Picture Book II

WRITING X 441.2

Take your picture book writing to the next level with this intermediate course for writers with a basic understanding of the genre.

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What you will learn.

Complete exercises that help you develop deeper understanding of picture book techniques
Enhance your use of engaging language, humor, and musicality to entertain children
Identify strong beginnings and endings as well as the drama of the page turn
Give and receive feedback on works-in-progress

About this course:

This workshop takes you beyond the picture book basics and teaches you to master the specific craft techniques used in creating successful picture books, including strong beginnings and endings, the power of the page turn, audience participation, engaging language, humor and musicality. Short writing exercises help you develop a deeper understanding of each of these techniques and their purposes and prepare you to undertake your main project for the course: a picture book manuscript. You engage in an ongoing feedback process overseen by the instructor, which provides a "safe zone" for discussion of student work and helps you hone your own critique skills. The course goal is to complete a picture book manuscript.

Fall 2025 Schedule

September 24 - December 2

This section has no set meeting times.

Future Offering (Opens July 28, 2025 12:00:00 AM)

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Instructor: Dianne White

404932

Fee:

$720.00

Online

Updating...

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Notes

Enrollment limited to 15 students; early enrollment advised. Visitors not permitted. Internet access required. Materials required.

This online course is conducted through Canvas, a secure website that allows students to log in to access lectures, discussions, and other course materials on demand. There are no required live class meetings. Each course is structured with weekly assignments and deadlines. Lectures and coursework are accessible throughout the week. Workshops are conducted in writing via discussion boards with your instructor and classmates.

Refund Deadline

Refunds only available from July 28, 2025 to October 05, 2025

Course Requirements

Internet access required to retrieve course materials.

Writing Picture Books, Revised and Expanded Edition: A Hands-On Guide from Story Creation to Publication by Ann Whitford Paul

Writer's Digest Books

ISBN 978-1440353758

(Optional) The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books by Linda Ashman

Slow Lane Productions