SOLD OUT!

Who: Frances Watts
When: Saturday 2 February 2013, 10am-4pm
Cost: Full price: $165; Member: $115; Conc Member: $100

As any children’s author knows, the limited word count does not mean writing picture books is easy. In the words of Mem Fox: ‘Writing a picture book is like writing War and Peace in haiku.’

Frances Watts has both written award-winning picture books and edited them. From the perspective of a writer, Frances Watts will explore the special narrative requirements of the picture book genre, including story arc, structure, pace, character development and visual narrative. Using this knowledge, the class will examine successful picture books, analysing how and why they work, before embarking on a series of practical exercises through which students will learn to develop ideas, and to employ the techniques of successful picture book writing in their own work.

Finally, drawing on her experience as an editor, Frances will discuss issues such as what publishers are looking for and the author–illustrator relationship, and share tips for getting published.

Food
Tea and coffee making facilities will be provided. Course participants are advised to bring their own lunch as there are no cafes within easy walking distance.

Student Requirements
Bring your favourite picture book.

About the tutor
Frances Watts is an editor and writer whose works include Goodnight, Mice! (illustrated by Judy Watson), winner of the 2012 Prime Minister’s Literary Award (Children’s Fiction); the bestselling picture book Kisses for Daddy (illustrated by David Legge), which has sold over 300,000 copies worldwide in 20 countries; and Parsley Rabbit’s Book about Books (also with David Legge), which won a 2008 CBCA Book of the Year award. For more information, visit www.franceswatts.com.