Writing children's books

How to develop story ideas for children - from picture books for the younger readers to teenage novels. Explore a range of topics from writing technique to story structure and learn about current publishing trends. Term 1 finishes on 7 December; term 2 starts on 11 January.

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Key course information

Dates
14/09/11 - 21/03/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
24 weeks

Time
18:00 - 19:30

Fees
Full fee: £203
Senior fee: £203
Concession: £59

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW231

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol on this course - please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover missed content with you. Please be advised that the published course fees will apply.

Course outline

What is the course about?

A structured overview of the skills involved in writing for children of various ages. You will also gain an up-to-date knowledge of publishing for children.

What topics will we cover?

Each week the class will be divided into two sessions
- One session will explore aspects of children’s publishing (eg writing for different age groups, series fiction, writing in different genres, using animals in fiction, writing for girls and boys, the picture book format, presenting your work, approaching agents and publishers, children’s interests and child development etc)
- The other session will focus on helping you develop practical story-writing skills and techniques as they apply across all age groups, from picture books to teen novels (eg theme, plotting, dialogue, characterisation, the childs viewpoint, scene setting etc.)

The reading of contemporary children’s fiction is highly encouraged and we will look at the work of a variety of modern-day children’s authors during the course.

Note: Students may intend to write for one particular age group, but may well find that, through the course, they are drawn to write for several age groups.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- assess your own and others’ writing with sensitivity
- use various writing techniques through which your creativity can be expressed
- Identify differences between the variety of books available for children today
- promote your own work further (if desired).

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Entry is open to all potential writers who can write fluent English. You should have a good command of written English and plenty of interest and enthusiasm.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

- Talks, illustrated with contemporary childrens books.
- Class writing exercises.
- Group discussion and group work.
- Independent reading and writing projects outside class.

The Tutor
Lou Kuenzler attended the Writing for Children class at the City Lit 2002 - 2003, then moved onto the Writing Workshop the following year. Her first book for children, The Ugly Egg, a story for new and emerging readers, was published by Kingfisher in 2009. Since then, Lou has had a range of other titles commissioned. She has written stories, plays, and rhymes for young readers. Most recently, Lou has been asked by Orchard to produce a series of eight silly rhyme books based on Aesop’s fables.

City lit reserves the right to change course tutors or venues from those advertised in this outline. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant a refund on the grounds of a change of tutor/venue.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

Bring a notebook, paper and writing materials, enthusiasm and loads of persistence.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Students who wish to continue actively to write for children may like to join the Writing for Children Workshop (most of whose members began as students on the Writing for Children course) where works in progress are read and discussed.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.