Class Description
Are you a writer who loves picture books? In this six-week Zoom course, we’ll explore the art of writing for the picture book format. The main goal of this generative course will be to draft three new picture book manuscripts (up to 800 words). We will review essentials of picture book writing—format and storyboarding; language, rhythm and sound; writing for page turns; and 32-page structure.
Each week, we’ll examine notable picture books and the interplay of text and illustration on their pages. We’ll also respond to prompts, try various writing exercises, and engage in craft discussions. You’ll share 3 picture book manuscripts with the class for feedback, and you’ll read and offer feedback on classmate stories. Students should expect to devote 4-5 hours/week to this class.
In this class, we’ll examine a range of picture books authored by Carole Boston Weatherford, Bao Phi, Katie Yamasaki, Traci Sorrells, Andrea Wang, Miranda Paul, Kelly Starling Lyons, Kao Kalia Yang, Julie Flett, Suzanne Slade, Margarita Engle, Ilima Loomis, Dan Santat, Isabel Quintero and many more.
Note: Prior to the start of the course, students will receive an email with titles of instructor-selected books to be discussed in each lesson. Students are encouraged to access and read those picture books before that lesson. Students should also aim to have many picture books (published within the last ten years) on hand during the course.
Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.
For more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.
This class will take place using Zoom videoconferencing. About 15 minutes before your class is scheduled to begin, you'll receive an email from your instructor with a link to join the class meeting!
Zoom Participation:
Students are not required to turn their camera on, but are encouraged to participate any way they feel comfortable through functions such as the live chat, emoji reactions, and unmuting the microphone. Learn more about using Zoom here.
Zoom Accessibility:
We ask that instructors enable closed captioning and send a transcript of the session after class. You can also enable closed captioning at any time during the meeting. If your instructor forgets to send the transcript, just send ’em an email!