Writing & Publishing   

Interest in freelance book illustration – especially children’s titles – is growing. We will explore concept development, writing, page layout and type, composition for visual impact, and market appeal, all leading to your personal art style. Topics to consider: client interaction and pricing; prep for printing, publishing options, portfolio considerations. We will discuss book mock-up options, and presentation techniques. Bring a current work-in-progress to develop for one-on-one review, and group collaboration. Share experiences with other aspiring artists. 

When should you consider literary representation? This two-hour workshop covers everything you need to answer that question.

1. What can a literary agent do for you?

2. The different types of literary representation.

3. Resources for finding the perfect match.

4. How to query an agent, including query letters, log lines, and elevator pitches.

5. Signing on the dotted line and more.

 A PDF of the class presentation will be available to attendees at the conclusion of the class.

What is a writer platform, and how do you get one? The writer platform consists of the tools you use to introduce yourself to your target readers. The platform also shows editors and agents that you have a built-in audience for your product. This two-hour workshop will break down the essentials of a writer platform. We’ll discuss the best social media options and how to fit social media into your schedule, along with a primer on websites and newsletters. A PDF of the class presentation will be available to attendees at the conclusion of the class.

Is there a book locked inside of you? Is it a novel, a memoir, or a guide? Or are you unsure what it is? What’s standing between you and your writer dreams? This two-hour workshop explores how to get those ideas down on paper and what happens after you write THE END.

We’ll discuss publishing gatekeepers, the different roads to publication, and the pros and cons of indie versus traditional publishing. It’s time to start your writing journey. Are you ready? A PDF of the class slide deck will be available to attendees at the conclusion of the class.

Let’s create new journals from old books! Using a hard-covered book, you will learn how to successfully deconstruct it by removing the text block. You will then reinforce the spine and create signatures (groups of papers to form the pages) using a variety of papers. Once that’s finished, decide how you want to organize your pages, and we will talk about the various options. Using some book binding tools, I will show you how to stitch in the signatures and create the inside covers. Bring a hard-cover book, around 5" x 8" with a spine no wider than 1.5". Choose a book whose cover you like, as we will be leaving them as they are. A $20 materials fee is payable to the instructor at the first class.

Journaling has many established benefits, from stress reduction to self-discovery and understanding. But oftentimes words are inadequate to express the nuances of what we are experiencing, processing, or trying to understand more deeply. Using guided imagery as a springboard, we will work with color and image to expand the practice of journaling into more dimensional forms. Journalers and artists, as well as those with no previous experience, are welcome with an openness to inner exploration and outward expression. Basic sketchbook-type journals and colored markers included in tuition. Students may bring other materials if desired.