There are many things I wish I had known about writing picture books when I began pursuing my dream of becoming a published author. Word count. Page turns. Linear storytelling. Building tension. The “twist” ending. Instead, I had to learn these things through trial and error, attending industry conferences, reading books and blogs, and networking with professionals.
On November 6 in Madison, NJ, I’ll be sharing all I’ve learned to those who also have a dream of becoming a picture book author. Are you in the area? I’d love to see you!
So You Want To Be a Picture Book Author
November 6, 2011, 2-4pm
Sages Pages, Madison, NJ
Many people believe writing for the young is easy. After all, “they’re just kids!” But writing for children is one of the most difficult genres in publishing to break into.
Picture book author Tara Lazar (“The Monstore”, Aladdin/Simon & Schuster 2013) will teach you all the things she wished she knew when she began her career, from story length to page turns, how to leave room for illustrations and create irresistible, age-appropriate, relatable characters.
You’ll learn the little-known “rules” of kidlit (and that rules are made to be broken!), plus how to fine-tune your ideas into sellable manuscripts. Participants can even submit a first page of their children’s picture book or novel for an anonymous critique. Tara will answer your questions and help you form an action plan for breaking into the kidlit business armed with knowledge, inspiration and encouragement.
Visit The Writer’s Circle to sign up. Only $25 for 2 hours chock full of what took me years to learn!
7 comments
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October 10, 2011 at 11:14 pm
Sharron
Wish I were nearer to the venue. Wishing you all the best.
BTW – glad you wrote, ‘rules are made to be broken.’ One needs a lot of courage and fortitude to break them and win! But it’s worth it.
October 10, 2011 at 11:23 pm
Michelle DennisEvans (@MichelleDEvans)
Sounds wonderful!
October 11, 2011 at 6:15 am
Louise
Wish I could come – I have just started to dive into the world of picture books, and it is so much more intimidating than MG and YA! This sounds like a great workshop.
October 11, 2011 at 7:59 pm
Joanne Fritz
Wow, I really wish I could come, but I have to work! You’re amazing, Tara. Hope it’s fun for all involved, including you!
October 11, 2011 at 11:11 pm
Ishta Mercurio
Aw – too bad I don’t live in your area. I’d love to hear you share your experiences and tips!
It sounds like it will be a great day – have fun!
November 1, 2011 at 5:58 pm
Bronwen Scott-Branagan
I’d love to be there. It sounds wonderful and I hope it goes really well.
November 5, 2011 at 7:58 pm
Carol Gordon Ekster
How lucky that future authors will get your words of wisdom! Wish I lived near there! Good luck!