Many of the most successful ideas for picture books begin with a childhood event, a toy or an emotion. During this fun writing workshop, award-winning children’s author Alan Durant will teach you how to turn childhood experiences into imaginative fiction – and keep a young audience enthralled by your storytelling.
Whether you want to write for your own children or relatives, or for publication, this beginner-level class will teach you the key techniques and considerations of writing picture books for young children. The class is also suitable for illustrators keen to learn how to tell their stories through words. By the end of the day, you’ll have written a simple story, and have the skills to respond to the demands and delights of young children in your writing.
Content
- The key elements of classic picture books
- Knowing your audience – advice on how to write for children who can’t read, or are at the early stages of reading
- How to write a book that will appeal to a young audience, and also excite the reader (often an adult)
- Coming up with ideas – how to explore your own memories for stories, as well as the imagination of your child or relative
- Classic themes – from fear of the dark to a desire for independence; from first experiences to imaginative play…
- Style – expert advice on how to write a story that should be read aloud, plus tips on sentence structure and word count
- Pictures – guidance on how to write a story that will be illustrated
- Practical writing activities and a chance to share your story with the group, with opportunity for feedback
Course preparation
- Ahead of the class, you’re encouraged to visit the children’s section of your local library and/or bookshop to look at the kind of picture books that are being published. You should consider which picture books appeal to you most – and why
What to bring
- You should bring along a toy or possession from your childhood, or one that belongs to your child or relative
- Please also bring along one of your favourite picture books
Tutor profile
Alan Durant is an award-winning author of over ninety books for children – from picture books to young adult novels. His titles include Billy Monster’s Daymare, winner of the Royal Mail Scottish Children’s Book Award, and Dear Tooth Fairy, which was shortlisted for the Children’s Book Award. Alan is an experienced writing tutor, who has run many workshops for children and adults. Find out more on his website.
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Details
Date: Saturday 27 February 2016
Times: 10am-4pm
Location: The Guardian, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU
Price: £249 (includes VAT, booking fee, lunch and refreshments)
Event capacity: 18
To contact us, click here. Terms and conditions can be found here.
Returns policy
Tickets may be refunded if you contact us at least 14 days before the course start date. Please see our terms and conditions for more information on our refund policy.
