Oohs and Aahs for 9.27.24
Creating a character from scratch and links...
Writers are often told to make a character relatable, but how do we do that? It helps to think of “relatable” as code for “connectable.” And we connect with characters the same way we do with real people. We like the same things. We know the same references. We share experiences. We understand each other’s reactions. We bond over everything from silly details like our love of kombucha and tragic circumstances like losing a friend. We confess our flaws and secrets to each other. We realize we’re perfectly imperfect in the same ways. It also helps to be at the same stage in life as someone. That’s one reason most characters in picture books are children or childlike.
Building a character is a bit like finding a friend. You get to know each other, and soon you’re inseparable, eager to take every journey together.
If this idea appeals to you, we will be talking about character development (along with plot, theme, and voice) in much more detail in Finding Your Star: How to Write a Picture Book for Children. This workshop will help you understand what makes picture books so special and how you can write your own. You’ll learn how to develop a picture-book character from scratch and take them on an adventure. We’ll read modern picture books like Hortense and the Shadow, Loujain Dreams of Sunflowers, and Rot: The Cutest in the World. Then we’ll experiment with writing prompts, brainstorm, problem solve, and cheer each other on, as we create our own book magic.
You can come to class knowing nothing about children’s literature and leave with confidence and fresh ideas. Each session will include an opportunity to learn, play, write together, and get feedback on your WIP if you have one. By the end, you can expect to have a strong framework for writing a picture-book manuscript and a clear understanding of the publishing process. You’ll leave feeling energized and inspired in new ways.
We start October first—that’s Tuesday! There’s a good group already signed up, and I would love to see you in class.
This Week I’m…
Reading Big Fan just so I can be in the know about this new publisher that’s trying to make 360º media cool for adults (Read: They’re also selling a $200 necklace that’s inspired by the book!) 💎
Sharing this list of residencies, conferences, and grants for writer moms (and dads)✏️
Thinking about Leila Sales’s heartfelt take on the way children’s publishing is crumbling💔
Talking about how to start a creative project when you’re a S/WAHM on Mother Untitled 🤹♀️
Laughing at this send up of gentle parenting (WE should be so proud!) 😂
Nursing a cold by watching the latest season of Landscape Artist of the Year🤧
Daring you not to tear up watching this docu-rom-com trailer 💛
Very into this idea! 👩🎨
Nebula Notebook is a place to meet kindred spirits, get inspired, and learn how to find ease and joy in the creative process—even when life is bananas. 🍌🍌🍌
✏️ PS—The fastest way to grow as a writer is to book a manuscript critique or a creative coaching session with an expert. My clients get agents, sell books, and win awards. They also learn how to enjoy the creative process, so they can keep going when life gets hard. 👏
