Winter/Spring Classes & Workshops

For those interested in the various forms of writing for children ages up to 10 years, including picture books, early readers, chapter books, magazine stories, and poems. We will review participants' work in terms of characterization, plot, rhythm, description, and syntax. This workshop is for beginners and advanced writers. Participants should send their registrations by March 1 and include only one of the following: (1) two short poems; (2) a picture book text, usually 2 to 6 double-spaced pages; (3) a magazine story, usually less than 1,000 words; or (4) synopsis and first chapter of an early reader or chapter book, usually 3 to 8 double-spaced pages. Manuscripts will be distributed to the group before the first session. Registration is first come, first served. Panel discussion, "The Children's Book Market" included in tuition.

Mary Quattlebaum: Author of picture books, chapter books, poetry, and middle-grade novels, including "Underground Train," "Jackson Jones," and "The Puddle of Thorns," and "Aunt Ceecee, Aunt Belle, and Mama's Surprise." Her work appears frequently in The Washington Post and various magazines for adults and children, such as Cricket, Spider, Ladybug, and Boy's Life. Awards include the Marguerite de Angeli Prize, Parenting Reading Magic Award, Sugarman Award for Children's Literature, a Blue Ribbon from the Bulletin of Children's Books, and inclusion on several state Children's Choice lists.

A panel discussion with Mary Quattlebaum, Christina Henry and David Owen Bell.