PB&J: Picture Books and All That Jazz 2019

What You’ll Learn

Study the picture book format:

• Examine current picture book bestsellers.
• Dissect books with that elusive read-again-and-again quality.
• Hear an editor discuss why she chooses the books she chooses.
• Picture book components: character, plot, getting the story down.
• Word choice: rhythm & rhyme.
• Format: what’s the best way to tell your story?

Work on your craft:

• Learn how to entice readers with your writing.
• Find new ways to understand story.
• Investigate how art enhances writing and inspire yourself to make room for the art as you write.
• Writing exercises and free writing time.
• Working on the next picture book: generating ideas.
• Focus and structure: focusing statement and three-act structure.

Network and be mentored:

• Hear editor feedback from an acquiting editor.
• Round table critiques.
• Get reviews on your manuscript from our three faculty members.

Who Should Attend

This course is best for:

• Anyone with a serious interest in writing picture books. Experienced writers as well as beginners will benefit from understanding what makes a book sell and how structure and voice help tell the story and satisfy the reader.
• Those who have completed two or more drafts of a picture book manuscript.
• Those who want professional feedback on their work.
• Anyone who is not afraid to dig deep into revision and dissecting what makes books work.

If you like playing with words and story and want feedback on your work, this is the place for you.

Agenda

Day 1
Afternoon
Arrival and check in

Evening
Appetizers & Dinner
After dinner:
Introductions and sharing: What’s your favorite picture book?
Picture Book Components–Character, Plot, Getting the Story Down
Focus and Structure: Focusing Statement and Three-Act Structure

Day 2
Morning
Breakfast with a story
Forms: What’s the Best Way to Tell this Story?
Word Choice/Rhythm and Rhyme

Afternoon
Lunch with a story
Q&A with designer
Roundtable critiques
Free writing time

Evening
Appetizers & Dinner
After dinner:
Faculty presentation
Brute thinking #2

Day 3
Morning
Breakfast with a story
Editor presentation
Scoring Successful PBs; Making Dummies

Afternoon
Lunch with a story
Roundtable critiques
Free writing time
First pages with an editor

Evening
Appetizers & Dinner
After dinner: Re-envisioning your Picture Book: Quantum Leap Revisions; Cutting

Day 4
Morning
Breakfast with a story
Brute Thinking #3: Working on the Next Picture Boo…Ideas
Final Round Table Critiques

Afternoon
Lunch and farewells

Resources

9 Picture Book Topics to Avoid
How Do You Know If You’ve Written a Picture Book?
Writing Picture Books That Soar
Short and Easy, Right? How Hard Can It Be to Write a Picture Book?
3 Tips for Writing Funny Picture Books
Pointers for Writing Powerful Picture Books
Nonfiction Picture Books: Get it Right with Research

Testimonials

“Leslie, you were actually one of the first people to really believe in this manuscript and it never would have come to be if it wasn’t for you and Darcy. It had a completely different setting and style until you and Darcy challenged us to rewrite the beginning of one of our manuscripts on the first night of PB&J. I tend to cling tightly to my first ideas so it was the perfect exercise (and your critique was the perfect reminder) to not settle for the first thing that comes to mind. I have already shared with my writer groups what an amazing experience that workshop was and gave it my highest recommendation.”

“The faculty was excellent – knowledgeable, focused, and generous with their time.”

“The PB&J workshop was delicious! Darcy and Leslie encouraged, enlightened, and energized in a most personable way.”

“This conference was great! A perfect mix of learning and practicing our craft.”

“Darcy and Leslie were extremely accessible for advice, critique and casual conversation.”