Testimonials and Further Course Information
"The course not only gives you the tools and confidence to write but and a sense of the larger children’s book community in Ireland. If you were passionate about children's books before it will grow that love . . . into a long burning romance."
—Triona Campbell
"Thank you for a really enjoyable course which has brought me from a vague picture book to a middle grade book with a character, sort of a plot, and a personal quest to continue and complete it.
What really heartened me was the sense of possibility which you created - we called our pieces ' my book' and there was a feeling, an expectation that this ‘book' could actually be published."
—Stephanie Ellis
"I've enjoyed every week of the course. I didn't realise how much I love talking about writing and the process of writing until I started the course. I have learnt something that is and will be of great value to me."
—Seth Wheeler
"I loved Sarah Webb's writing class. She's incredibly generous with both her time and her abundant knowledge of children's books and publishing. While she's critical, she's also very kind, funny and intuitive. The best Christmas present I’ve ever received!"
—Enagh Farrell
"Sarah's writing course is the best thing that can happen to emerging writers. In a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere you are encouraged to step out of the shadows and share your work with others while Sarah shares her wisdom of the publishing world and her enthusiasm for children's books with you."
—Simone Schuemmelfeder
Course Outline:
WK 1: 25th Sept – An Introduction to the World of Children’s Books – please bring 3 of your favourite children’s books to the class.
WK 2: 2nd Oct – Focus On Age Group, Genre and Voice
WK 3: 9th Oct – Mining Memory: Finding the Story/Age Group That Suits You and Your Writing
WK 4: 16th Oct – Character
WK 5: 23rd Oct – Talk Shop Masterclass: Writing for Children and Teenagers (Open to All*)
How I Write: Sheena Wilkinson and Oisin McGann share their experiences - from writing their award-winning books, to finding an agent, getting published and staying published. Chaired by Sarah Webb.
Will be followed by a Talk Shop Social – (8pm to 9pm) open to children’s book professionals and all those who write or illustrate for young readers.
1 Week Writing Break – 30th Oct
WK 6: 6th Nov – Plot and Setting
WK 7: 13th Nov – Dialogue
WK 8: 20th Nov – Finishing Your Book
* Irish Writers’ Centre members, CBI members and all those interested in writing for children or teenagers.
Payment is for term 1 only. Payment for term 2 from December 2014 onwards.
Term 2 – Finishing Your Children’s or YA Novel (Emerging and Specialised) (150 words)
Separate booking for Term 2 is required. Booking begins in late autumn.
This course is designed for those who have already completed the first term of Sarah Webb’s writing for children and teenagers course (or another of Sarah’s courses). It is a practical, hands-on course for those who are well into writing their children’s novel or picture book.
We will look at making your work even better and preparing your manuscript for submission. You will have the opportunity to meet a children’s agent and talk to them (in a group setting) about your work. You will also meet several children’s book professionals from the world of sales, bookselling, marketing, publicity and editorial such as Helen Carr, Senior Editor at O’Brien Press.
Previous course participant:
I've enjoyed every week of the course. I didn't realise how much I love talking about writing and the process of writing until I started the course. I have learnt something that is and will be of great value to me.
Seth Wheeler
Dates to be confirmed.
WK 1: Finding Your Voice as a Writer – Please bring the book/story you are working on
WK 2: Sharing Your Work – Focus on openings
WK 3: Sharing Your Work – Focus on character
WK 4: Sharing Your Work – Focus on plot and settings
WK 5: Sharing Your Work – Focus on dialogue
1 Week Writing Break
WK 6: Sharing Your Work – Focus on finishing your work
WK 7: Talk Shop Masterclass: The Business of Children’s Books (Open Session)* – A panel of experts will talk about finding an agent and new Irish and UK agents who are actively looking for children’s writers, finding a publisher and promoting and marketing yourself as a children’s writer. Speakers will include: Helen Carr, Senior Editor at O’Brien Press, an agent and a publisher.
Will be followed by a Talk Shop Social – (8pm to 9pm) open to children’s book professionals and all those who write for young readers.
WK 8: Class Reading – A group reading and celebratory evening for all course participants. Everyone will be invited to read from their work for the group and invited guests.
*Open Sessions – open to all – Irish Writers’ Centre members, CBI members and all those interested in writing for children or teenagers.
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