How to Create Tension in Picture Books with Anna Luketic

Turn your sluggish story into a high-stakes read. As an author of picture books, you have to fit an entire story in 28 pages. How is that possible? Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, loud or quiet, high-concept or contemplative manuscripts, TENSION is what keeps the reader going. 

Join editor Anna Luketic for some tips and tricks on how to create tension through theme, character, and structure – no matter what story you're writing. 

Plus, add-on written critique from Anna! (Only 10 available.)

Nov. 18, virtually, 7pm ET

$45 non-members.

Plus 2-week replay.

Master Your Research Skills to Create Amazing Nonfiction with Stephanie Gibeault

Accurate research is key to writing nonfiction, but it can be overwhelming. Not knowing where to find facts, assess your sources, or organize your information can stop you in your tracks or even negatively impact your manuscripts. 

Join award-winning children’s nonfiction author Stephanie Gibeault for tips and tricks to teach you how to master your own research skills in order to find success with your nonfiction stories.

Nov. 25, virtually, 7pm ET

$35 non-members.

Plus 2-week replay!

Join the Picture Book Circle with Alison Weiss

Get on-the-spot editorial feedback on your picture book!

Have you wanted a critique experience on a picture book work-in-progress, but the prospect of finding beta readers is too daunting? Are you ready for some professional feedback to guide your revision? 

Come join our picture book circle! 

Each attendee will submit a picture book manuscript in advance and receive on-the-spot constructive critique from professional editor Alison Weiss and other circle attendees. 

Bring your specific questions and find what works and what doesn’t in your manuscript!

Once you sign up, please email your PB ms before November 10th to [email protected]. Be prepared to review other attendees mss in advance to maximize time and productive feedback in the workshop itself.

Nov. 20, virtually, 7pm ET

Live only, no replay.

Victoria J. Coe: First Pages and Everything After! 

Dec 3, 7pm ET, virtually, plus 2-week replay.

$25 non-members

You’ve gotten peer critiques and polished your manuscript. What‘s the next step? Getting feedback from Victoria J. Coe on the first pages of your chapter book or middle grade! 

In this new program at the Writers’ Loft, get on-the-spot critiques from professional authors and illustrators and industry professionals. Submit five pages of your ms ahead of time, and we’ll pick the mss that get critiqued. Even if yours doesn’t get picked, it’ll be a night of learning! 

Sarah Albee & Loree Burns: First Pages and Everything After!

Dec 4, 7pm ET, virtually, plus 2-week replay

$25 nonmembers 

You’ve gotten peer critiques and polished your manuscript. What‘s the next step? Getting feedback from Sarah Albee AND Loree Burns on the first pages of your nonfiction picture book!

In this new program at the Writers’ Loft, get on-the-spot critiques from professional authors and illustrators. Submit your ms ahead of time, and we’ll pick the mss that get critiqued. Even if yours doesn’t get picked, it’ll be a night of learning! 

Carter Hasegawa: First Pages and Everything After!

Dec 8, 7pm ET virtually, plus 2-week replay

 $25 non-members

You’ve gotten peer critiques and polished your manuscript. What‘s the next step? Getting feedback from agent Carter Hasegawa on the first pages of your kidlit manuscript!

In this new program at the Writers’ Loft, get on-the-spot critiques from industry professionals. Submit the first five pages of your ms (or entire PB ms) ahead of time, and we’ll pick the mss that get critiqued. Even if yours doesn’t get picked, it’ll be a night of learning! 

Josh Funk: First Pages and Everything After!

Dec 11, 7pm ET virtually, plus 2-week replay

$25 non-members

You’ve gotten peer critiques and polished your manuscript. What‘s the next step?

Getting feedback from Josh Funk on the first pages of your picture book!

In this new program at the Writers’ Loft, get on-the-spot critiques from professional authors and illustrators and industry professionals. Submit your PB ms ahead of time, and we’ll pick the mss that get critiqued. Even if yours doesn’t get picked, it’ll be a night of learning!

Strengthen Your Picture Book Structure with Karen Boss!

Instant two-week replay

The structure of a picture book is paramount to its success. What does structure mean? What do different structures look like? 

See examples, do personal exercises, and investigate how structure works in your own work! 

Instantly watch this info-packed workshop with Charlesbridge Editor, Karen Boss

How to Write a Chapter Book (and how not to) with Janet Costa Bates

Instant two-week replay

You're thinking of writing a Chapter Book and want to know more about them. Or you've written a book and don't know if it's truly a Chapter Book, an Early Reader, or a Middle Grade.

In this workshop, Janet shares everything you need to know to start writing Chapter Books today!