Is 2023 the year to get your picture book dream/draft/dummy in gear?

Welcome to your January Jumpstart, hosted by Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance!

This dynamic, high-energy online session will send you back to the writing desk or studio brimming with creative tools and momentum for the picture book project you've been sitting on, dreaming on, or actively drafting. Come with an idea in your head, a working draft, or anything in between. You'll explore your story's authentic core and reasons for being through a series of visual and writing exercises, plus identify the next steps for your project, and learn best practices for manuscript formatting and revision, thumb-nailing even if - especially if - you don't draw, dummy books, and preparing your picture book for submission or independent publishing.

I’ll provide a crash course in the elements and principles of picture book making, resources for accessing the big beautiful picture book creators' community, and advice on publishing traditionally vs self vs hybrid options. Participants will not share their work or receive feedback from each other, but all will have the option of emailing a manuscript, thumbnails, or dummy book to me for written feedback. This feedback opportunity is included in the course fee, but material must be sent by January 27, hence the jumpstart! You'll need: A picture book idea (in any form, including in your head) + a large sheet of sturdy paper, at least 11x17 + your journal/sketchbook + your favorite writing tool(s) - pens or pencils AND (optional) - some colorful pens and highlighters.

Workshop FULL More info about MWPA programs HERE