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, June 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 in Higher Education. I love to create engaging, lively classes in which students learn through doing (and laughing!).
Essentials
- When? Four week, in person course, Tuesday evenings, 6.50pm (for a 7pm start) – 9.30pm, 2nd – 23rd June 2026
- 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? Earlybird price of £198 for 4 workshops before April 30th, £220 thereafter (plus an optional £120 for individual feedback of up to two picture book manuscripts. Up to 2000 words in total).
- Booking deadline: Tuesday 26th May 2026
Interested but not sure what June 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: Story Sparks
Inspiration is everywhere. But it’s tough to know where to start. This workshop will focus on generating ideas for stories through the magic of creative constraints, and through connecting with what matters to young children. You’ll gain a toolkit of tips, tricks, and games to get the creative juices flowing!
Week Two: 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 count and layout.
Week Three: Pictures and Characters
Paddington, Olivia, Alfie… picture books teem with loveable, relatable characters. But how do we create them? This workshop will ask what makes a great picture book character, and we’ll have a go at inventing our own. And what is a picture book without, well…pictures! This workshop will also explore the role of the illustrator and the relationship between words and pictures.
Week Four: Finding your Voice
Picture books are full of rich and playful language and are a joy to read aloud. In this workshop we will experiment with voice and explore how to create the kind of rhythmic, patterned language that captivates young readers and keeps them returning to a book time and again.
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
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. After you’ve received written feedback, we’ll arrange a zoom call to talk it through. This optional extra costs £120.
Testimonials
“A brilliant course. Very well structured with varied exercises. Warm, welcoming atmosphere. I had no idea there was so much to a picture book!” Katie H.
“Really excellent class – I found it fun, enjoyable and interesting. Anna had a good structured flow to the classes and I learnt all the things I never knew I needed!” Elly S.
“It was a wonderfully inspirational month of workshops in a relaxed and friendly environment. I’d recommend it to anyone who ever thought about writing or just loves picture books. Brilliant. I can’t wait to try out everything I learned” Andy H.
“This course is well-structured, thoughtful, and really, really useful for anyone interested in dipping their toes into the heady world of kids’ picture books. Each workshop builds clearly on the ones before and includes practical tips and exercises to get the creative juices flowing. Anna’s facilitation is also lovely: very calm and friendly, inclusive, and encouraging. What a great experience!” Nikki N.
“What a wonderful course! each week I’ve come away energised, with actionable information on how to create stories for children in this form. What’s more, the chance to be creative in an unbridled way has trickled through to the rest of my life, so I’m buzzing with new ideas! A wonderful course that I’ll be recommending to everyone!” Sarah J.
” I was worried I wouldn’t know what to write and have surprised myself every time another ingenious hack / creative constraint coaxes new connections and distracts the inner critic – and words appear on the page as if written by someone else! As a writer and editor of non-fiction, I never thought I’d be writing fiction text – much less enjoying the process! – but somehow you have done it. ” Laura P.
“Thank you for such inspiring and motivating workshops” Jane M.
“I have had such an enjoyable month learning from you and talking about picture books with so many lovely, interested people.” Jenny L.
“This course has made writing feel like something I could now do. I have never considered myself a writer. Your course has opened my mind up to new idead and techniques for writing which I feel confident that I can use to write my stories. I didn’t have any ideas at the start, but now I do!” Becky C.
“I’ve so enjoyed the course! It’s been very clearly structured and the mix of teaching/ discussing / doing has really opened up story ideas and helped me move from planning and research to trying and writing.” Lucy C.
“Excellent sessions. Wonderful exercises. Very welcoming to all” Hilary P.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the class and took away a lot of tools, ideas, information that I know will be helpful as I continue this journey:) ” Esmé H.
“Very enjoyable and informative course. Relaxing, Informal and structured. I looked forward to my Tuesday evenings!” Maria R.
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?
There’ll be lots of small group exercises during which we will share and discuss ideas arising from the activities, 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.
