 |
| header design by Loni Edwards |
Making Picture Book Magic - How To Write Children's Picture Books
Wouldn't it be great if there was a picture book writing course you could take on your own schedule, that was designed to fit into an active, busy life, and that was also affordable?
Well, guess what? There is!
Making Picture Book Magic is a 4 week course that will teach you how to write a picture book... around the edges of your busy life... for a price you can afford... in a fun, friendly atmosphere.
The magic of transforming an idea into a story.
The magic of language and art.
The magic of delighting a child.
The magic of finding time in your busy life to learn how to write a picture book and then actually write it! :)
If you're here, it's because you feel that creative pull which means somewhere inside you is a picture book longing to be written.
And if you're here, you've come to the right place.
Making Picture Book Magic is designed to be delivered straight to your inbox. You will receive one lesson a day via email, five days a week for four weeks. You get weekends off to unplug, recharge, have family time or do the grocery shopping... or catch up if need be :)
Each lesson is designed to be completed in 15-30 minutes. Busy as we all are, most of us can find 15 minutes to do something we're really motivated to do, even if it means getting up 15 minutes earlier or staying up 15 minutes later... even 15 minutes while the baby is napping, or in the carpool lane at pick-up time, or at the edge of the soccer field, or on your lunch hour or your subway commute. By putting in 15 minutes a day, you'll be getting into the writing habit, learning to make time for something that's important to you. (And if there are days you simply can't manage, that's okay. You can always catch up. Although it's helpful to you to get into a regular writing routine, we're not that strict around here and if it takes you 3 months to finish the course instead of 1 that's okay :))
You have the option of joining the Making Picture Book Magic Face Book group where you can talk with me and others taking the course - discuss lessons, kick ideas around, ask questions, bond with other writers :)
If you're someone who needs accountability to get the job done, there is an option at the end of each lesson for you to email me or post to the Face Book group (depending on whether you just want to check in that you did it or you prefer to get some feedback.) It will take about 30 seconds, but you'll only be able to do it if you've completed the lesson :)
In addition to the 20 lessons and membership in the Face Book group, you will receive 9 supplements that augment the information in the course and make your writing life a little easier and more organized.
At the end of the course, you will have a completed picture book draft which I will read and make some quick comments on if you like. If you care for a full critique, you will receive a discount of $25 off my usual price of $75 for the manuscript you produced during the course.
If you want to share work with me or with others, you may. If you prefer to keep it to yourself, that's fine too. No one gets called on unless their hand is raised around here :)
So you get:
- to ease yourself into the writing habit
- to learn how to write a picture book: 20 lessons - 1 lesson 5 days a week for 4 weeks - about 15 -30 minutes a day (and if you need to spread it out and go at your own pace that's fine!)
- each lesson has accompanying art which may serve as an inspiration for your writing
- 9 supplements
- membership in the Face Book group (when the course is over you may remain in the FB group or opt out)
- the opportunity for interaction and discussion with me and the other members of your small group
- to complete a picture book draft
- a $25 discount on a full critique if you choose one
The course starts each month on the first of the month. Course size will be limited to 5-7 people each month. Please email me at susanna[at]susannahill[dot]com for course start date preference and availability. February and March are full.
So don't put it off another moment! Come join the fun and try something that might change your life :)
For those of you who are interested in credentials, I have a B.A. in English and Psychology from Middlebury College, a M.A. and a M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology and Special Education of Children With Learning Disabilities from Teachers College, Columbia University, I am a graduate of 2 of the Institute of Children's Literature courses, and I am the author of 10 published books for children.
And here are a few words, kindly offered, by graduates of Making Picture Book Magic:
Cheryl Secomb I loved the MPBM course. It was excellent. The lessons take you step by step through writing a picture book. The way the class is designed with receiving one lesson each weekday morning makes it possible to fit the class into a busy schedule. Susanna gives such invaluable and insightful feedback. And to top it all off, the MPBM Facebook page allows interaction with other wonderful writers. Did I say I loved this class? I highly recommend Susanna Hill's MPBM course!
Kristen McGill Fulton The class truly resonated with me as a new writer but it was the "after shock" that made the difference. So many courses offer great education and when it is over, you are finished. Making Picture Book Magic seemed to come alive after the class, with fellowship, continuing guidance and support.
Stacey Byer I highly recommend the MPBM course, especially for newbie authors. It's a comprehensive overview of how to write a picture book. The thorough lesson plans include practical examples that signpost clearly how to structure your story. Susanna's warmth and encouraging, insightful critiques enhance the overall learning experience.
Genevieve Petrillo I've been writing children's books for years and years. ...And years! Recently, I signed up for Susanna Hill's Making Picture Book Magic. I learned something new in every lesson. I was challenged and inspired and encouraged along the way, and by the end of the month, I had a brand new completed manuscript. It was convenient and painless because it happened so organically. Susanna has a bunch of strategies and techniques that work and activities, assignments, and a Facebook page that prove it!
Robyn Campbell Making Picture Book Magic really has been magical for me. Susanna took me through the picture book writing process from beginning to end. I can even make my own dummy blindfolded now. What joy it is to be able to actually know what I'm doing! There is only one word to describe it. Sensational!
Pamela Courtney Susanna Hill has the uncanny ability to zone in on an area you're struggling with and give insightful advice. Her detailed lessons take the fear out of writing. From learning how to better understand the motivation, depth of your character to creating a dummy, MPBM is perfect for all writing levels. After the course, you're not left on your own. On the MPBM's Facebook page, Susanna continues to make herself available giving support and encouragement. We never hesitate to ask her opinion on a WIP. She never hesitates to provide support, encouragement, and counsel. Love it!
Penny Parker Klostermann
Making Picture Book Magic was truly magical for me. Not only did I complete a new manuscript, I gained skills that will prove invaluable as I revise previous drafts and write new manuscripts.
I will use the lessons as a reference for every manuscript I write from now on. Susanna is smart, insightful, and encouraging. If you're looking for a course for writing picture books, look no further. Sign up for Making Picture Book Magic today!!
Stacy Stenberg Jensen While writing picture books isn't quick and easy, the Making Picture Book Magic course breaks down the process in short, simple steps. The lessons were to the point and perfect for a writer with short bursts of time. I've referred back to the lessons and supplements many times.
Clarike Bowman-Jahn Susanna’s MPBM class was an inspiring experience for me. It took my writing practice to a whole new level. I now know what I’m doing! She delivered classes in such a clear and thorough method I can use it again and again to write my manuscripts. I feel if I want to write a in a month by just spending thirty minutes a day writing picture book I can use her method and have a completed story. I highly recommend it. Thanks so much, Susanna!
Making Picture Book Magic was truly magical for me. Not only did I complete a new manuscript, I gained skills that will prove invaluable as I revise previous drafts and write new manuscripts.
I will use the lessons as a reference for every manuscript I write from now on. Susanna is smart, insightful, and encouraging. If you're looking for a course for writing picture books, look no further. Sign up for Making Picture Book Magic today!!
Stacy Stenberg Jensen While writing picture books isn't quick and easy, the Making Picture Book Magic course breaks down the process in short, simple steps. The lessons were to the point and perfect for a writer with short bursts of time. I've referred back to the lessons and supplements many times.
Clarike Bowman-Jahn Susanna’s MPBM class was an inspiring experience for me. It took my writing practice to a whole new level. I now know what I’m doing! She delivered classes in such a clear and thorough method I can use it again and again to write my manuscripts. I feel if I want to write a in a month by just spending thirty minutes a day writing picture book I can use her method and have a completed story. I highly recommend it. Thanks so much, Susanna!
Nan Nan Kennedy Susanna Hill's PIcture Book Magic Course is very well put together. She walks you step by step through the PB writing concept. And after compleating her course, I find she is sincerely available with help and encouragement when I've needed her input. I feel privileged to have met Susanna Hill and taken her course, I now have the tools I need to write and illustrate my own picture book someday.
I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the very talented artists who contributed work to the course to provide decoration and inspiration for us all. In alphabetical order by first name they are:
 |
| Dana Atnip |
Dana Atnip
Dana is an illustrator who currently resides in The Great Lake State of Michigan. When she's not spending time with animals, she's drawing them!
Please visit Dana at www.danaatnip.com
 |
| Dana Carey |
Dana Carey
Dana Carey is a pre-pubbed author/illustrator of picture books. She teaches English as a second language; reads MG/YA books in English then writes reports in French for a French publisher; and does translations.
Please visit Dana at her Blog, on Twitter and on Face Book.
 |
| Elizabeth Rose Stanton |
Elizabeth Rose Stanton trained as an art historian and architect before segueing over to fine art and illustration while raising her children. She has recently stepped into writing and illustrating for children, and her picture book, HENNY (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books), will be released in the spring of 2014. Elizabeth is represented by Joanna Volpe of New Leaf Literary & Media in New York, and is a member of the SCBWI.
Please visit Elizabeth at her Website and Blog. And I highly recommend Elizabeth's blog as a source of inspiration - she frequently posts wonderful art!
 |
| Hazel Mitchell |
Hazel Mitchell is an award winning illustrator and writer. Her most recent books include How to Talk to an Autistic Kid by Daniel Stefanski (pub Free Spirit) (Foreward Reviews Gold Medal, Finalist Books for a Better Life Awards), Hidden New Jersey by Linda Barth (pub Charlesbridge) and theAll-Star Cheerleaders series by Anastasia Suen (pub Kane Miller). Originally from England, she now lives and works from her studio in Central Maine, USA. She still misses fish and chips and mushy peas, but is learning to love lobster. She has two dogs, two horses, one cat and several snow shovels.
Please visit Hazel at www.hazelmitchell.com and I highly recommend her blog, Look Back In Candour, for wonderful sketches that will be sure to spark ideas.
 |
| Heather Newman |
Heather Newman is an illustrator whose recent books include The Howling Vowels andCody Greene and the Rainbow Mystery. She lives, creates and generally enjoys life in her small corner of the wild Maine woods.
Please visit Heather at http://heathernewman.net
 |
| Julie Rowan-Zoch |
Julie Rowan-Zoch
A scribbler of children's stories in between chores, Julie Rowan-Zoch has visited three continents, attempted to learn 4 languages, and has a 2-3-3-3-3 phalangeal formula in both of her hands and feet. Originally from New York, she has lived a huge chunk of her life in Germany and now resides in Colorado. (And she didn't even move there for the skiing!) She received her art training at Fashion Institute of Technology, NY and Hochschule fuer Bildende Kuenste, Braunschweig, Germany and her favorite medium is pencil (and Adobe Illustrator).
Please visit Julie at her Blog and "like" her on Face Book.
 |
| Laura Anne Miller |
Laura Anne Miller has always dreamed of writing and illustrating for children, although she waited until she became a grandma to officially start that career. She loves drawing and telling stories for her grandchildren who often inspire book ideas. She is a pastor’s wife, a pianist, has been a teacher and principal and has owned dogs, cats, rabbits and birds, many of whom are in her stories.
Please visit Laura at http://grandmamiller.wordpress.com
 |
| Loni Edwards |
Loni Edwards
Loni Edwards is a digital artist currently living in the Midwest of the United States. She loves animals, books, archaeology, drawing, music and baked goods.
Please visit Loni at her Website, Face Book, and Twitter.
 |
| Martha South |
Martha South
Martha South has been drawing ever since she can remember and diving with lively interest and imagination into all kinds of books. She studied art at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design, and has been designing greeting cards and painting storytelling pictures for fifty years.
 |
| Tracy Campbell |
Tracy Campbell
Tracy Campbell is a published artist, sells greeting cards, and writes for children, tweens, and teens. With the help of her wacky butterfly and pooch muses, she blogs about topics that appeal to parents and pet-lovers. Tracy lives with her husband in an 1841 farmhouse nestled high on a hill in Ontario, Canada.
Please visit Tracy her Website , her Whimsical Shop, and her Blog.
Please feel free to visit their websites/blogs/portfolios for unlimited inspiration!
POSTED FOR DANA at www.danaatnip.com
ReplyDeleteI was very happy and honored to participate in the artwork! I am excited to take the course soon! Thank you Susanna! :-)
Thanks, Dana! :)
ReplyDelete