Class

Writing for Children: The Next Steps

Writing for children is a place with a wide spectrum, from picture books to middle grade to young adult. This session will explore it all. We’ll review realistic vs "out-of-this-world" children’s fiction, as well as the essentials: characters, setting, conflict, etc. We’ll read some excerpts of model texts: the sparsely written but powerful picture book, the middle grade with the big words and big ideas without the smoking and making out, and the young adult with characters who are finding their place in the world. Authors will include Abby Cooper, Kate DiCamillo, Anika Fajardo, Brian Farrey, Molly Beth Griffin, David LaRochelle, Carrie Mesrobian, Bao Phi, Margi Preus, Matt de la Peña, Hafsah Faizal, Jordan Ifueko, Minh Lê, Sarah J. Maas, Kwame Mbalia, Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson, and others. You’ll continue writing your own children’s literature or shift to a different audience. We'll workshop your writing in class, so that you receive constructive feedback and help your classmates move forward with their work. We'll spend about 85% of the time writing and sharing.

No class on July 3.

All Classes listed on the Loft website take place in Central Standard Time (CST); make sure you understand your time zone, and adjust accordingly

Instructions for Accessing This Online Class

In order to access live class meetings, you must have the Zoom application downloaded to your computer. You will also need a WiFi/Internet connection throughout the duration of your scheduled meeting and a computer with audio and video capability. The information to join your Zoom classroom will be provided in your confirmation email upon registration. Please check spam folders if you do not see this email upon registration. For more information on how to use Zoom, please see our training manual here.

Some classes use a supplemental Google Classroom page. Should your teaching artist use Google Classroom, you will be invited to join the classroom via email at least 24 hours in advance of your class (check spam folders if you are not seeing this invitation). Please note that Google Classroom requires a Gmail address to access the Classroom. If you do not have a Gmail account, the email invitation will be sent to the email address we have on file and will prompt you to create a free account or enter an existing account to join the classroom. If we are unable to send an email invitation to your non-gmail account, you will be contacted by a staff member to provide a Gmail address. If you do not have a Gmail account, you can create a free account here. Should you have concerns about this, please contact a Loft staff member at [email protected] or 612-379-8999. For more information on how to use Google Classroom, please see our training manual here.