Writing Picture Books
Learn what makes picture books special and how to write your own, in four hands-on, creative writing workshops in Oxford.
Tuesday evenings, Oxford, 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’ve been publishing bestselling picture books since 2010, and also have sixteen years of teaching experience. I love to create engaging, lively classes in which students learn through doing (and laughing!).
Essentials
- 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.
- How much? £198 for 4 workshops (plus an optional £120 for individual feedback of up to two picture book manuscripts. Up to 2000 words in total).
- Booking deadline: Tuesday 20th January
Interested but not sure what January is looking like yet? Join my newsletter for reminders. You can sign up at the bottom of this page.
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 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 is everywhere. But it’s tough to know where to start. This workshop will focus on the power of creative constraints to generate ideas for stories. You’ll gain 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’, said the Mad Hatter. But it doesn’t always feel that simple, does it? Through games and exercises, we’ll explore the essentials of story structure. There will be a particular focus on the specifics of picture book structure such as page turns, layout, and the relationship between words and pictures.
Week Four: Character and Voice
Paddington, Olivia, Alfie… picture books teem 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 and how to find that all-important voice.
Feedback on your writing (optional extra for students on the course)
Students on the course may also ask for detailed written feedback on up to two picture book stories (totalling up to 2000 words). I’ll tailor the feedback to your work, but it’ll include advice on things like:
- 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. This optional extra costs £120.
Testimonials from The Inspiration Machine – my creative writing workshop held at the Young V&A, London.
‘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?
We’ll 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’ll 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 story 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?
No. There’ll 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 suggest 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.
