Chapter One: How to Begin Your Chapter Book Series

TYPE & LENGTH:

A three day online intensive (September 9 – September 11) to learn how to start a chapter book series, with:

• Live sessions via Zoom (full schedule below)
• Writing exercises
• Discussions in the virtual classroom

PARTICIPANT CAP:

24

WHY THIS WORKSHOP?

There are many ways that writers come to the idea of writing a chapter book series. Some have long loved the form, with memories of reading book after book in their favorite series. Some want to branch out from what they know: a picture book writer who wants to write for a slightly older audience; a novelist who wants to write for a slightly younger audience. Whatever your reason, this course is meant to get you started with the tools you need to begin book one (and beyond) in your very own chapter book series.

You’ll learn about the market of chapter books, including why they are needed and what beginning readers enjoy. You’ll look at those important beginning pages, as well as the fundamentals of a series overview, and a taste of everything in between.

This online workshop is an “intensive,” meaning a lot of learning is packed into a short amount of time. Come ready to listen, learn, and write. Come ready to leave with ideas to begin your chapter book series.

IT’S A GREAT FIT IF:

• You’re a picture book writer or a novelist. Curious about whether you can write a chapter book series? We’ll help you find out.
• You’ve got an idea for a chapter book series but haven’t started writing yet. You don’t need to have a work in progress! This workshop will get you started.
• You want an online experience that is more intimate than a self-paced online course. This course has live sessions, faculty touchpoint opportunities and peer community built-in.

COMMITMENT REQUIRED FOR THE BEST EXPERIENCE:

This course takes place over three days, with live Zoom peer group sessions starting September 9 at 6:30 Eastern.

(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 October 31, 2021.)

Pre-course communication: At least three days prior to the course you will be invited into the virtual classroom to connect with fellow writers and view pre-course materials.

TENTATIVE AGENDA:

Thursday, September 9
Live via Zoom:

• 6:30pm Eastern: Meet for Welcome & Introductions (Share Favorite Chapter Book Series)
• 7pm Eastern: Opening Lecture
• 8pm Eastern: Writing Exercise
• 8:30pm Eastern: Q & A + Overview of Intensive

Friday, September 10

In the Virtual Classroom: OUTLINE Homework

Live via Zoom:

• 4:30pm Eastern: Optional small group sharing (peer led); share any writing from prompts so far
• 6:30pm Eastern: Lecture #2
• 7:30pm Eastern: Writing Exercise
• 8pm Eastern: Q & A + What to bring tomorrow

Saturday, September 11

In the Virtual Classroom: ANALYSIS Homework

Live via Zoom:

• 3:30pm Eastern: Optional small group sharing (peer led); share any writing from prompts so far
• 5:30pm Eastern: Special guest, Random House editor Diane Landolf
• 6:30pm Eastern: Lecture #3
• 7:30pm Eastern: Writing Exercise
• 8pm Eastern: Q & A + Farewells

HOW THIS PROGRAM IMPACTS KIDS:

Early readers and chapter books are an important part in a child’s reading development, allowing children time to develop the necessary skills, confidence, and love of reading that will put them on the path of becoming successful lifelong readers. Chapter book series engage kids with relatable characters, engaging plots and age-appropriate stories.

HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION RESOURCES AND FAQS FOR WORKSHOPS:

• Why do we mention how workshops impact kids? Learn about the Highlights Foundation mission.
• COVID Reschedule/Refund Policy
  What’s the difference between Highlights Foundation workshop types?
• Trying to figure out how this course fits into your schedule? Read some ideas about planning for the right level of commitment.
• A note about workshop agendas and how they change and evolve.
• Nervous about critiques? See how the Highlights Foundation approaches the process here.

RELATED RESOURCES:

What Makes a Successful Chapter Book Series? Some Examples
Early Readers and Transitional Chapter Books: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Picture book? Early Reader? Chapter Book? Where Does Your Story Fit?
Using Rhyme & Repetition to Build Reading Confidence
Scholastic’s Branches, a line of early chapter books.