Got a great idea and don’t know where to start?

Maybe you’re a fiction writer interested in exploring the nonfiction genre.

This workshop replay is geared toward writers at any level who want to write nonfiction or informational books (and we’ll discuss the difference), from picture books to middle grade. We’ll discuss how to transform a great idea into a market-ready, professionally-presented, age-appropriate submission. Many of the topics we touch on will be the focus of a follow-up workshop, so come to this workshop for the overview and return for the deep dive! (Focus: NF kidlit)

Yes, voice matters in nonfiction, and editors look for it. Whether you’re writing a picture book biography, a science or nature book, or a middle-grade history, having a fun, lively, confident voice is key to grabbing--and holding--a kid’s attention. In this session we’ll look under the hood of some great mentor texts, discuss craft moves, and provide practical tips to help make your book shine. (Focus: Kidlit Nonfic)

You’ve got a fantastic idea for a book, and, having gone through the preliminary steps we’ve discussed in the Ten Tips webinar, you’ve begun researching. Or you may have a completed manuscript ready to submit. Now it’s time to write a proposal that will dazzle editors.

What is a NF book proposal, and why do you need one? We’ll discuss the many functions of a book proposal, the typical components editors will expect to see, and ways to make it unique to your project. (Focus: NF Kidlit)

NF writers, it can be a shock to learn that we’re (often) responsible for researching, securing rights to, and—gasp—paying for our own images. But don’t panic! It’s actually fun! This will be a hands-on, nuts-and-bolts workshop to help participants learn where to find the best images available, and will include a step-by-step checklist for clearing rights-controlled images. (Focus: NF)

Who doesn't love a really great bad guy? Without bad guys, there are no stories. In this one-hour workshop, we will talk about how to shape great, 3D antagonists, how to mine your antagonist for plot material, and create delicious tension by empowering your bad guy. We will discuss the four main types of antagonists and why your story needs all of them. We'll get up close and personal with your villain, understand their POV and motivation, and incorporate their goals into your storyline. We'll use examples and offer prompts for turning your 2D cardboard speed bump into an antagonist your readers will love to hate. (Focus: Character Dev)

Do you dream of publishing a picture book? Or a novel for young people? Have you written your manuscript but don’t know what to do next?

If so, this one-session class is for you!

Kidlit 101 is a fast-paced 60 min course designed to highlight the entire kidlit writing process, from initial ideas to publication and beyond. No question is too random or silly. Plus we’ll dive into the intricacies of the marketplace. Followed by prompts designed to develop engaging characters, build amazing worlds, and nail down that all-to-often-overlooked ingredient—voice.

We’ll end with a frank and practical Q&A regarding topics of interest, including agents, editors, and publishing.

Let’s make sure you’re next! Write the book that kids want to read! (Focus: Kidlit)

What’s the difference between tone and voice in writing? Do you think about these before you start writing or do you hope for the best as the words flow? Consider what these are, why they matter, and how to figure out if one or the other needs tweaking to find the sweet spots that make your story sing. (Focus: PB writing)

Have you stepped back lately to look at why you write, make art, and pursue creativity? In our busyness, we sometimes don’t take time to breathe, consider, and contemplate. Come spend time thinking about questions such as: Why do you create the type of books you do? What's a creating ritual that you love? What's a creating challenge that plagues you? Leave with new goals in place and new energy. (Focus: PB writing)

Many people talk about lyrical text and poetic writing. Is that what editors and the market want? Perhaps. Not always. Could one of your languishing projects use an injection of poeticism to give it new legs? Do you have a story written lyrically that might work better if it were prose? Let’s look at form and content and some ways to decide what might work best. (Focus: PB writing)

Every picture-book writer has to do research. This seems obvious for nonfiction writers, but sometimes what needs sourcing and what type of research to do can be daunting. Watch out for rabbit holes! And fiction stories—research, really? Yes, really. Let’s open up the card catalog of our brains and consider how research makes a real difference. (Focus: PB writing)

Let’s look at three areas that, with attention, can raise up your manuscript and strengthen your writing. First: verbs. Second: transitions. Third: beats. These seem worlds apart, but together they become a superpower for success. Come find out how and why to assess your work with an eye toward these three tricks. (Focus: PB writing)

Picture books are for kids. And gatekeepers (parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians) often choose the books. But kids know what they like and what resonates. Your goal: To make your manuscript as kid-friendly as possible while also appealing to adults. A tall order! How can you become even more successful at this necessary part of writing picture books? (Focus: PB writing)

Trochees and dactyls and iambs, oh my!

Writing picture books in rhyme can be intimidating. It doesn't help that rhyme is often stigmatized despite how much kids love and learn from it. In this workshop, participants will go beyond vernacular and mechanics to explore the many nuances and benefits of rhythm and rhyme.

We’ll examine why authors choose to write in rhyme and how they mix it up; demystify a few industry (mis)perceptions; and explore how incorporating rhyme as a literary device can help tackle tough topics, elevate humor, and deepen poignancy through an array of sample mentor texts. (Focus: PB Writing)

Unlock the secrets to creating unforgettable characters in your picture books with Janet Costa Bates! Discover how to design characters that resonate with young readers in this valuable workshop given at StoryQuest '22. (Focus: PB writing)

Do you love poetry and picture books? Are you stuck for story ideas?

If so, this workshop replay is perfect for you!

Amanda will share her inspiration for creating the #HaikuFromTwo challenge, what it is, and how it can benefit your craft and keep the creative juices flowing to spark both written and visual story ideas.

Participants will craft their own haikus inspired by books on their shelves or in their TBR pile and work to expand their haikus into story ideas, first lines, and/or pitches.

Participants will leave with a practical method to generate story ideas and a brimful of new haikus that have the potential to expand into manuscripts or illustrations. (Focus: PB writing)

Join authors Linda Epstein and Ally Malinenko for a conversation about the importance of books that introduce kids to trauma, grief, and other hard discussion topics.

Each presenter will share a "difficult" scene from one of their books and talk about the experience of creating it. Participants will have a chance to write their own difficult scenes as part of the workshop.

Participants will leave with a list of mentor texts, from picture books through YA, that deal with trauma, grief, and other difficult topics. (Focus: All Kidlit including YA writing, PB Illus.)

Do you write in rhyme? If you answered YES, then this workshop is for you.

If you answered NO, then this workshop will make you change your answer to YES!

Rhyming picture books continue to get published every year, so why do people think they're so hard to write? Why do agents and editors (supposedly) frown/cry/hit-delete when they receive them in their inboxes?

Josh Funk, author of several rhyming picture books, will explain the most important aspects of writing in rhyme. He’ll share the detailed reasons that seemingly make writing in rhyme such a challenge. And of course, he’ll provide secret tips regarding what to avoid, what tools to use, and how to get your manuscript in front of the right editors and agents. You might think writing in rhyme isn't for everyone. But when it’s done right, it adds an extra element of charm that no reader can resist. (Focus: PB writing)

Interested in writing picture books but don't know where to start? Looking to spice up your existing manuscripts? Have a picture book idea, but intimidated by the short format?

Author Josh Funk will share everything he's learned about writing picture books - from resources to working with illustrators to the stigma of writing in rhyme and more.

You'll leave energized and ready to construct the perfect picture book manuscript! (Focus: PB writing)

Revitalize your creative process and find new joy in storytelling!

We all encounter moments of creative stagnation.

Using playgrounds like Wattpad, get immediate reader feedback on your serialized stories, learn to market your stories, and even grow your email list!

Learn from author Jessie Heninger, who published her novel TEA, LYCANTHROPY, AND OTHER VIRTUES on Wattpad, building a fanbase, and an email list, while reclaiming the joy of writing! (Focus: novel and graphic novel writing)

Writing a children's book is hard. Then if you decide to indie-publish it, more questions abound!

How do you find an illustrator? How do they work? How do you avoid scammers? What is the cost of having a book illustrated? How much illustration input can you have as the author? How many changes can you make? How long does the process take? How much do you need to budget for the artwork?

Stan answers these questions and many more in this replay. A great introduction to the picture book indie process for authors.

Stan has helped over 30 children's book authors, most of whom were Indy, self-publishing ones, receive the artwork they hoped for as well as easing their worries about the whole process. (Focus: PB publishing; PB illustrating)

You'll walk away from this three-workshop series replay with a newsletter list, newsletter content, and a personal blueprint for converting email subscribers into fans.

All authors and illustrators, whether publishing indie or traditionally, need direct contact with their fans or gatekeepers. It is the single best marketing tool in your arsenal and one that doesn't go away when social media platforms change.

Heather built a new list with a new pen name with 1,000 people on it in four months without any products (yet) for people to buy!

This multiple workshop replay is for anyone who is looking to create or grow their list. It's great for people who are just starting out and great for people leveling up.

Recording One:

Setting Up Your List: What is an email list, what is YOUR email list? If you don't yet have one, you'll receive step-by-step instructions on how to set this up using MailerLite (a FREE newsletter provider) and how to create a reader magnet. Mindset: Offer great content and people will want to hear from you! Outcome: After this webinar, you will have an email list set up!

Recording Two:

Creating Content: Find how to brainstorm content for your list, making sure that your fans get the value they want! Learn about open rate and engagement, as well as conversion to sales. What content is your list looking for? Mindset: Act as though you have a thriving list even if you only have one person on it. Start as you mean to go on! Outcome: After this webinar, you will have content to send to your fans!

Recording Three:

Tools of the Trade: Heather will introduce you to Reader Magnets, Bookfunnel, Story Origin, and Newsletter Swaps, and show you how to collaborate with other authors and illustrators to grow your list. List building is all about connections and community!
Mindset: You are building relationships and that's what selling your product is about! Outcome: After this webinar, you'll know how to reach out and collaborate with other authors and illustrators to continually grow your list with the right fans for you.

(Focus: marketing for all authors and illustrators)

E.B. White once said, "Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog." The upshot? The frog dies, of course--and so do the jokes. But understanding what makes us laugh is important to know how to tickle a funny bone. In this workshop, we'll delve into why we laugh and we'll look at popular humor books to see what makes readers come back for more. Then we'll see what we can do to amp up the humor in our own work--including those pesky art notes! (Focus: PB writing)

In this 4-recording class replay, we'll examine the building blocks of writing middle-grade fiction, including character, plot, and pacing, and look at the specific elements that make stories work for the 8-12 age group.

This class is perfect for writers new to middle-grade fiction as well as more seasoned writers looking to sharpen their skills! (Focus: Middle-Grade writing)

For novelists writing for all ages: Writers often struggle with finding the best place to start a story and coming up with an ending that feels just right.

In this hands-on webinar replay, we'll work through a series of prompts and exercises designed to solidify our story beginnings and endings and examine how to connect the two parts of our narratives in a concrete and satisfying way. (Focus: novel writing all ages)

Publishing is driven by craft, imagination, and passion. But publishing is a business, and if you decide to make writing or illustrating your career, you have to change your mindset. Thinking about the industry from that perspective can be daunting—contracts and advances, social media and marketing avenues. It’s enough to make your head spin when you just want to create.

But the business of publishing doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. In this session, we’ll discuss business basics from the publisher side (including P&Ls, contracts, and comp titles), discuss strategies to set you up for success, and cover red flags and pitfalls that might derail you, and how to keep yourself on track. (Focus: trad publishing)

So you wrote a book for kids. Amazing! And you got someone to publish it? Incredible. Now, all you need to do is convince a school librarian to host you for an author visit, engage hundreds of kids in a gym for 60 minutes, run accessible writers' workshops, and get paid a fair wage.

Cakewalk, right?

Nope. But you can do it—just like you got that book published.

Come hear from full-time teacher Matt Landis, author of five mimiddle-gradeovels, as he breaks down the keys to an epic author visit (hint: DO NOT READ FROM YOUR BOOK). From that initial outreach email to a post-visit video montage, he'll share everything he's learned from eight years on the school visit circuit across America and seventeen years in the classroom in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

Whether you're terrified to visit schools, or a seasoned author looking to improve your on-stage craft, bank on taking something away from this tell-all, wildly-funny workshop.

This is not a "FIVE STEPS TO SUCCESS!" webinar. Matt just knows what works because he's tried and failed a lot.

See you there!