Writing children's books workshop

An ongoing workshop for experienced writers for children with an opportunity to give and receive constructive feedback on their work in progress. There will also be information on current markets and advice on how to approach publishers. Ideally suited for students who have already attended a children’s writing course.

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Key course information

Dates
18/04/12 - 20/06/12

Day(s)
Wed

Duration
10 weeks

Time
19:40 - 21:40

Fees
Full fee: £113
Senior fee: £113

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HW264

Availability
This date is full

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course is full

Occasionally places may become available. You can add yourself to the waiting list.

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Course outline

What is the course about?

Each session will begin with news of students’ current work and any developments in the publishing scene. Then, on a rota system, four students will present their writing to the group at each meeting. All writing samples will be discussed in-depth by the group and the tutor, with the writer themselves having the chance to feedback at the end. The aim of this close, critical process is to build writing techniques, voice and structure as the course develops. By regular assessment of their own and others’ work, writers will focus on areas of strength and also those in need of greater development. All work should be typed and double spaced.

What topics will we cover?

The course is suitable for those writing fiction for children of all age groups from babies to teenagers. Each reading should be 10-15 minutes long so, generally, either a whole picture book or a chapter of a longer novel can be brought in for discussion. We will examine writing for children and the contemporary publishing market through peer, tutor and self assessment of each student’s own work.

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

- Respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity
- Receive an unbiased critical appraisal of your work by your peers and the tutor, within a supportive atmosphere
- Redraft your work, taking into account the feedback you received
- Identify ways of marketing your manuscript.

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

All workshop members will preferably have completed the introductory ‘Writing for Children’ course at City Lit. However, other students are welcome if they are already published authors or if they are otherwise actively involved in writing for children. The workshop is not suitable for those who think they might like to write for children but have no prior experience in this area. You should not enrol for both the introductory course and this one at the same time.

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

You will be taught by group discussion and feedback. You are required to be actively writing outside the class so that you have work to bring each time it is your turn.
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, including a series of eight silly rhyme books based on Aesop’s fables for Orchard. She has written stories, plays, and rhymes for young readers. Lou is currently working on SPLAT! A series, commissioned by Stripes Publishing, of four funny/revolting books for boys about the adventures of a superfly!

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?

When it is your turn to bring work you need to bring two typed copies, one for the tutor and one for the reader.

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?

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.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
18/04/12 to 20/06/12	Wed	19:40 - 21:40	10 weeks	£113	£113	N/A	HW264	Full	» Select
14/09/11 to 21/03/12	Wed	19:40 - 21:40	24 weeks	£271	£271	N/A	HW255	Finished	» Select