WRITING FOR CHILDREN - PICTURE BOOKS AND CHAPTER BOOKS - May 4th, 10am to 3pm - Instructor Elaine Ouston

Author and writing tutor - Elaine Ouston

Many people think writing picture books is easy. After all, they only have a small number of words.

But writing an exciting story that will grip the young reader and make them want to hear more is not as easy as it looks. Like all writing, technical skills are needed.

​When you are writing a picture book, it helps to 'think in pictures.' The text for a picture book serves as a trigger for images.

A good picture book text has vivid characters and strong action, just like any good story. The difference is not just that a picture book is shorter than, say, a chapter book, or middle grade novel. The difference is more subtle. 

CHAPTER BOOKS
Because the story length for this age group is limited, knowing what to put in and what to leave out is the most important factor. We will look at popular chapter books and explore what makes them the success they are, and examine the plot lines and language needed to excite this group of beginning readers.
​
In this workshop, we will examine what that difference is and show you how to make your picture book stand out.
​
Feedback: Send the first 10 pages of your writing for this age group by MAY 1st for feedback on the day. ​

Elaine holds a Master of Letters in Creative Writing (MLitt) from Central Queensland University, and a Diploma of Graphic Art. She is a published author of a number of books for children.

She presents writing workshops, edits for other writers, and sets up books for self-publishing at Gondor Writers' Centre. Through  Australian Literary Festivals and Book Fairs she organises literary festivals for schools or libraries. Visit the website for more information: www.austlitfest.com.

She is an experienced writing tutor, editor and designer, and has had many recommendations from students for her workshops.
See the Recommendation column on the workshop page.