ONLINE: This 10-week course offers an engaging introduction to writing children’s books. Each session will include: group discussion of children’s books shared virtually between classes; a weekly presentation focus; a close study of a recently published book that illustrates the week’s theme; opportunities for students to share their own writing and ideas with fellow students; a preview of the work to complete before the next session. The first half of the course focuses on story structure, exploring character development, motivation, conflict and resolution. Through discussion and hands-on experimentation, students will learn the essential building blocks of a compelling children’s story. The second half of the course shifts to style, emphasizing imagery, dialogue and vivid verbs to help students craft stories that sing. Throughout, the instructor will provide curated links to contemporary online children’s books and original materials to support students' learning and creative exploration. | Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 15.
Class sessions are recorded.
Susie Wilde, M.Ed., has a deep love for children’s books that began with her writing and reviewing them. She published the picture book "Extraordinary Chester" early in her career and has collaborated on others with individuals and organizations. For 40 years, she wrote print reviews for newspapers and magazines countrywide, including monthly columns in the Raleigh News & Observer, Herald Sun and BookPage magazine.