JUST WRITE FOR KIDS — This is an 8-module self-paced online/home study course in writing picture books taught by author, editor, and educator Emma Walton Hamilton. Each new lesson introduces students to another aspect of the craft of picture book writing, each lesson building on the previous ones. By the end of the eight modules, the student has a solid workable picture book manuscript, and the tools to move forward with revision. The course can be started at any time. Membership in a dedicated JUST WRITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS Facebook Group is included, and enhances the interaction between students as well as with Emma. I have taken this course, and it has informed and enhanced my writing for all ages.

JUST WRITE FOR MIDDLE GRADE — Following the success of JUST WRITE FOR KIDS, Emma launched JUST WRITE FOR MIDDLE GRADE. In 14 self-paced modules, the student is introduced to the building blocks of writing chapter books and middle grade novels, with thought-provoking, challenging, and fun assignments. At the end of the course, the student has a solid draft ready to take to the next level. The course can be started at any time. Membership in a dedicated JUST WRITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS Facebook Group is included, and enhances the interaction between students as well as with Emma. I have taken this course, and found it very helpful. Even though I’d been writing middle grade for a few years, and considered myself well-versed in the craft, Emma taught me so much! I still use the techniques and worksheets to revise other writing projects, both middle grade and adult fiction.

JUST WRITE FOR YOUNG ADULTS – This course was launched at the same time as JUST WRITE FOR MIDDLE GRADE, and as the name suggests, it is a course dedicated to learning the ins and outs of creating young adult novels. It, too, is a self-paced 14-module course that can be started at any time. Membership in a dedicated JUST WRITE CHILDREN’S BOOKS Facebook Group is included, and enhances the interaction between students as well as with Emma. Although I haven’t taken this course, I know from my experience with Emma’s other courses that this will be an excellent learning tool for anyone who wishes to write for teens.

MAKING PICTURE BOOK MAGIC — This is a month-long course, offered every month of the year, taught by picture book author and founder of the popular Perfect Picture Book Fridays, Susanna Leonard Hill. Lessons are given daily, but as I understand it, they are not onerous or time-consuming. There is a  Facebook Group for class members, and membership continues (if you choose) after you have completed the course. I have not taken the course myself, but I have heard rave reviews from many picture book writers at all levels of experience, and it’s on my bucket list. Space is limited for each month’s class, so the experience is personal and hands-on. There’s also a self-directed version of the course, which doesn’t include the close personal contact with Susanna, nor the experience of being part of a class, but does let people who can’t afford the full course to learn the same information.

LYRICAL LANGUAGE LAB – The subtitle of this course, “Punching Up Prose … With Poetry,” gives you a good idea of the course focus. Although students do write some poetry, there is a great emphasis on learning to both identify and write lyrical language, and then to use lyricism to enhance one’s prose. The course is taught by poet and editor Renee LaTulippe, whose passion for words is evident in her writing and her speaking — and, I am sure, in her teaching. It is an intense course, in which you have the opportunity to learn a great deal, but is only offered occasionally, to enable Renee to fully interact with her students. There are also two self-study courses available at all times: the self-study version of the Lyrical Language Lab full course, and an intensive Rhyme and Meter Crash Course. I haven’t taken the course (yet), but I know others who have taken the full, interactive course, and who speak highly of it and of Renee’s teaching abilities.

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DISCLAIMER: These recommendations are made because I believe in the product. These are not paid advertisements. Not everything works for every person, so I urge you to research them for yourself and determine what is best for you before investing money or time in anything.