate in the test session, which usually takes only 5-10 minutes, 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.
Liza Gardner Walsh is the author of more than a dozen books for children and adults, including Fairy House Handbook, Fairy Garden Handbook, Where Do Fairies Go When it Snows?, Treasure Hunter's Handbook, and The Maine Coon Cat. She is currently a school librarian and writes reviews for New York Journal of Books but she also has worked as a preschool teacher, high school English teacher, writing tutor, and museum educator. She holds an MFA in writing from Vermont College.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED
All MWPA workshops require advanced registration. We accept registration by phone, mail, and online via PayPal. 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 Hannah Perry at hannah@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. Please note that mail delivery to the MWPA office is currently experiencing extensive delays, so please email hannah@mainewriters.org first if you would like to register by mail.
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. Application Due on November 2 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