A Deep Dive into Picture Books
Instructor: Phyllis Root

WHEN: Tuesdays, May 16, 2023 - June 20, 2023
7:30 - 8:30 PM EST

WHERE: ONLINE

PRICE: $499

Students will draft six picture-book manuscripts and complete one picture book dummy.

THIS CLASS IS FULL

“Phyllis helped me immensely with my picture book manuscripts. She knows picture books so well that she was able to see possibilities for structure, word choice, endings, etc that were not readily apparent to me. It was a delight to work with her!”
— Mary C.

What You’ll Learn

Take a deep dive into picture book writing. 

Together, students will examine mentor texts, participate in on-the-spot writing prompts, and work on regular assignments, including a weekly picture book draft. We will work on deconstructing picture books and examine the elements that make a manuscript successful from plot to emotional resonance. Come prepared to read. Come prepared to write. Come prepared to discuss. 

Our six weeks together include:

  • Weekly master lectures on:

    Plot and structure
    Narrative voice
    Character and point of view
    Setting and story
    Tools of language
    Pacing, energy and heart

  • Assigned readings of picture book mentor texts.

  • Creation of a picture book dummy.

  • Multiple writing prompts from which students will write one picture book draft per week.

  • At the end of the session, students choose one draft to submit to Phyllis, who will provide editorial feedback.



    This Workshop Is For You If

  • You’re a published picture book author looking to improve your craft

  • You’re a published picture book author aiming for that starred review

  • You’re a published picture book author who is feeling stumped and uninspired

  • You’re an aspiring picture book author looking to hone your skills

  • You’ve almost been signed by an agent but keep getting sent back for revisions

  • You’re getting good feedback on your books but haven’t sold one yet

  • You keep getting great feedback on your writing but can’t seem to reach your goals

“Phyllis is truly gifted teacher. She’s incredibly kind, and she has a keen eye, with a knack for honing in on exactly what a manuscript needs. I grew a lot during my time studying with her.”
— Anne Marie P.

Workshop Size

In keeping with our commitment to small class sizes, this class will have no more than 12 students.

Refund Policy: There is no refund for our Master classes. All classes are recorded, and students can watch at a later time.

 
“Phyllis Root is just so smart about picture books. She gave me ways of thinking about several picture books that helped me move them from merely workmanlike to shiny. Definitely a leveling-up experience.”
— Mylisa L.