An online Children’s Book Writing Course with Esmé Shapiro!
Have you ever wanted to write your own children’s book? Now is your chance!
In this eight-week writing workshop we will dive into the magical world of children’s books with me, Esmé Shapiro! By the end of the course, you will have your very own manuscript.
When: Sunday Mornings starting September 20th and ending November 9th. We will meet for two hours, from 10:00 AM - 12 PM EST.
This course is entirely virtual : on zoom! All classes will be recorded so if you miss one, I can email it to you!
This class is limited to 12 people. It is first come first served.
WEEKLY BREAKDOWN:
WEEK 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE REALM OF CHILDREN’S BOOKS
In the first week, we will all come to class with our favorite children’s book.
We will discuss why we feel connected to our book that we brought. What does this say about the function of children’s books in our lives? In our culture?
We will briefly discuss the history of children’s book literature.
HOMEWORK: CONNECTING WITH YOUR INNER CHILD: Journal about the type of books that you read as a kid. What kind of books would have truly benefitted you?
WEEK 2: BUILDING A BOOK FROM THE GROUND UP!
For the second week, our focus will be on the technical side of children’s books.
We will go over the format of children’s books, go over some basics of the publishing industry, and discuss the differences in writing for children vs for adults.
In children’s books, the words we write are deeply intertwined with the illustrations. As children’s book authors, we need to be mindful of what the images say that the words cannot. How does this change our experience writing them?
Go over classic formulas for children’s books. Why are they so effective?
HOMEWORK: WARMING UP TO WRITING: Write a concept for a children’s book using one of the formulas we discussed.
WEEK 3: IDEAS ARE HATS
For the third week, we will discuss the big question : where do ideas come from?
Speed round of coming up with multiple story ideas through multiple exercises.
HOMEWORK: DIVING IN: Decide on a concept you would like to explore the rest of the course. It can be from your time in class, or one you come up with separately.
WEEK 4: THE ART OF THE OUTLINEIn our fourth week together, I will share the evolution of one of my books, from the first version of the manuscript, to the character sketches, to the outline, storyboard, sketches and finally the final paintings.
We will discuss the importance of the outline, and how to put one together.
We will share our concepts for the children’s books we would like to explore.
HOMEWORK: INTO THE WOODS: Write the outline for your very own children’s book.
WEEK 5: A BOOK TAKES A VILLAGE
In the fifth week, we will discuss the importance of collaboration in the world of children’s books.
In this spirit, we will all share where we are in our process of our outline. There will be a chance for us all to give each other feedback. This is a workshop day.
HOMEWORK: EMBRACING THE IMPERFECTIONS: Jump into writing your manuscripts based on your outline. It does not need to be perfect. But write, write, write!
WEEK 6: ONE ON ONE WITH ESME SHAPIRO
This week will be a very special week, because each person will get their own 20 minutes with Esmé Shapiro to discuss their manuscript. You will get your own personalized feedback, and have the opportunity to ask any questions particular to your book.
HOMEWORK: WRITE WITHOUT FEAR: Finish writing your manuscript for your children’s book.
WEEK 7: STORY TIME
In our final week together, we will all share our stories together. Each person will have a 15 minute time slot to read, and get feedback from the group if they would like.
Before we part, I will discuss possible avenues to get your story seen!
CONGRATULATIONS! You now have your very own children’s book manuscript!
PRICES:
$450 flat fee for the 7 week workshop.
For an extra $100, you can have for an hour long one on one follow up with Esmé Shapiro, discussing your manuscript.
TO NOTE:
This is a children’s book writing course! While we will be lightly discussing illustration, but our main focus will be on text.
No experience of writing is required!
Our focus will not be on copy editing, but rather the substance and weight of your story.
Must be 18 years of age or older to sign up.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Hi! My name is Esmé Shapiro, and I am a critically acclaimed writer and illustrator of books for kids! I am a graduate of The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD!) I have illustrated 10 books for children, 6 of which I wrote. My books have been published by Penguin Random House, Schwartz and Wade, and Enchanted Lion. My first book, OOKO, was nominated for a Governor General Literary Award and was # 1 on the National Post Best Sellers List. Another one of my books, MY SELF, YOUR SELF, listed as one of the Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023 by The Bank Street College of Education. My books have been translated into 5 languages and have been featured in Publisher's Weekly, Los Angeles Review of Books, Globe and Mail, Quill and Quire, and the New York Times. I am so excited to share the wonderful world of children’s books with you!!