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WOW! Women On Writing
Classes & Workshops
Spotlight: How to Write Children's Picture Books and Get Published
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Writers,
A curious monkey goes on a series of adventures. A boy is sent to bed without his dinner, and imagines an adventure to a land where he meets a bunch of scary monsters. A little dog who hates baths hides his scrubbing brush, then becomes so dirty that his family doesn't recognize him. Do you remember these stories? Though it's been years since I've read them to my kids, they still bring a smile to my face.
As an aspiring picture book writer, you'll need to come up with imaginative and compelling stories. Author Lynne Garner has provided one-on-one support to WOW! students for several years, and is back again with picture book courses for both beginner and advanced students. She'll help you hone your ideas, and show you the ins and outs of crafting a picture book of your own.
How to Write Children's Picture Books and Get Published starts Saturday, October 6, 2012, and is limited to fifteen students. You'll learn what makes a successful picture book and how to use literary devices in the writing of a picture book, as well as how to present your work. By the end of the class, you'll be encouraged to submit your work to a relevant publisher.
Past students of the course, or those that have taken a similar picture book writing course elsewhere, may sign up for Lynne's intensive workshop, 5 Picture Books In 5 Weeks (Advanced Course). You'll find out how the five senses can be used to enhance storytelling skills, and will create a new story each week!
In the article below, Lynne shares examples for picture book stories that she came up with using the "What If?" game. See how easy it is to come up with possible story ideas!
Also, the month of October is just around the corner. Don't miss these upcoming classes: Writing Your Novel From the Ground Up--In Three Parts (Oct 1), Bring Out the Story-Teller In You (Oct 3), No Matter How Busy You Are, You Can Still Find Time To Write! (Oct 8), and Literary Devices Workshop I (Oct 10). Our full list of classes follows below.
Write On!
Marcia & Angela
Marcia & Angela
Classroom Managers
WOW! Classes & Workshops
classroom@wow-womenonwriting.com |
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The "What If?" Game
By Lynne Garner
Having a dog means I get time each day to play one of my favorite games--the "What If?" game. The rules are simple. When you see something--whether it's a person, place, thing, action, or anything--ask yourself, What if? Then answer your own question and be as outlandish or imaginative as you can.
My favorite place to play this game is when I'm walking my dog over by the local farmer's fields and in the woods. On these walks I can create a world inhabited by mythical creatures such as trolls, witches, wizards, dragons, fairies, imps, and unicorns. But I can also create a world inhabited by hedgehogs that are best friends with mice (as in my picture book, A Book For Bramble) or rabbits, deer, owls, squirrels, and robins (as in my app picture book story, Where It's Always Winter).
For example, today I was on a typical walk with Tasha (photo above). As she stood staring into the trees with a stick in her mouth, I asked:
- What if it wasn't squirrels she'd seen playing?
- What if it was fairies dancing around fairy rings?
- What if Tasha had decided to run in and ruin their dance?
- What if they didn't see the funny side and were very annoyed?
- What if they had sprinkled her with some magic dust?
- What if...?
Can you see how by asking these questions I could start to build a story? I may not like the entire story, but it may give me an idea I can tweak and form into a story I do like.
So next time you're out and can let your mind wander, have a go at playing the "What If?" game. You never know where you'll end up!
PS. This is also a great game to play with the kids or at parties. And remember to keep notes in your notepad--they may just give you an idea for a story.
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How to Write Children's Picture Books and Get Published
Instructor: Lynne Garner
Workshop Length: 6 Weeks
Price: $175
Start Date: October 6, 2012
Limit 15 Students
Course Description: During this 6-week course, students will learn what makes a successful picture book by studying titles already published. They will be introduced to devices used in the writing of a picture book, how to present their work, and research whom to send their work to. By the end of the course each student will hopefully have completed a picture book manuscript and a cover letter, which they will be encouraged to send to a publisher.
Course Objectives: - To understand what makes a good picture book
- To hone writing skills and build confidence
- To find the right publisher/packager
- To complete one story plus write an accompanying query/cover letter
Visit the Classroom Page for a complete listing and what you'll be learning week by week. 
About the Instructor: Lynne Garner has been a freelance writer and author since 1998. Since that time she has written for a large number of magazines both in the UK and the US. She has 21 books published; this includes three picture books, with a fourth to follow shortly. Her first title 'The Best Jumper' was recorded for the CBeeBies children's radio channel (part of the BBC) whilst 'A Book For Bramble' has been translated into five languages including Korean and Indonesian.
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Advanced Workshop: Five Picture Books in Five Weeks
Instructor: Lynne Garner
Workshop Length: 5 Weeks
Price: $175 Limit 15 Students
Course Description: This course is designed for students who have already completed the How to Write a Picture Book course or a similar course, and are familiar with the basics of writing picture books. Each week the notes provided will discuss how one of the five senses can be used to enhance storytelling skills. Each student will be required to complete a story per week. Feedback will be given on all stories submitted during the duration of the course. At the end of the course students will be encouraged to submit their stories to a relevant publisher.
Visit the Classroom Page for a complete listing and what you'll be learning week by week.
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Upcoming Classes & Workshops
All the classes operate online--whether through email, website, chat room, or group listserv, depending on the instructor's preferences--so you do not need to be present at any particular time (unless a phone chat is scheduled and arranged with your instructor). You can work at your own pace in the comfort of your own home. If you have any questions, please reply to this email or email us at: classroom@wow-womenonwriting.com Enjoy!
Starts Every Friday (Self-Study Course) by Deana Riddle:
Independent Publishing: How to Start Your Own Self-Publishing Business | $99 or $150 with 1 Hour Phone Consultation
Starts the First Tuesday of Every Month: (Next class: October 2)
Introduction to the Craft of Screenwriting | 6 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Christina Hamlett
Introduction to Playwriting | 6 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Christina Hamlett
How to Write a TV Pilot | 4 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Christina Hamlett
Starts the Third Friday of Every Month: (Next class: October 19)
Get Paid to Write! Become a Freelance Writer | 8 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 15 Students | Instructor: Nicky LaMarco
Published in 90 Days | 12 Weeks | $299 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Deana Riddle
September 26
Writing Contests: The Focused Way to Win | 5 Weeks | $180 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Bonnie Hearn Hill
Advanced Workshop: Writing Young Adult Fiction Part 2 NEW! | 6 Weeks | $200 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Bonnie Hearn Hill
October 1
Writing Your Novel from the Ground Up: How to Build Your Story While Building Yourself as a Writer for Long-Term Success--in Three Parts NEW! | 8 Weeks for each part or 24 Weeks for the entire class | $195 per class; $485 for all three ($100 savings) | Limit: 20 Students | Instructors: Diane O'Connell & Renate Reimann
October 3
Bring Out the Story-Teller In You | 6 Weeks | $140 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Karlyn Thayer
October 6
How to Write Children's Picture Books and Get Published | 6 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Lynne Garner
5 Picture Books in 5 Weeks (Advanced Course) | 5 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Lynne Garner
How to Write a Craft Book | 5 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Lynne Garner
October 8
No Matter How Busy You Are, You Can Still Find Time to Write! | 4 Weeks | $50 (Sale! $75 off! Regularly $125) | Limit: 20 Students | Instructor: Kelly L. Stone
October 10
Literary Devices Writing Workshop | 8 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 8-10 Students | Instructor: Gila Green
Literary Devices Writing Workshop II | 8 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 8-10 Students | Instructor: Gila Green
October 15
Advanced Social Networking for Writers | 6 Weeks | $150 | Limit: 15 Students | Instructor: Margo L. Dill
October 18
Blogging 101 | 5 Weeks | $125 | Limit: 20 Students | Instructor: Margo Dill
October 29
Food Writing for Blogs, Restaurant Reviews, Recipes, Fiction, Memoir, and More NEW! | 5 Weeks | $175 | Limit: 10 Students | Instructor: Melanie Faith
Click here to see all of our upcoming workshops
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