While I might not be a traditional student anymore, I have dedicated 2012 to being a student of the craft of writing.
So since January 2012 I have sought classes to take, communities to join and ways to learn how to tighten my writing. Most importantly, I have spent A LOT of time actually writing. I have put off querying agents and editors this year. I am saving that til 2013.
Today I begin a 5 week online course called The Craft & Business of Writing Children's Picture Books taught by Mira Reisberg. I am really excited.
As stated by Dr. Reisberg, "The Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Picture Books e-Course is 5 weeks of inspiring interactive step by step instruction and education. At the end of the course, you’ll have a completed manuscript and targeted cover letter ready to send to your ideal editor or agent!"The course could not come at a better time for me.
1) I am so busy training for the NYC Marathon that I do not have time to take an "in person" class.
2) In addition to providing guidance on how to best polish one of my WIPs, it will also provide info regarding submitting for use when the time comes.
As far as I know, there might still be room in the class. You can read all about it at http://www.picturebookacademy.com/writing-childrens-picture-books.html.
If interested, click here http://tinyurl.com/7r54ejz to register now.
What classes have you taken and what did you think? I would love to hear!
This sounds great! Hope you get all kinds of useful learnings from it.
ReplyDeleteI've taken Emma Walton Hamilton's 8-week online/home study course in picture book writing, Just Write for Kids, and I found it invaluable in increasing my understanding of what makes a winning picture book, it helped me (and continues to help me) hone my skills in writing, and it introduced me to a plethora of information on publishing and the submission process. It also opened the door to a fabulous on-going community in the Children's Book Hub. I give it five out of five stars!
I have heard nothing but great stuff about Emma's class. Maybe someday I'll do that one, too! :)
DeleteThank you Marcie - yes there are still 2 spots for two fast-fingered aspiring authors ready for an extraordinary adventure with more goodies than you can imagine!!
ReplyDeleteYay! So exciting!
DeleteMarcie, I seriously considered Mira's course, but was unsure where I would be and what sort of internet connection I would have. You are going to learn so much!
ReplyDeleteTotally understandable, my vagabond friend. :) Maybe once you settle somewhere.
DeleteTo 2012!!!
ReplyDeleteIts been a good year, right? :)
DeleteEnjoy your first day of "school" and keep us posted on your progress!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori. It has been good so far. We were focusing on "the hook" and so I went back to a WIP and ended up tightening it up and trimming 25 words from the beginning. Feeling good about it. :)
DeleteWow, I am finding that there are a lot of children's writers who run. The training is a great time to create stories in our heads so we can put them down on paper later. Anyway, I am looking for an outstanding picture book class to take. i am going to check out Mira's class.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I spend more time thinking about running while I run and less about writing. But perhaps the 26.2 miles of the NYC Marathon will spark an idea...afterall its in November during PiBoIdMo!
DeleteLooking forward to your future posts on this. This fall my library is offering free writing/craft classes, 2 with Trai Cartwright (http://www.craftwrite.com/). I was lucky to stumble on the first (Characters) and signed up for the next (Voice). Lucky you, Mira's course sounds great!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Julie! Free is a fabulous price! :)
DeleteSo impressed, Marcie, with your energy & determination. The class sounds wonderful - wish the timing worked better for me. Maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your first days of school (I agree - I love back to school time!)
Well, seeing as I am pre-published WITHOUT an agent...determination and energy is all I have. :)
DeleteWay to go Marcie. Do let us know how you like the class. I want to start some online classes but I'm not sure how it will work out. I'm an in class kind of student, online seems much harder but I want to give it a try. I'm like you, I really want to spend this year and some of next year perfecting the craft!
ReplyDeleteI prefer to work in a "real life" setting, too. But this fall it wasn't an option with the amount of time I am spending training with my team for the marathon. We'll see how it goes! :)
DeleteYou will love Mira! She's fabulous. I have taken two of her classes. This woman is full of resources and I learned so much from her. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteYay! I am loving it already. I'll keep you guys posted.
DeleteHey Marcie! I took the last spot in the class. You've inspired me to enter the Picture Book Academy. We're classmates now! :o)
ReplyDeleteYay!!! Good for you! See you "in class"!
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