Are you interested in writing stories for children? Maybe you have an idea for a story but you’re not sure how to go about writing it. Maybe you’d like to write for children but aren’t sure for which age-group. Or maybe you’re just looking for a bit of inspiration and informed advice.
Whatever your situation and level of writing experience, these practical and informative courses will give you the help and inspiration you need to tell your story – whether it’s a picture book, middle grade or young adult fiction.
My name is Alan Durant and I’m the award-winning author of over one hundred books for children – from picture book to young adult thrillers (my most recent picture book Quill Soup was nominated for the English Association Award and has been awarded a prestigious White Raven) and my most recent Middle Grade novel Clownfish was nominated for the Carnegie Medal).
I’ve been running regular courses on writing for children in England, France and South Africa for The Guardian, Penguin Random House and my own too for several years. They’ve been very successful, but, of course, there are many people who haven’t been able to attend for geographical reasons. So, I’ve devised an online course that anyone anywhere can participate in!
Introductory Course on Writing for Children
The course runs for ten weeks through a dedicated, password-accessed website with five separate downloadable modules covering ideas and content, characterisation, structure and plot, settings and style. The modules will carry a mixture of information, practical advice and writing tasks. There will also be some useful video content, a weekly optional Zoom session and regular opportunities for chat within the group, as well as some feedback.
The next course begins on 1 November and costs £150.
Crafting Your Story
If you’ve done any of my courses and want to move your writing on to the next level or want support with a manuscript you’re working on, then this is the course for you. It runs for 8 weeks through weekly 2 hour Zoom workshops in which participants (a maximum of ten) share short sections of a work in progress and receive feedback from the group and from me. Each participant will also have the opportunity to benefit from two one-to-one tutorials during the course.
The next course begins on 12 November and costs £150.
Email me at alandurant58@gmail.co.uk or visit www.storysoupstore.com for further information and bookings.
“The exercises are great! I really enjoy doing them and they make me think.” Victoria
“Thank you so much for the feedback. It’s so helpful.” Amelia
“I’m really enjoying the assignments. It’s great to have a brief to work from and tasks that force me to think creatively.” Emily