Writing for children

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.

Students say: "The course has been a fantastic experience for me, meeting enthusiastic and like minded people was just a bonus. We had an excellent, well versed teacher/author in children's writing to encourage, and give us great sound knowledge, that will no doubt help us in our writing futures. Thank you to the tutor, Would highly recommend!

This course will really give you a full understanding of how to write different kinds of children's books, from picture books to teens. It's worth the money as what you learn is priceless. Great teacher who has loads of energy, experience as an author herself and she gives helpful and truthful feedback. If you're looking to be a children's writer, this will be invaluable in giving you the confidence and tools to make it a reality. And it's fun!".

What will we cover?

- The picture book format and picture book text, as well as writing for younger and developing readers, middle grade readers, teens and young adults.
- Aspects of writing craft, as they apply to writing fiction for children of all age groups, e.g. character, plot, dialogue etc
- The work of a diverse selection of contemporary authors, through Q&A and analysis
- Particular aspects of writing for children such as use of animals etc and particular genres within children’s fiction such as fantasy, historical etc
Please note, students often start the course intending to write for one particular age group, but find that, as the weeks progress, they are drawn to write for others!

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

- respond to, and assess, pieces of writing with sensitivity
- use various writing techniques through which your creativity can be expressed
- identify 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.

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

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

All writing courses at City Lit will involve an element of workshop. This means that students will produce work which will be discussed in an open and constructive environment with the tutor and other students. The college operates a policy of constructive criticism, and all feedback on another student’s work by the tutor and other students should be delivered in that spirit.

For classes longer than one day regular reading and writing exercises will be set for completion at home to set deadlines.

City Lit Writing endeavours to create a safe and welcoming space for all and we strongly support the use of content notes in our classes. This means that learners are encouraged to make their tutor and classmates aware in advance if any writing they wish to share contains material that may be deemed sensitive. If you are unsure about what might constitute sensitive content, please ask your tutor for further clarification and read our expectations for participating in writing courses at City Lit.

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

Bring a notebook, paper and writing materials, enthusiasm and loads of persistence. A reading list will available from City Lit or online by the start of the course.

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

Developing Your Children’s Book (HW232)

All students are invited to join us at Late Lines, our regular performance night for City Lit writers. Students are also encouraged to submit their work to Between the Lines, our annual anthology of creative writing. For the latest news, courses and events, stay in touch with the Department on Facebook and Twitter.