Writing Picture Books:
Drafting and Deepening
4 Tuesdays
January 23 - February 13
6PM-8PM Pacific Time
$265
Online via Zoom
How many minutes do you need to write a children’s picture book text? Only twenty, according to Margaret Wise Brown (prolific author of Goodnight Moon). So why not start now?
In this class, we’ll talk about what makes great picture books great. You’ll put pen to paper and write your own first drafts. Each week, you’ll try different techniques to strengthen those drafts and learn to give each other useful feedback.
Here is what the class will cover:
- Basic “rules” around publishing picture books today
- Craft skills such as point of view, character, and tension
- The use of storyboards and dummies for writers
- How to pitch your picture books to others
The class is appropriate for all levels of writers.
Monica Wesolowska is the author of two recent children’s picture books. Leo + Lea (illustrated by Kenard Pak) won an SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Elbert in the Air (illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey) was praised by The New York Times as being “effervescent…whimsical and relatable.” She’s also written for adults, including the memoir Holding Silvan: A Brief Life (named a “Best Book of the Year” by The Boston Globe and Library Journal). For over two decades, Monica has taught creative writing around the Bay Area and she works one-on-one with clients as an independent editor.
What Students Are Saying about Monica Wesolowska
It was a wonderful class with great tips and tricks. I loved Monica’s open and transparent way of sharing and understanding. - Christine
It was small, well organized and interactive. Monica was very knowledgeable and encouraged questions. I really enjoyed the writing exercises and received a lot of valuable information. I know more now about how to approach creating children’s picture books. - Nita
