Can you help me with my picture book writing?

by | Mar 1, 2023

The three big questions I am often asked are ‘Do you have any writing tips?’ or ‘How can I get published?’ or ‘Could you please read my manuscript?”

 
 
 
 

Can I help you? Yes, and no. 

I’m flattered that you’ve thought to ask me, especially when there are so many fabulous storytellers out there.

But I usually try to avoid answering these questions because at the moment I’m not really that available to help individual enquiries.  I don’t read manuscripts or critique writing, or offer editing services. But I can help you with your writing in other ways.

 

For picture book coaching for grown-ups:

  • I offer 1 hour online and in-person sessions to discuss your goals and questions, and provide helpful tips
  • My 2 – 3 hour online and in-person sessions are more detailed coaching programs with practical writing activities, take-home notes, industry guidance, and discussion about your book project.

Educators – I also offer PD sessions to help kids engage with writing

Get in touch through my Contacts page if you’d like to book me, or request my rates. 

 

For writing workshops for kids:

  • I regularly appear at libraries, schools and festivals offering workshops and interactive sessions
  • I deliver remote schooling / home schooling services and visits online and in-person too

Keep an eye on my Home Page Events calendar for the latest news, or book me through Lamont authors to come to you. 

 

 

 
 

Do you have writing tips?

Yes several, but it’s better if I share them during an organised session to help them connect with your writing voice, goals and questions.

 

What I can tell you is:

  • Carry a notebook everywhere
  • Listen to conversations
  • Pick up on the questions
  • Observe life, reactions, interactions
  • Record snippets of comments
  • Write down your random thoughts
  • If the ideas don’t come go sit in a café, by a beach, in a city street, on a trampoline, by a dog walk park, in a rockpool
  • Take an interest in all facets of life
  • If you feel challenged or uncomfortable in a situation, ask yourself why. Ask yourself what you don’t understand. Then seek out the answers.
  • Stand in Mother Nature and let it do its thing
  • Be a detective and ask all the questions
  • Watch old classic comedies
  • Devour murder mysteries
  • Gran random object from a drawer, place them together and write about them
  • Look at a photo, even if it’s not yours and write about it
  • Read the newspaper
  • Borrow children’s books from the library and read them in bed under the blankets with your torch
  • Seek out your scribe tribe. Join writing groups
  • Write every day – a letter to a friend, a comment or observations to yourself, a journal entry
  • Make time to write – even if it means you have to make new habits
 
 
 

Are there useful kidlit places to hang out?

There sure are!  I reccommend joining the following organisations for workshops, networking and development:

 

Why writers’ charge for their services (or .. why you can’t buy me a coffee) 

 
Writers need to pay the bills. As much as we wish it were different, annual picture book royalties don’t quite cover mortgages, groceries, vet visits, dentist appointments or, even holidays.
 
Authors with published books have worked hard to achieve book contracts, and develop writing skills. We’ve invested financially in professional development, memberships, insurances and marketing. Most of us are juggling other work to supplement our income, as well as carer responsibilities on top of striving to find time to return to our own writing.
 
Several of us already give significant pro-bono support to charities and community to advocate for children’s literature or other vital causes. We love doing this. We love seeing other’s build their writing confidence too. But, published authors offer skills and insights that we have refined over the years, and I’m sure you’ll agree that this is a valuable resource if you’re searching for guidance.
 
You can’t buy me a coffee (I’m a tea drinker anyway), but you can book me, or several of my author pals, for 1-on-1 coaching sessions.
 

If you are a community group, you can check out who I’m committed to as probono this year over on my About page and I’m happy to chat about your project for when I do have an opening.

 

One thing to keep in mind is that investing in your skills and knowledge is investing in your confidence in telling stories and shaping your writing goals.

Here’s to your own writing journey as you tell the stories that matter to you!

 

Happy writing, 

Andrea

 

 

 

 
 

 

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