Thanks to a recent comment made by a fellow Children’s Book Hub member, I thought I would let you in on a little of my writing world, after all this is a writer’s blog, right?
A few years ago I wrote a very rough draft of a novel and not knowing anything about writing, its process, how to go about submitting manuscripts etc.. I emailed a freelance editor who kindly replied, was impressed and critiqued my work, offering tips, and advice. With a lot of rework needed I went back to the drawing boards. After awhile I realised I really needed to have some direction in how to write if I was really serious about it. So I scoured the internet looking for some sort of course where I could do it at home in my own time, without preying eyes and the time restraints of a classroom.
I had been a regular viewer of Emma Walton Hamilton’s Blog for sometime, so when she started up “Just Write for Kids” a Home Study Course in Writing Picture Books, I was interested. Naturally I had questions – as I was reworking a novel , would her picture book course be of any use? I needn’t
have worried. I can only say that while I was more a reserved student, I found it very helpful indeed. Emma’s kind, patient, coaching, and easy to understand step by step processes in bringing a picture book to life, is a must course to take. From themes, plots, styles, to fleshing out characters, using effective dialogues, and editing, Emma leaves no stone unturned in delivering a comprehensive workshop right into your own home. Whether just getting your feet wet, or already a published author needing a refresher, you will find Emma touches on points that could be used across all genres of writing. Her passion shows in her answers to questions and continued encouragement, which has helped immensely to build my confidence in the belief, that I have something
to offer. I was delighted when she went on to set up the Children’s Book Hub, which houses anything from Resources, such as conferences, organisation links, and workshops, to Newsletters, Special Guest Seminars led by Emma and Question and Answer calls with Emma herself. There is also a forum where writers chat about all aspects of writing, sharing what they have discovered, asking for advice and picking up new and interesting ideas. Emma is there to guide and advise as always with her vast knowledge. It is with this new-found confidence I have started a 5Word/Sentence game within the Hub. Think of 5 words and during the course of a week, the other members are coming up with a sentence for each word. A great strategy for writers block, finding a new idea, maybe needing help with editing your work, a sentence or paragraph is alluding you, helping to stretch that creative mind within. What better way to receive some help and have fun all at the same time. I hope you will join us.
Ahhh such is the life of a writer……… and I have only just got my feet wet.
Writer and Dreamer at work 
What a great shout out Diane. I had already written a little about how JWFK exceeded all my expectations on my blog and was feeling a need to rave a little about the Hub, so I am glad you have. As I read your post I can feel your growing confidence reaching out to us, and I think it is exactly the sort of outcome (of many) that Emma hopes for for those of us immersed in The Children’s Book Hub (and JWFK). I feel quite honoured to have been able to sign up at the beginning and be able to watch how it develops, as I can imagine it will gain quite a following in the Kid’s Lit community. Anyhow, great write-up Diane.
P.S. You already know that I think your 5Word/5sentence game is excellent 😉
Joanna
Thankyou Joanna, as always a lovely reply. I too feel very honoured to be in the beginning process of The Children’s Book Hub as I was with the JWFK. Yes I hope other Hub members will, like us, express their opinions on the Hub, as Emma is always willing to expand or develop it according to our needs, a wonderful place to grow in. Thankyou for your comments on my confidence and the 5Word/Sentence game. It was you, that gave me the vision for this post, so thanks.
Really nice write-up about JWFK and the Children’s Book. It has become such an important part of our writing lives and we are indeed privileged to be involved in such a stimulating community of writers. I do agree, the course is the basis for all writing genres. I am so glad that I didn’t submit my work prematurely without learning the special structure for writing children’s books. We have learnedvaluable information about writing trends, agents and publishers. The course and the Hub is priceless and just plain fun! Really enjoy the 5Word/Sentence game you launched — it stretches us and allows us to play.
Thankyou Patricia for your comment.
I agree with you, we have learnt so much already with our writing. The Course and the Hub are such fun. Pleased you are enjoying the game, lets hope more join us.
Thanks for putting a link to this post on the Hub, Diane. I had not seen it before. It is indeed an excellent shout-out for both JWFK and for the Hub. I have learned so much through both opportunities — Emma is a gem, and such an encouraging teacher. How did we get to be so lucky?
Thankyou Beth, that is high praise indeed. I agree we have learnt so much,and I also wonder how we got to be so lucky…… *smiles*.
Hi Diane,
This was wonderful to hear! I feel like I am in the pond swiming with the right ducks now!
I will spend more time on this site, looking around at older post and joining in on your 5word game. It is a great idea and I am sure will be very helpful in the writing process..
Thank you so much for your help,
Hi Ronda,
So pleased you dropped by and by all means look around. The first SCBWI meeting, you may enjoy reading to. I am going to my second one next week and will report on here how that went.
Oh yes you are in the right pond, ….. enjoy.
So pleased you are joining in the game, and thankyou, nice to have you aboard.
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