Becoming a Nonfiction Writer: A Three-Part Online Course

October 26 - November 4, 2023

  • $599.00 – Program Price

FACULTY: Teresa Robeson & Jennifer Swanson

Special Guest: Eileen Robinson

OVERVIEW:

A 3-Part Online Course

You are ready to begin your work in writing nonfiction for children and teens.  But where should you start?

Join celebrated authors Jennifer Swanson and Teresa Robeson and special guest editor Eileen Robinson to open yourself to the wonderful world of nonfiction books. This course has three parts: two back-to-back weekends (Thursday evening, Friday evening, and Saturday afternoon Eastern Time), with 1:1 consultations in between.

You’ll engage in many aspects of writing nonfiction for children to create a strong foundation for your work, and build a network of fellow writers who share an interest in nonfiction.

  • Part 1: October 26 – 28, 2023
    • Engaging presentations
    • Writing exercises
    • Small group sharing
  • Part 2: 1:1 Consultations
    • 20-minute consultation with Jennifer Swanson via Zoom
    • At a mutually convenient time between 10/29 and 10/4
  • Part 3: November 2 – 4, 2023
    • Live lectures
    • Session with Special Guest Editor Eileen Robinson
    • Open Q & A
  • 24 participants max

FEEDBACK EXPECTED:

  • Informal feedback will be available following writing exercises and during small group discussions.
  • A 20-minute private consultation with Jennifer Swanson is included to discuss ideas, goals, project related research, and craft questions. (No manuscript submissions are associated with this consultation.)

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

You are ready to begin your work in writing nonfiction for children and teens.  But where should you start?

With a great idea, of course.

But what about…

  • The submission process for nonfiction?
  • Digging deeper into curiosity and reader engagement?
  • Developing the tools of narrative structure and word choice?

These are the foundations of writing nonfiction for kids and teens, and you’ll explore these ideas and more in this online workshop.

IT’S A GREAT FIT IF:

  • You are working on a biography, history, nature, or STEAM/STEM-themed book for kids or teens. Let our faculty help you craft an engaging, nonfiction book for kids.
  • You love nonfiction and are eager to write TRUE stories. This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of nonfiction children’s books.
  • You have an in-progress or finished manuscript and aren’t sure how or where to submit your work. Pitches, proposals, and publishing opportunities will all be explored during this workshop.
  • You enjoy online learning. This course relies on LIVE Zoom interaction and contributions in the virtual classroom.

DETAILED AGENDA:

Pre-workshop

You will receive a link to our virtual platform where you can introduce yourself to fellow writers, engage in Highlights Foundation related resources (including our Community Standards), and keep up to date on the schedule.

Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend live sessions, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through December 31, 2023.

Part One: Welcome, Lectures, & Small Groups (October 26 – 28)

Thursday, October 26, 7pm – 9pm Eastern: Live Zoom session

  • Welcome
  • Opening Session: Deep Diving Into Nonfiction: What it is; What it isn’t; and Opportunities for Publication, with Jennifer Swanson, followed by Q & A
  • Small group introductions & writing activity

Friday, October 27, 7pm – 9pm: Live Zoom session

  • Picture Book Biographies & Graphic Novel Biographies: An Overview with Teresa Robeson, followed by Q & A
  • Optional Small Group: Following this evening’s lecture, stick around for this community-building time to get to know fellow writers participating in this course. (No faculty present.)

Saturday, October 28, 12pm – 4pm Eastern (with breaks): Live Zoom session

  • Researching A Nonfiction Book with Jennifer Swanson, followed by Q & A
  • Break: 1:30pm – 2pm
  • Hooking Readers with Your Nonfiction with Teresa Robeson and Jennifer Swanson
  • Followed by: Reviewing what to bring, and what to expect of the consultations.

Part Two: 1:1 Consultations (October 29 – November 4)

Sunday, October 29 – Saturday, November 4: 1:1 Consultations (via Zoom)

  • 20-minute consultation with Jennifer Swanson. (Schedule is made when the virtual classroom opens, at a mutually convenient time).
  • Jennifer will not review manuscripts, but she will answer project related questions and discuss ideas.

Part Three: 1:1 Lectures & Q&As (November 2 – November 4)

Thursday, November 2, 7pm – 8:30pm Eastern: Live Zoom session

  • Nonfiction Revision Tips with Jennifer Swanson
  • Hands-on exercise, followed by Q & A

Friday, November 3, 7pm – 8:30pm Eastern: Live Zoom session

  • Submission Basics—Proposals, Cover Letters, and Work-for-hire with Jennifer Swanson

Saturday, November 4, 12pm – 2:00pm Eastern: Live Zoom session

  • Q & A with Visiting Editor, Eileen Robinson
  • Followed by: Closing comments and questions

COMMITMENT REQUIRED FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE:

This course is best if you attend and engage in all the live sessions, including the 1:1 consultation with faculty.

Note: If your schedule does not allow you to attend live sessions, that’s OK! You’ll have access to the recordings. They’re usually posted the day after the session, and they’ll be available through December 31, 2023.

Trying to figure out how this course fits into your schedule? Read some ideas about planning for the right level of commitment.

HOW IT IMPACTS KIDS:

Children both love and learn from nonfiction. This course will give you the foundation to create the very best nonfiction for kids!

Why do we mention this? Learn about the Highlights Foundation mission.

RELATED RESOURCES:

Five Questions Everyone Asks about Writing Nonfiction for Kids
Setting a Scene with a STEM Book
A Passion for Writing Nonfiction
7 Ways to Make Your Nonfiction Stand Out
10 Things to Consider When Writing a Picture Book Biography
Making Science Fun…or Funny

FROM OUR COMMUNITY:

“I absolutely loved the energy and enthusiasm of Ms. Swanson and Ms. Robeson. They were able to impart their knowledge and share their insight in an easy-to-understand fashion.”

“Both instructors were extremely well prepared for the course and developed lectures based on feedback from the class participants. They gave plenty of opportunities to ask questions and provided helpful feedback.”

“Even though we were on Zoom, I could sense a community of writers being established throughout the workshop.”

 

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