Weekly Class: Writing for Young Readers: Picture Book 101

This 6-week course will introduce you to the techniques and themes of writing picture books for young readers. You will develop your craft through in-class exercises and at-home writing (yes, this means homework) and through discussions of your own and fellow students’ work (a process called “workshopping” a text.) This is an all-levels class for anyone interested in starting or continuing work on a picture book. You may include illustrations/sketches in your projects or not — it is okay simply to work on written manuscripts without pictures.

Syllabus: Each week, class we will focus on on an element of craft in writing for young readers. We will also “workshop” (read and provide constructive comments on) student projects starting in the second meeting. So get ready to hear feedback on your own work! The beauty of the “workshop” process is that you learn from each class members’ perspective; you discover that writing is a process; and we all can support each other as we grow our craft skills. 

This class requires homework. Every week between class meetings, your homework will be to to write or revise a 300-1000 word picture book. You will receive a writing prompt, or you may use this as an opportunity to work on your own ideas. The instructor will not critique individual homework assignments—you will receive feedback only on the writing piece(s) shared in workshopping. 

Supplies: Notebook and writing/sketching utensils, or laptop. On the week(s) you are scheduled to submit your writing for workshopping, you will be required to bring enough copies of your work for all class members.

Dates: Every Thursday starting August 5 through September 9 (Aug 5, Aug 12, Aug 19, Aug 26, Sept 2, Sept 9)

Time: 6:00 to 8:00 PM

Location: St. Louis Artists’ Guild, 12 North Jackson Ave, Clayton, MO 63105