Thanks to writer and editor Jesse Weiner for hosting me on her Inksations blog! Please check out my guest post, “Deconstruction and Reconstruction: A Primer on Picture Book Revision.” Do you have a picture book manuscript you want to revise, but you’re unsure where to begin? My article will help deconstruct what you’ve written so you can reconstruct it with intention. While you’re there, please consider subscribing to Jesse’s newsletter, which is jam-packed with writing calls, gigs, articles, interviews, and more.
Looking for More Insights?
You can also check out my upcoming Revise Your Picture Book Manuscripts course through Whale Rock Workshops. I would love to see you there! For more info, go to Whale Rock Workshops or message me to chat.
“This vibrant, engaging book provides the perfect introduction to the last day of the dinosaurs and the resilience of life on Earth.” Professor Paul M. Barrett, Natural History Museum, London, England
“A joyous, lyrical celebration of planetary life.” Kirkus Reviews
“A gentle, hopeful picture book about mental health and resilience, following Tansy as she learns to live with a cloud that won’t leave her side. With support, creativity, and self-acceptance, she discovers that even stormy days can bring growth, friendship, and beauty.” MaiStoryBook
“A heartwarming and convincing tale for kids seeking to ride out life’s rainclouds.” Kirkus Reviews
“In clear, age-appropriate language, My StreetRemembers acknowledges injustices and harm, and invites us to do better. This is a gorgeous, moving story for readers of all ages.” Erin Dalton, Huckleberry Books, Quill & Quire Notable Books 2025
“Local history comes alive when we think back to who lived on the land before our houses were built.” Harriet Zaidman, Winnipeg Free Press, A Best Book of 2025
Wednesdays April 22 – June 24
(excluding May 27)
7:30 – 9:10 PM EST | Online
Level
All Levels
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
This in-depth, hands-on, nine-week workshop is 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 me 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 me.
Learning about picture book craft from me 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.
Build-Your-Own Whale Rock Mentorships
This winter, Whale Rock is introducing a build-your-own mentorship to meet your unique needs. These are immersive, writing experiences designed to offer writers one-on-one attention, feedback, and skill-building from expert, MFA-level faculty members, including me. Please go to Build-Your-Own Mentorships to check out the options, or message me to chat.
I love teaching at at Whale Rock Workshops. In fact, I recently finished facilitating a small-group workshop on revising picture books that was so wonderful I didn’t want it to stop. You will still find me teaching workshops and delivering lectures through Whale Rock.
Now, I’m excited to announce that I’m adding to my teaching by joining the faculty for the Creative Writing Graduate Certificate Program at the Humber School for Writers in September 2025! This is a long-term, graduate-level program where I’ll be focused on mentoring children’s writers as they create their best work. It’s now accepting applications for Fall 2025.
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.
I’ve updated my list of Where Young Authors Can Submit. It includes contests, publications, podcasts, workshops and communities for youth who like to write. Welcome to my latest addition – YouthWrite camps for kids who write located in Alberta!
Writing Groups that Work: Give and Receive Feedback that Supports the Writer
Date/Time: Thursday, June 6, 2024, 7:00–8:30 PM (EDT) Cost: $30 US Delivery: Online with session recorded for later viewing
Get the scoop on writing groups that work. In fact, why not invite your writing group (or writing partners) to join?
A well-run writing group can be a training ground for collective growth, support, and motivation to write. But some traditional groups can be unintentionally off-base, judgmental, and even harmful. In this 90-minute session, you’ll explore how to set up a writing group that centers on each writer’s needs, including creating a discovery experience to explore a project – where it came from, where it’s at now, and where the writer is inspired to take it next.
This course will cover:
how to form your ideal writing group, including where to find members and how to set it up for success.
how a writing group can foster inclusion and support for a diverse range of experiences.
how to prepare for feedback on your writing, including the value of an artist statement to introduce a piece of writing.
how responder(s) can prepare for a feedback session.
how a group can co-create a safe, nurturing feedback experience.
the roles of the responder(s) and writer during feedback.
what to do with the feedback you receive on your writing (and when to set it aside).
This workshop is for any writer or writing group seeking ways to offer and receive targeted, constructive feedback that inspires revisions and meets writing goals.
To register, go to the Whale Rock website. While you’re there, please also check out their many wonderful offerings for new, emerging, and established writers for children and youth. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Whale Rock newsletter!
