February 4, 2025 - February 25, 2025
Online
$399Overview
A 4-Week Online Course
Thinking about writing a picture book, but don’t know where to start?
Already started a picture book and feeling stuck?
Join author Nikki Shannon Smith to kickstart your picture book project, with an overview of picture book formats and structures, plus strategies for idea implementation, drafting, and revising. This four-week online workshop will include presentations, writing exercises, Q&A sessions, and handouts on topics like word count, first pages, and more!
- Live presentations at 7pm-8:30pm Eastern on Tuesdays (February 4, 11, 18, and 25)
- Hands-on exercises to draft and/or revise your picture book, with time to work independently on your draft between live sessions.
- 24 participants max
Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2025.
Why This Course?
Thinking about writing a picture book, but don’t know where to start?
Or, already started a picture book and feeling stuck?
This workshop will help you put ideas into practice to start your picture book manuscript.
Join Nikki Shannon Smith as she shares the basics of picture book writing from idea, to draft, through revision. This four-week online workshop provides a foundation of writing a picture book. Start with the basics, then get tips and ideas for structure, word choice, and revision.
During our live sessions, you will discover:
- Where to begin your picture book
- The opportunities for story structure
- Ways to develop character
- Analysis tools for plot, pacing, and setting yourself up for revision
Feedback Expected
- Opportunities to share with informal discussion in the virtual classroom.
It’s a Great Fit For…
- Picture book beginners: Whether you are brand new to writing or new to writing picture books, this course provides an overview of picture book fundamentals.
- Illustrators who want to learn more about picture book writing. Many picture books are a beautiful balance between words and pictures. If you feel confident in your illustrations but want to learn more about the writing and structure of a picture book, please join us.
- Those who like the structure of an online course with time to work on your own draft in between sessions. You’ll have time to implement some of your learning and ask questions during the course.
- You like the flexibility of online programs with recordings available for at least 30 days following the course.
Detailed Agenda
All times are in Eastern Time. Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.
At least one week prior to the course, you will receive a link to our virtual classroom where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers and engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards).
Week 1: Picture Book Building Blocks
LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday, February 4 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern)
- Welcome with brief introductions
- Presentation: Basics and Beginnings
- Formats and categories of picture books
- General guidelines for traditional publishing
- Picture book beginnings
- Read Aloud: An example of common story structure in traditional publishing.
- Q&A
In the virtual classroom:
- Homework: Choose a picture book to “study,” and create or revise your own beginning
- Ask questions and share reflections
Week 2: Cracking the Picture Book Open
LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday, February 11 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern)
- Presentation: A Closer Look at Structure
- Picture book structure
- Plot devices
- “The big picture”
- Read Aloud: An example of a story that pulls the readers through the book
- Q&A
In the virtual classroom:
- Homework: Complete a draft or round of revision for your picture book, focusing on plot and character.
- Ask questions and share reflections
Week 3: A Word About Words
LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday, February 18 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern)
- Presentation: Strategic Use of Language in Picture Books
- Literary devices
- Word choice
- Read Aloud: An example of a “quiet” story with beautiful language
- Q&A
In the virtual classroom:
- Homework: Choose a picture book to “study” for language, and examine your own words under the microscope.
- Ask questions and share reflections
Week 4: The Neverending Story
LIVE Zoom Session: Tuesday, February 25 (7pm – 8:30pm Eastern)
- Mini Presentation: Revision
- Revision strategies
- Staying true to your vision
- Guest Editor Visit (Editor to Come)
- Q&A
In the virtual classroom:
- Homework: Use your new learning and existing drafts to move forward toward your picture book writing goals!
- Ask questions and share reflections
Commitment Required for the Best Experience
This multi-week online program is best if you attend or review all presentations, and reserve time for the exercises and reflections. (Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend the live sessions and you would still like to register, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through March 31, 2025.)
The Highlights Foundation strives for a safe and inclusive environment. You will have access to our Community Standards prior to the workshop where we ask for your respectful engagement with fellow creatives, including our faculty and staff.
How It Impacts Kids
Picture books are the first entry point for getting children engaged in story. At this workshop, you will learn how to turn your ideas into action to start the process of bringing your story to young readers.
Testimonials from Our Community
“Nikki was amazing! I learned so much about picture book writing from her. She kept the work interesting and read mentor texts that help to connect the dots.”
“Loved Nikki elaborating on so many affirming points: no need for history clarification; reading like a writer – I would love a course on how to build this skill more; speaking to the space for non conventional storytelling… And warm gratitude.”
“Nikki’s wonderful big questions gave space for me to question my own writing and be in relationship with my own creativity. Affirming spaces are wonderful for creative abundance!”
