Class Description
Are you a writer who loves picture books? In this six-week online course, we will explore the art of writing for the picture book format. The main goal of this generative course will be to produce six new picture book manuscripts (up to 800 words). Students will need access to a public library with a good children’s picture book collection. We will review the essentials of picture book writing—format and storyboarding; language, rhythm, and sound; writing for page turns; and 32-page structure. Each week will include a short lecture on a particular aspect of picture book writing, with a close look at selected books in which we focus on writing elements and the interplay of text and pictures. Each week you will complete exercises, tackle writing assignments in response to prompts, engage in craft discussions, and offer feedback on classmate stories. Students should expect to devote 4-5 hours/week to this class. 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 week.
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.