7-week picture book course with Clare Helen Welsh

Clare Helen Welsh, author of both fiction and non-fiction picture book texts, will lead this 7 week course, taking you from concept to creation.

Write a picture book in 7 weeks

The course outline is below, and each week will focus on a different aspect of picture book writing. Clare will provide notes on these areas at the start of each week to give you an opportunity to fine tune your own work, and receive tutor and peer review.

Feedback from a literary agent

In the final week, Clare will be joined by Bell Lomax Moreton literary agent, Lorna Hemingway, to discuss picture books submissions. Plus, you’ll get some feedback from Lorna on your picture book text to ensure it’s in the best possible shape before being sent out to agents.

Course summary

Start date: Monday 20th May – Monday 8th July (Break weeks: Monday 27th May & Monday 1st July)

Time: 8pm-9pm (GMT)

Duration: 7 weeks

Platform: Slack

Tutor: Clare Helen Welsh

Course coordinator: Florianne Humphrey (florianne@write-mentor.com)

Cost: £144.00

Frequency: Once a week


Course outline


WEEK ONE: INTRODUCTION 

Join a video chat with Clare and fellow students to introduce one another and ask any initial questions about writing and publishing. 

WEEK TWO: CREATING A CRACKING CONCEPT

There is no such thing as a bad idea. A standout picture book is more about the ‘way in’ than the actual subject. With that in mind, find out how to make your picture book concepts stronger and more marketable. 

WEEK THREE: PLOTTING LIKE A PRO

Learn how to plot a picture book idea into 12 spreads and the rules of picture book structure.

WEEK FOUR: THE POWER OF VOICE

You’ve got a knockout concept and rough idea of how the story will pan out.  Now to put the meat on the bones; learn about creating characters, leaving room for illustrations, effective word play and techniques to keep the pace across spreads.

WEEKS FIVE AND SIX: ‘PICTURE BOOK SOS’ PEER REVIEW

Become critique partners for the week by swapping manuscripts and helping improve each others work. 

WEEK SEVEN: EDITING: WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH?

Discuss the previous week’s critiques and look at how to edit your manuscripts ready for submission with guest agent Lorna Hemingway.


Meet the course leader


Clare Helen Welsh, author


Clare is a children’s writer and primary school teacher from Devon. She writes fiction and non-fiction picture book texts – sometimes funny and sometimes lyrical. Her first book was published in 2015 and she currently has books in development with Little Tiger Press, Quarto, Andersen, Nosy Crow and MacMillan. She also writes for the Maverick Early Readers scheme.

Twitter: @ClareHelenWelsh

Find out more


Meet the guest agent


Lorna Hemingway, Bell Lomax Moreton


Lorna Hemingway joined Bell Lomax Moreton in 2019 and is now one of the agency assistants; she runs the social media channels and creates bespoke assets for our clients and publishers.

Lorna is searching for picture books that have heart at the core of their foundation that then stay with her for a long time after reading; narratives that subvert classic hooks (e.g. bedtime, new home, friendship) and tell them in a fresh new way and characters that exude warmth and familiarity. She also has a weakness for all things colourful, bold, and shiny!

Lorna is particularly interested in hearing from LGBTQIA+ authors and illustrators as well as other submissions from diverse and marginalised individuals who are currently underrepresented in the industry.

Twitter: @HemingwayLorna

Find out more


Testimonials


“Catherine is a wonderful teacher, full of knowledge and experience and super approachable. All of the sessions were delivered to time, with a lot of information and useful take aways. Not only do I now feel more confident writing in rhyme, but I also gained important information and tips about writing PB’s in general. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to delve deeper into the world of Picture Books and rhyme. Thanks Catherine, you are a font of knowledge!”
Vicki Minchin Writer
“If you’re writing or considering writing a rhyming picture book the you’d be foolish not to attend this course!”
Sam ClarkeWriter
“I’ve done some excellent writing courses in the past and my skills and knowledge has improved gradually with each one. I know it’s a long process, where ideas and advice take time to consolidate and show results. But when I did Catherine Emmett’s WriteRhyme class this wasn’t my experience at all. I felt like I went from zero to a hundred just from that one course! I didn’t know much about writing a rhyming picture book to begin with, but at the end of the six weeks I felt confident and competent, and had a fairly decent draft of a PB to show for it. Catherine is a brilliant teacher and the content is really engaging; I would so look forward to that Thursday evening when class was on! I recommend this course wholeheartedly.”
Niz FarookWriter
“I absolutely loved this course – not only did it made me a better picture book writer but it also connected me to a fantastic group of fellow writers with whom I intend to keep in touch. The chance to bounce ideas off each other and share feedback on each other’s writing each week was invaluable. Clare is an inspirational tutor – the well-planned resources she provides are second to none and the writing exercises she sets are a perfect balance: challenging and thought-provoking but also fun and never daunting. The course was cleverly structured to take us from the vital first step of developing strong concepts and pitches right through to editing drafts and submitting our best work for feedback from an agent. Meanwhile the opportunity to get feedback on my writing from such an accomplished writer as Clare each week was the icing on the cake. I’m really going to miss being a part of this course!”
Claire LewisWriter
“I can’t recommend this course highly enough, I gained the knowledge and experience I needed to become a better and more confident writer. But I also gained the friendship of people who want the same as me, all within a positive, encouraging environment. Clare expertly leads the group and imparts wisdom and guidance when needed… and what a lovely person to boot! If you can get on to the course- do it!”
Jen RonaldWriter
“Clare is the most amazing mentor. You feel comfortable asking her anything and to enjoy the course at your own pace. I am currently writing a PB on a subject I would never have thought of writing about before. Clare also encouraged us to set up our own special group going forward, so we can continue to support each other!” 
Delia BlackWriter

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