Workshops and Events
Writing Picture Books
Online Course
with the
Australian Writer's Centre
12 x 12 Picture Book Challenge
Valerie Giselle
Collection of Works
In December 2020 I started this online course with the Australian Writer's Centre. The course runs for 5 week and you work with an author in developing your understanding and skills in writing your own picture books. AWC runs these courses on a regular basis. All details can be found at: https://www.writerscentre.com.au/store/courses/writing-picture-books/
You can also read more on the blog:
I have joined the 2021 12x12 Picture Book challenge. The aim is to draft one picture book per month with the aim of having 12 stories by the end of 2021. The Challenge only opens for registrations in January and February and if you miss the window, you have to wait until next year. I have created a critique group with 5 other wonderful other writers and we are all raring to go. As an Aussie, there are other Australian writers who are also doing the challenge in 2021. There are opportunities to get feedback on your manuscript from established writers and editors. If you are interested head on over to: https://www.12x12challenge.com

Conferences
CYA All Stars Writers and Illustrators Conference July 2021
Creative Kids Tales Writers Festival
Watch this space
I am busy writing drafts and have a few completed. I'm currently revising and editing my picture book stories and sending them out to be critiqued. The journey to have published stories has began. My middle grade story is starting to take shape and soon I will be planning and plotting in readiness for the 2021 National Novel Writing Month challenge in November.
Associations
Write Links - Queensland’s Children’s Writers and Illustrator Group
Story Links - Reviewing the latest children’s and young adults books
The Duck Pond member - Girl and Duck
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators - QLD Branch
Children’s Book Insider - Member


KidLit Writing Academy
A six weeks course that focuses on one module per week. The course takes you from the start to end of writing your picture book or children's fiction.
There is a booklet for each module. It's a great resource for making notes during the course. The course is live but if you can't make it, there's a recording. You don't miss out at all.