About the Course
Writing for children is a rewarding and challenging endeavor that requires a lot of skill, creativity and passion. If you want to learn how to write engaging and captivating stories for young readers, this course is for you.
Creating an in-depth course on writing for children is a rewarding and challenging task and I wanted to share my knowledge and love for writing for children with you. However, writing for children encompasses so much information that I needed to divide it into two course levels so as not to overwhelm participants. Children are a diverse and curious audience, and they deserve stories that reflect their experiences, interests, and emotions.
The course consists of modules, each with a specific learning objective and a practical assignment. For each module, materials have been provided to help you through the course and allow for quick references or easy use to complete assignments. There is no pass or fail; the information provided here is meant to help you hone your craft. The modules are:
Module 1: Multiple Lessons
Fundamentals of writing for children. In this lesson,
You will:
learn how to develop your own voice and style as a children's writer
learn how to create memorable characters, settings and plots
learn how to use dialogue, humor and emotion effectively
learn how to write for different age groups and reading levels
learn how to choose the best format and structure for your story
learn how to revise, edit and polish your manuscript
learn how to market your work and find a publisher
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 2: Multiple Lessons
Writing for children. This module will help you understand the basics of creating engaging and meaningful stories for young readers.
You will:
discover the historical and current trends of children's literature
learn the key principles that guide its production
learn how to define your target audience
select your genre and format
research the market and the competition
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 3: Multiple Lessons
Developing your characters. Writing for children is a crucial skill that can make or break your story. Children want to connect with characters who are relatable, engaging, and fun.
You will learn:
how to create characters that children will love and remember
how to use dialogue, description, and action to show your characters' personalities, motivations, and conflicts
to craft characters that drive your plot forward and capture your readers' hearts
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 4: Multiple Lessons
Building Your Plot. One of the most important aspects of writing for children is building your plot. Plot is the sequence of events that make up your story, and it has a beginning, a middle, and an end. In this module, you will learn how to structure your plot using the following elements:
- Exposition: This is where you introduce your main characters, setting, and conflict.
- Rising action: This is where you develop your conflict and build tension and suspense.
- Climax: This is where you reach the peak of your conflict and the most exciting or dramatic moment of your story.
- Falling action: This is where you resolve the main conflict and show the consequences of the climax.
- Resolution: This is where you wrap up your story and give a sense of closure to your readers.
You will also learn:
how to use subplots
how to use twists
how cliffhangers make your plot more complex and engaging
that subplots are secondary stories that relate to the main plot and how to develop them
that twists are unexpected changes or revelations that surprise your readers and how to develop them
that cliffhangers are endings that leave your readers in suspense and eager for more
that these techniques can help you create a plot that keeps your readers hooked from start to finish
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 5: Multiple Lessons
Creating your setting. One of the most important aspects of writing children's stories is creating your setting. In our lessons,
You will learn:
what a setting is
what are the two types of settings
how to be realistic
how to be fantastical
how to create a setting that draws your readers in and makes them feel like they are part of your story
some tips and techniques to create vivid and immersive settings that enhance your story
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 6: Multiple Lessons
Mood tone, and theme in settings. Crafting settings that capture your reader's imagination. In our lessons,
You will:
learn how to use sensory details
learn how to use imagery
learn about symbolism to convey your setting's mood, tone, and theme
be able to craft settings that capture your readers' imagination and make your story more memorable
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 7: Multiple Lessons
Writing your scenes Part One. Writing your scenes in children's stories is an important skill that can make your stories more engaging and memorable. In our lessons,
You will learn:
what a scene is
where a scene takes place
who is involved in a scene
the three things characters experience in a scene
how a scene can be written in different ways
how a scene depends on three things
types of scene
how to use scene transitions
point of view
how tense controls your narrative pace and perspective
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 8: Multiple Lessons
Writing your scenes Part Two. Structuring you scenes is equally as important as all the rest and can be a bit tricky. In our lessons,
You will learn:
how to structure your scenes using the *scene-sequel model
how to create a balance between showing and telling in your story
to write scenes that captivate your young readers and move your story forward
Our Scene-Sequel Model
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 9: Multiple Lessons
Showing and telling. Showing and telling are two important skills for writing for children. Both showing and telling have their advantages and disadvantages, and you need to balance them to create an effective story. In this module, you will learn how to use show-don't-tell techniques. In our lessons,
You will learn:
how to use techniques such as action, to engage your readers and convey your message
how to use thoughts, to engage your readers and convey your message
how to use emotions, to engage your readers and convey your message
how to use sensory details, to engage your readers and convey your message
how to avoid common pitfalls of showing and telling
Practical Assignments
Quizz
Summary
Module 10: Multiple Lessons
Finding your voice, part One. Finding your voice is one of the most important skills for a children's writer. In our lessons,
You will:
learn about your voice
how does voice make your stories unique and engaging
how voice reflects your personality
how voice reflects your tone
how voice reflects you attitude
how to find and refine you voice through various exercises and examples
how to adapt your voice to different
genres
audiences
formats
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 11: Multiple Lessons
Finding your voice, part TWO. Your voice is what makes your stories unique and engaging. It reflects your personality, tone, and attitude in your writing. In our lessons,
You will:
discover and develop your voice as a children's writer
learn how voice and expression is connected
understand how your voice connects you to readers
learn how to find and refine your voice
study examples from successful children's writers
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 12: Multiple Lessons
Editing and revising. Editing and revising are essential steps in the writing process. In our lessons,
You will:
learn the importance of editing and revising
learn what they improve
learn what editing and revising identifies
learn to explore the different ways to edit and revise
learn self-editing
find peer feedback
gain professional critique
learn about beta reading
discover how to avoid common mistakes and pitfalls in children's writing
make your story more engaging and appealing to young readers
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 13: Multiple Lessons
Formatting and submitting. Formatting and submitting your manuscript is a crucial step in the publishing process. In this module, you will learn the best practices and guidelines for preparing your work for submission to agents and editors. In our lessons,
You will:
learn how to craft a query letter for certain genres
learn how to craft a proposal letter for other genres
learn how to craft a synopsis
learn how to use your unique voice and hook to gain attention
gain skills and confidence
present your manuscript in a professional and polished way
learn how to use publishers' websites to properly submit work
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Module 14: Multiple Lesson
Publishing and marketing your manuscript. Publishing and marketing are two essential aspects of being a successful children's writer. In our lessons,
You will:
explore the different ways you can publish your stories
determine how you will publish
discover how to promote yourself and your work to your target audience
use various strategies and tools to promote your work
learn about social media, blogs, podcasts, newsletters, events
learn about contests and awards
have a better understanding of the publishing industry
have a better understanding of the marketing skills you need to reach more readers
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
Online resources
Module 15: Multiple Lesson
Growing as a writer. Growing as a writer is a lifelong journey that requires dedication, passion, and resilience. In our lessons,
You will learn:
how to keep improving your craft and career as a children's writer
how to cope with rejection, criticism, and writer's block
what are the inevitable challenges in the writing profession
the benefits of joining a writing community and network
Practical Assignment
Quizz
Summary
By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge, skills and confidence to write captivating stories for children that will delight and inspire them to read more.
Course Summary Video
Breakdown of Fees: $904.00
$ 200.00 - base programming
$ 200.00 - For module set-up
$ 400.00 - For lessons: including:
videos
our copywritten forms
other materials
research
resources
forum access
Practical Assignment & Instructor Assessment
quizz
summary
instructor access
6 month access to program
Plus:
taxes
service fee
Notice: All information, forms and content provided for this course is strictly the property of Dark Dove Publishing, The WRITE Affiliates, and J.L. Slipak and should not be copied, reused, rebranded or altered in any fashion for unauthorized purposes, and without explicit permission to do so by the aforementioned parties, hereto.
Any infringement of copyright, trademark, or registration will result in legal actions being taken against violators. Permission of use is governed solely for this program/course as provided strictly adhering to copyright laws of Canada and the United States and for no improper purposes in accordance to the law.
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All courses are for informational purposes to fine tune and hone the craft of writing. None are for official certification toward a degree, diploma, or professional certification in any form. Go here to read further terms and conditions
Your Instructor
J.L. Slipak
Certified Freelance Writer, Editor, Published Author, CEO of Dark Dove Publishing, Over 40 Years Experience in the Written World