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Join Victoria Sherrow on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, as she leads you through a sampler of her awesome picture-book workshop! In the process, help support moms and little ones in need.

In this two-hour, in-person gathering, you’ll learn about different types of picture books, including “slice of life” stories, fantasy, realistic stories, folktales, talking animals, and more. You’ll hear how picture-book writers shape an idea into a manuscript with “child appeal.” Victoria will touch on techniques for plotting, character development, description, viewpoint, and pacing.

Style and presentation are especially important, so we’ll discuss ways to give the manuscript a pleasing rhythm and “read-aloud” qualities, with a text that flows well and fits the picture book format. You’ll learn what editors are looking for. Why do they say “yes” to some manuscripts and reject others?

Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, you only get one chance to impress an agent with your query letter. In this master class, top literary agent Marilyn Allen provides you with insiders’ tips and techniques to accomplish just that. Marilyn is the author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Book Proposals and Query Letters” (Penguin), and

What IS a Writing Residency? How Can You Get One?

Our residency pro shares everything you need to know to select, apply for and land a writer’s residency

Are you toiling over a novel or a book proposal or another writing project, only to be interrupted every minute or hour or day by the pulls of everyday life? If so, a writing residency—a retreat to achieve your writing goals—might be exactly what you need.