Dates: 7th & 8th February 2020
Time: 9.30am-5pm (followed by optional drinks at the end of day 1)
Location: Central London
Capacity: 15 places
Join award-winning author Alan Durant in this fun workshop that covers the key techniques for writing picture books for 3-7 year olds – and gain valuable feedback from both a Penguin Random House Children’s bestselling illustrator and an experienced editor.
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Workshop structure:
- Arrival is at 9.30am on both days for a prompt 10am start.
- The workshop finishes on both days at 5pm; at the end of the first day you are invited to stay on after the workshop for a drink with Alan and your fellow writers and enjoy the magnificent riverside view.
- Lunch and refreshments will be provided
Workshop content:
- The key elements of classic picture books.
- Knowing your audience – advice on how to write for children who can’t read, or are at the early stages of reading.
- How to write a book that will appeal to a young audience, and also excite the reader (often an adult).
- Coming up with ideas – how to explore your own memories for stories, as well as the imagination of your child or relative.
- Classic themes – from fear of the dark to a desire for independence; from first experiences to imaginative play.
- Style – expert advice on how to write a story that should be read aloud, plus tips on sentence structure and word count.
- Pictures – guidance on how to write a story that will be illustrated.
- Practical writing activities and the opportunity to share your story with the group and get constructive feedback from a Penguin Random House Children’s bestselling illustrator and an experienced editor.
About Alan Durant:
Alan Durant is the award-winning author of over 100 children’s books, including the acclaimed picture books Always and Forever, Burger Boy, and Dear Father Christmas. Alan is an experienced writing tutor, who has run many workshops for children and adults.
Delivery details:
Details of this experience will be delivered in a beautiful Penguin-branded gift pack with the envelope left blank for gifting.
The delivery charge is already incorporated in the workshop price.
FAQs:
Do I need to do any work before the workshop?
There is no need to prepare anything before the workshop but you are encouraged to visit your local library or a bookshop to look at a selection of picture books for format and inspiration.
Do I need to bring anything with me to the workshop?
Writing materials will be provided. If you have a favourite notepad, or prefer to write on a laptop, please do bring this with you. Alan also asks that you bring with you a favourite toy from your childhood, or a toy that belongs to your child or a relative, along with one of your favourite picture books.
Will dietary requirements be catered for?
Once you have booked a place on the workshop, we will be in touch with you to check any dietary requirements.
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The Workshop
This workshop, suitable for writers of all levels, provides the opportunity to develop a picture book story for 3- to 7-year-olds. Led by Alan Durant, the award-winning author of over 100 books for children, and with the help of some lively games and exercises, he’ll guide you through the process of writing a book for young children: finding the right idea, honing style, creating appealing characters and composing an engaging story from beginning to end.
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Held at Penguin's London office
Held at Penguin Random House’s London office at 80 Strand, which boasts a magnificent river view of the London skyline, the workshop is limited to 15 people and is guaranteed to be fun as well as educational. It is ideal for anyone wanting to write children’s books, whether for publication or for family and friends.
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Get valuable feedback from a Penguin Random House Children's editor
On the final day of the workshop, you will have the unique opportunity to read your story to both a Penguin Random House Children’s bestselling illustrator and one of our experienced editors and receive constructive feedback on your text.
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