One-Day Workshops: Dates & Details

Led by top industry professionals, masterclasses are run throughout the year in addition to our core courses.

These workshops are designed to help writers unlock a deeper understanding of particular elements of story craft, such as: voice, dramatic tension, dialogue and school or literary festival presentation.

Open Nest Introductory workshops are open to all applicants on a first come, first served basis. Open Nest Masterclasses are open to Academy graduates and published children’s authors seeking to develop their craft. If you are a writer on low income and are interested in applying for a bursary, please contact [email protected] Spaces are limited so book quickly to avoid disappointment! To book your space, contact [email protected] or [email protected].

All workshops are hosted via Zoom.

An Introduction to Picture Book Writing: Open Nest Introductory Workshop - Sunday 28th February 2021

with Jo Collins
Sunday 28th February 2021, 10am – 1pm
To be hosted via Zoom
£75

This workshop is open to anyone who is interested in finding out about picture book writing. It is recommended for writers who are at the start of their careers and who would like a better understanding of how to prepare their work to stand the best chance of securing a place on the academy’s popular Picture Book Plan.

Numbers are limited to 16 and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Senior industry editor, Jo Collins, hosts this introductory session, where we will discover the crucial ingredients of a successful picture book.

Please bring a notebook and pen/pencils. We will be:

  • analysing a best-selling picture book, with particular attention to tone, voice, structure, and emotional impact;
  • developing confidence through informal picture book writing exercises;
  • discussing next steps and ways you could progress on your picture book writing journey.

To book a place, please contact Jo Collins: [email protected]

Picture Book Poets: Open Nest Masterclass - Saturday 24th April 2021

with Tessa Strickland
Guest speaker: Jeanne Willis
Saturday 24th April 2021, 11.00am – 5.00pm
To be hosted via Zoom
£150.00

This full-day masterclass is for Picture Book Plan Graduates and published children’s authors who want to improve as writers of children’s verse and to deepen their understanding of poetic form and metre.

This masterclass offers:

  • three creative writing practices with attention to metrical discipline
  • critical appraisals of two bestselling picture books in verse
  • a presentation by bestselling picture book author Jeanne Willis

Please be prepared to read your work aloud and to offer feedback.

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis.

To book a place, please contact Tessa Strickland: [email protected]

What a Character! Writing Techniques for Picture Book and Young Fiction Writers: Open Nest Masterclass - Saturday 26th June 2021

with Tessa Strickland
Saturday 26th June 2021, 11.00am – 4.00pm
To be hosted via Zoom
£125.00

This Open Nest masterclass is for any writers or aspiring writers of picture books and young fiction who want to learn more about how to develop convincing characters, either for stand-alone work or for series development.

This masterclass offers:

  • three creative writing practices
  • critical appraisals of two outstanding character-driven series
  • manuscript review and appraisal
  • submission advice

Please be prepared to give and receive critical feedback on your writing practice.

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis. Bursaries are available to those on low income.

To book a place, please contact Tessa Strickland: [email protected]

HAHAHA, HEHEHE!: Open Nest Masterclass - Saturday 2nd October 2021

with Tessa Strickland
Saturday 2nd October 2021, 11am – 5pm
To be hosted via Zoom
£150.00

This workshop is for Picture Book Plan Graduates and published children’s authors who want to develop their gifts as comic writers. Numbers are limited to 10.

We will be working together to critique and revise manuscripts under development and to draft new material.

We’ll be taking a close look at:

  • comic techniques – what works and why
  • diffferent types of humour, from dead pan to slapstick
  • the kind of humour that appeals to small children

Please be prepared to read your work aloud and to offer feedback.

Group Critique Workshops are inclusive of lunch and refreshments.

To book a place, please contact Tessa Strickland: [email protected]iscombe.com

Writing Picture Books and Narrative Non-Fiction for Ages 5+: Open Nest Masterclass - Saturday 13th November 2021

with Tessa Strickland
Saturday 2nd November 2021, 11.00am  to 4.00pm
To be hosted via Zoom
£125.00

This Open Nest masterclass is for writers who are working on manuscripts for children aged 5+ and who have an interest in narrative non-fiction.

This masterclass offers:

  • three creative writing practices
  • critical appraisals of two bestselling examples of narrative non-fiction
  • manuscript review and appraisal
  • submission advice

Please be prepared to give and receive critical feedback on your writing practice.

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis. Bursaries are available to those on low income.

To book a place, please contact Tessa Strickland: [email protected]