This is an excerpt from You
Can Write for Children: How to
Write Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers on how to get feedback on your writing.
Taking Classes
Do a little searching, and chances are you’ll find many
options for writing classes to suit every need. Often community colleges offer
classes. So do some senior centers or community centers. Writing organizations
often have meetings that may include short workshops. They may also sponsor classes or conferences.
You might find paid classes, free meetings, or social events
through local branches of groups such as Sisters in Crime, the Romance Writers ofAmerica, or Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America. For those who write for children, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is an international organization with regional branches around the world. See if they have meetings in your area. There are also local or regional groups, such as SouthWest Writers,
based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Writing Barn in Austin, Texas, has picture
book classes and other writing events, some paid and some free.
 |
| An online webinar |
If you can’t find a local class at a convenient time and
place, you still have options. Several organizations and individuals offer
classes online or through the mail. Check out my online, on demand classes here (critiques optional for an extra fee).
You’ll find a lot of variety in costs, course material, and
how much feedback is provided. Shop around to find the class that works best
for you. Do you want to learn the business side of publishing or focus on craft
techniques? Do you want lectures with no homework? Do you want specific
feedback from an expert teacher on your own work? Make sure that is included.
 |
| Retreats build connections |
You’ll also find some wonderful writing retreats available,
some for a weekend and some for a week or more. Many are put on by SCBWI, in
lovely locations around the world. The Highlights Foundation has regular
retreats in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, on a variety of subjects related to
writing for children. They are highly praised for the content, the setting, and
the food. While the retreats are expensive, Highlights gives many scholarships.
Some retreats may have a particular focus, such as picture books or short stories. Other retreats cover
all genres or simply allow writers time to work on their own projects.
One bonus to taking a class or attending a retreat is that
you may meet other writers, who could become your critique partners after the
class ends. This is easier with a live class, but even an online class may
offer a chance for students to chat and connect.
Many classes might help your writing – but some focus on teaching writing techniques or offering encouragement rather than providing critical feedback. Contact the instructor in advance if you’re not sure, and if they do provide critiques, let them know if you want serious feedback rather than gentle support. Contact me if you want an expert developmental edit.
Have you tried any
classes in writing for children? What works well for you – a live class, online
tutorial, etc.?
You can get this whole essay, and a lot more – including a
chapter on Advanced Critique Questions – in
You Can Write for Children: A Guide
to Writing Great Stories, Articles, and Books for Kids and Teenagers. In this book, you will learn:
How to explore the wide variety of age ranges, genres, and
styles in writing stories, articles and books for young people.
How to find ideas.
How to develop an idea into a story, article, or book.
The basics of character development, plot, setting, and
theme.
How to use point of view, dialogue, and thoughts.
How to edit your work and get critiques.
Where to learn more on various subjects.
Order for Kindle,
in paperback,
or in Large
Print paperback.
Chris
Eboch is the author of over 100 books for children, including nonfiction and
fiction, early reader through teen. She offers writing services, including
developmental editing, book coaching, and writing for hire. See
a list of her services. Learn about her online, on demand classes here.
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