Writing a Children's Book

Introduction

Do you enjoy writing for children? Have you often read books to children and thought you would like to write one? Do you read some books for young people yourself, just for enjoyment? Have you kept up with the success stories and the controversies surrounding different juvenile titles over the past few years?

Do you often pop into the children's section at book shops or the local library? Do you look at the books your kids bring home to find out what they're reading? Have you recommended books to your children, or to any other young people?

Do you have an active mind? How about a good ear for dialogue? Can you quote two or three catchphrases kids use now? Do you enjoy the company of children and young people? Have you ever read stories to a child, or children, apart from your own? Can you remember the stories you enjoyed most when you were young?

Have you ever written a story, or stories, or poetry, especially for a young audience? Have you ever made up bedtime stories or car-trip stories to entertain children? Can you name five children's authors born after 1950?

Have you begun to write a children's book and then got stuck half way? Have you finished writing and sent it to a publisher, only to get a rejection slip with no feedback? Have you thought you'd like to write for kids, but not known where to start?

If you answered "Yes", or "maybe" to several of these questions, then Writing a Children's Book is the course for you. It is fun and informal, and the lessons mix theory and practical advice. There will be no formal essays.

Each lesson will consist of several sections. One section will be an overview of lesson content. One or more will cover specific parts of writing a children's book. One will concentrate on the specifics of one particular kind of book. Finally, a designated part of each lesson will be tagged as W.I.P., and will be devoted to those who want to plan and write a manuscript right away. You may not be able to finish a whole book but you will be able to get a good start. The rest of the lesson content will be supporting information that gives you the know-how and information you need to reach your goal!

I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to write for children and young adults. I'm sure I'll be referring back to what I've learned and implementing it until it becomes a natural part of my writing process. Genia G. Butcher

Lessons

Click here to see course syllabus