Revise Your Picture Book Manuscripts: A Faculty-led, Writer-Centered Critique Group
Dates: Wednesdays March 26 – May 21, 2025 Time: 7:30 – 8:50 PM EST Where: Online
Do you have picture book manuscripts that you’d like to revise with a small, committed group of writers dedicated to helping you produce your best work? Join award-winning author and MFA-level instructor Karen Krossing for this in-depth, hands-on, nine-week workshop limited to eight participants. You’ll use your own manuscripts to explore picture-book craft/revision, you’ll discuss craft elements you can apply to your own manuscripts, and you’ll participate in weekly online discussions that dive into picture book craft topics.
Our nine weeks together include:
An initial session on learning how to participate in a writer-centered critique group—one that centers on each writer’s needs and creates a safe, nurturing feedback experience. (This session is required for participation.)
Eight 80-minute workshop sessions facilitated by Karen Krossing where writers will offer and receive targeted, constructive feedback that inspires revisions and helps you meet your writing goals.
Two manuscript critiques per participant during the workshop sessions, including feedback from Karen.
Learning about picture book craft from Karen and one another’s creative efforts and insights.
Eight weekly online conversation prompts about picture book craft in a separate, online digital learning space exclusive to the group.
You will complete the workshop with:
Having built a community of fellow picture book writers.
The revision tools and craft knowledge to revise your own manuscripts as well as your peers’.
Meaningful ways to workshop and evaluate picture book stories.
Two critiques of your picture book manuscripts.
The tools needed to form your own writer-centered critique group or enhance your existing group.
This workshop is for you if:
You seek targeted, constructive, inspirational feedback on your picture book manuscripts.
You want to expand your understanding of picture book craft with a focus on revision.
You want to co-create a safe, nurturing feedback experience for all levels of writers.
You are seeking a writer-centered critique group or the tools and insight to enhance your existing critique group.
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I’m a fan of Hawlii’s first picture book, BENJAMIN’S THUNDERSTORM, wonderfully written by Melanie Florence. Please check it out!
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I adore Cathie’s illustrations, including her art installation “The Gathering in Place,” currently on display at the YDZ Experience Centre in Toronto:
I signed a new book contract last week, and I’m feeling really happy about it! I now have five picture books in the works with wonderful illustrators and publishers, including three with Groundwood Books that have become a series! Please watch my Coming Soon page for details, but for now, I’ll just post this teaser. I have so much gratitude to my agent Ginger Knowlton of Curtis Brown for all her support and encouragement.
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