Monday, August 22, 2011

Want to write picture books? Come and study...with me

At the end of August my thoughts turn to...continuing education. That's right folks, the excitement of fall classes is upon us.

I'm teaching two courses at University of Toronto continuing studies this fall. "Writing For Children: Picture Books" begins on Wed. October 5 (12:30 p.m. to 3). In eight sessions we will work through a number of creative and inspiring exercises with the goal of producing two manuscripts. There will be little 'lectures' by me and lots of show and tell, as well as information on the mysteries of getting published. These classes are usually small and attended by a really interesting mix of people. I always enjoy them.

The other course follows the first. "Writing For Children: Picture Books II" is intended for people who have already taken the first course and others who have taken other writing courses and want a straight workshop experience. In this course there are no formal talks or exercises. Instead, each week participants read their manuscripts aloud for discussion and helpful criticism. I also offer more written responses. And as well, there will be two guests. One will be by a children's book editor who will talk about how manuscripts get chosen and the best way to reach publishers. The other will be an experienced illustrator who will talk about what manuscripts are appealing to artists, etc. This class begins on Monday October 3 (6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

Both classes are held somewhere on the U of T downtown campus, around Bloor or College and St. George.

The Continuinng Studies website is at: http://learn.utoronto.ca/Page4.aspx.
The phone number is 416 978-2400.

If you have questions, feel free to email me at cfagan@interlog.com