Workshops

Writing First Chapter Books and Early Readers 2018 | June 10 – June 13, 2018

Gain understanding of the unique needs of books for children who are beginning to read independently.

Overview:
Do you remember the first time you read a book all by yourself? Was it The Cat in the Hat or Frog and Toad? Do you pause in front of library shelves featuring Mercy Watson and Ivy & Bean? Do you want to bring joy and confidence to readers who are picking up a book on their own for the very first time? If so, this workshop is for you.

In between the read-aloud world of picture books and the more challenging realm of chapter books lies an exciting spectrum of fiction and nonfiction for beginning readers. These early readers and first chapter books spark a love of independent reading and build confidence in brand-new readers.

What You’ll Learn:

• You’ll find out the differences between picture books, early readers, and transitional chapter books.
• You’ll examine what makes the best books for this age group successful.
• You’ll zero in on where your work–fiction, nonfiction, or both–fits in.
• you’ll learn how to generate new ideas.
• You’ll learn about researching and writing your stories.
• You’ll discover how to find the right publishing home for your work.
• You’ll have one-on-one critique sessions with a workshop leader.
• You’ll have workshop sessions from faculty.
• There will be writing exercises to help strengthen your work-in-progress.
• You’ll have free time for writing.

Who Should Take This Course:

• Writers who are interested in writing for beginning readers.
• Writer/Illustrators who want to learn where their work fits in.

Blog Posts of Interest:
Wiley Blevins: Early Readers and Transitional Chapter Books: What Are They and Why Are They Important?

Faculty & Special Guests

Laurie Calkhoven

Wiley Blevins

Renee Hooker Participating via Skype

Tamar Mays Participating via Skype

Grace Maccarone Participating via Skype