Diving into the Kiddie Pool: Writing for Picture Books with Diane Bertrand
September 12 @ 10:30 am - 3:00 pm CDT
Sat, Sep 12
10am-3pm CT, in-person at Gemini Ink
Nonmember: $125; Member: $108; Student/Educ/Mil: $88
*EARN CPEs; SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Do you have a family story, childhood memory, narrative poem, or concept that inspires an idea for a picture book? Let’s share a creative journey into writing for children!
In this one-day workshop, adult writers will look at storybooks and discuss what works and what doesn’t work. We’ll explore how successful children’s authors build characters, develop story arcs, create page turners, and play with language. We will discuss the balance between engaging children and impressing an editor. Then, we will revise drafts of our own work, rethinking character, structure, and vocabulary.
Bring your first draft and 1-2 picture books similar to the style you envision for your story. This course is open to writers of all skill levels, 18+.
Students will leave this class with:
- A new and/or revised draft of a picture book story
- An understanding of the characters, story frames and voice unique to picture books
- A list of books, websites, & organizations that publish picture books
Diane Gonzales Bertrand is the author of twelve bilingual picture books including the award-winning My Pal Victor, The Party for Papá Luis, Cecilia and Miguel are Best Friends, and The Story Circle. She retired from her position as Writer-in-Residence for the English Department at St. Mary’s University in 2021. A new picture book, Music Rides the Bus, is forthcoming in 2027 from Piñata Books. (Arte Público Press, Houston, TX www.artepublicopress.com)
