Writing Picture Books
Learn what makes picture books special and how to write your own, in four lively, hands-on workshops.
In person workshops for adults in Oxford, Tuesday evenings, Jan-Feb 2026.
Picture books are special. They’re a shared moment between a child and their grown-up, and often the very first books we experience. Picture books make us laugh together and think together. They are sofa-cuddles, bedtime-snuggles, and magical doorways to a lifetime of reading.
I love writing picture books and sharing this joy with others. In these workshops we will explore a wide range of picture books, from beloved classics to recent hits, and will develop our own skills through hands-on activities and games. By the end of the course you will have:
- a fuller understanding of the specific nature of picture books
- tools for generating story ideas of your own
- insights into how picture books build plot and character.
- a deeper understanding of the relationship between words and pictures.
- tools for developing your unique storytelling voice.
I have been publishing bestselling picture books since 2010, but I also have sixteen years of teaching experience in Higher Education. I pride myself on creating engaging, lively classes in which students learn through doing (and laughing!).
Feedback on manuscripts (optional extra)
For an additional fee, students on the course may also request detailed written feedback on up to two picture book manuscripts (totalling no more than 3000 words). This feedback will be tailored to each individual manuscript but may include advice on:
- Subject matter
- Potential for illustration
- Structure
- Character
- Style
- Layout
I’m a big believer in constructive, encouraging feedback that inspires you to move forward with your writing. I’ll tell you what’s working best in your story, plus detailed advice on how to get it to the next level.
Essentials
- How much? £198 for 4 workshops (plus £120 for individualised feedback of up to two picture book manuscripts totalling no more than 3000 words).
- When? Four week, in person course, one evening a week, 7pm – 9.30pm, 27th January – 17th February
- Where? St Margaret’s Institute, 30, Polstead Road, Oxford, OX2 6TN
- Who? This course is for adults and is suitable for total beginners and published writers alike.
- Booking deadline: Tuesday 20th January
Course Outline: Week by Week
Week One: The Wonderful World of Picture Books
We’ll explore a variety of well-loved books and reflect on what makes picture books unique. Through a series of practical tasks, we’ll consider how to connect with what matters to young children and how to find inspiration in childhood experience.
Week Two: Story Sparks
Inspiration can be found anywhere, but it can be tough to know where to start. This workshop will focus on the power of creative constraints to generate ideas for stories. You will leave with a toolkit of tips, tricks, and games to get the creative juices flowing!
Week Three: Story Shapes
‘Start at the beginning and, when you get to the end, stop’, or so said the Mad Hatter. But it doesn’t always feel that simple, does it? Through a series of games and exercises, we will explore the essentials of story structure. There will be a particular focus on the specifics of picture book structure such as page turns and layout, as well as the relationship between words and pictures.
Week Four: Character and Voice
Paddington, Olivia, Alfie… picture books are teeming with loveable, relatable characters. But how do we create them? The first part of this workshop will ask what makes a great picture book character, and we’ll have a go at inventing our own. The second half will focus on style. We will experiment with tense, person and point of view and learn how to find that all-important voice.
Testimonials from past workshops
‘Has inspired me to attack my latest picture-book with renewed vigour!’
‘Brilliantly engaging!’
‘The workshop inspired me to view writing in a positive and fun way’
‘Really, really enjoyable and interactive’
‘Amazing!!!! I have learned so much’.
‘Fascinating, helpful, life-changing – this will completely change the way I write!’
‘I’m a writer – I can’t tell you how helpful this workshop was’
FAQs
What kind of picture books will the course focus on?
This course will focus on story books, though there are elements that may nonetheless be helpful for creators of non-fiction, novelty or concept books.
Will I have to talk about my own childhood?
Not if you don’t want to. We will reflect on childhood experiences, but if you prefer to avoid the personal, that is absolutely fine. I will never put you on the spot.
Do I need to be working on a picture book already?
Absolutely not! You might have a manuscript in process, or you might have no idea where to begin. All welcome!
Will I learn illustration skills too?
No – I don’t have the expertise! We will certainly explore the relationship between words and pictures, but the focus will be on writing.
Will I have to share my work with others?
No. There will be lots of small group exercises during which we will share and discuss ideas, but we won’t be reading and critiquing each other’s work.
Will there be homework?
No. Life is too busy for homework! I may ask you to bring in a favourite picture book to share, but that’s it. I will also give you further writing activities to try at home, but these are entirely optional.
What if I have to miss a class?
At the end of every class, you’ll get a booklet summarising what we covered. I can send this to you along with an outline of the class activities so that you can do these at home if you wish to.
Can I get feedback on my picture book manuscript without doing the course?
Not at the moment, though I’m developing a separate feedback service. Please sign up for my newsletter if you’d like to be kept up to date.
I can’t get to Oxford! Is there an online course?
Not yet… but I’m working on it! If you’d like to know when this will be ready, then please sign up for my newsletter.
Can I book for fewer than four workshops?
I’m afraid not. These workshops build on each other week on week, so I’m only taking bookings for the block.
I have a special need and/or disability. Are these workshops accessible?
St Margaret’s Institute is wheelchair accessible. For other needs please get in touch directly and I’ll be happy to discuss how best to make the course accessible to you.
