Join a published children's author and discover how you can touch the hearts of children by creating books for them. If you're a beginning writer, this course will help you transform a book idea into a finished product that you'll be proud to place into the hands of potential publisher. And if you're already a successful writer, this course will help you explore new opportunities and markets for your work.

In this highly interactive, hands-on course, you'll take pen to paper and begin work on your very first fiction or nonfiction manuscript. In the process, you'll explore the changing world of children's literature and understand the various formats--from baby's first books to novels for young adults. You'll get insights from guest authors and editors to gain a better understanding of the needs of today's market. By researching the genre and recognizing niche players, you'll open doors of opportunity, many of which you may not have previously considered. By the time you finish this course, you'll have all the tools and resources you'll need to continue to grow as a writer for children.

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Recommended Courses:

Students who enrolled in Writing for Children were also interested in the following courses:

Guided Reading and Writing: Strategies for Maximum Student Achievement

Beginner's Guide to Getting Published

Big Ideas in Little Books

Beginning Writer's Workshop

Enhancing Language Development in Childhood

Mystery Writing

Publish it Yourself: How to Start and Operate Your Own Publishing Business

Ready, Set, Read!

Understanding Adolescents

Writeriffic: Creativity Training for Writers

Syllabus:

All courses run for six weeks, with a two-week grace period at the end. Two lessons are released each week for the six-week duration of the course. You do not have to be present when the lesson is released, but you must complete each lesson within two weeks of its release.

A new section of each course starts on the second or third Wednesday of each month. If enrolling in a series of two or more courses, please be sure to space the start date for each course at least two months apart.

Week One

Wednesday - Lesson 01

Are you a beginning writer with a story to tell or a published writer who wishes to build on your successes? Do you dream of creating books that children will love? In our first lesson, we're going to revisit your childhood in order to help you move forward in your writing career. We'll spend time with a children's media consultant to learn about her childhood, her love for books, and the changing face of children's publishing. You'll discover that the best way to write well is to read well-written books. And, we'll discuss that Harry character and the impact he has on your future.

Friday - Lesson 02

In this lesson, we'll focus specifically on children's picture books. We'll start by defining the category of picture books and dissect a few samplings on the shelves—board books, cloth books, picture books, and picture storybooks. We'll spend some time with noted children's picture book author and illustrator Ian Falconer, creator of the "Olivia" books. And you'll discover a magic number.

Week Two

Wednesday - Lesson 03

In today's lesson, we'll explore books for beginning readers and discover resources available to writers to assist them in their creation of books that children will love to read (and read because they love them). We'll visit with an editor of children's educational materials and a relatively new writer who's made his introduction into children's writing through the educational market. And we'll uncover opportunities for you in this category of children's literature.

Friday - Lesson 04

Today, we'll explore the world of literature designed for the middle school and high school readers. We'll uncover the reasons why these books are demanding a larger amount of shelf space in libraries and bookstores. We'll spend time with an expert on young adult literature and learn more about this relatively new area of children's literature.

Week Three

Wednesday - Lesson 05

In today's lesson, we'll embark on a nonfiction book tour. Because good fiction is rooted in accurate facts, there's wonderful information in today's sampling for fiction writers, too, especially in the area of research. Travel along with an expert in nonfiction research, and discover how you can improve your writing by uncovering facts through primary and secondary sources. We've come a long way from bland biographies!

Friday - Lesson 06

Today, you'll join a group of eleven writers who between them have penned almost 200 books and magazine articles! Some of the writers are relatively new to the craft. Others have been doing it for many years. All of them are growing in their profession, and all will openly share what's worked (and what hasn't worked) for them. You'll learn about their typical writing day, their sources of inspiration, and the passion behind their creative endeavors.

Week Four

Wednesday - Lesson 07

In this lesson, our guest writers will share information about the research that goes into a book idea. We'll discuss the energy devoted to fine-tuning that first page in order to grab an editor's attention. Our guest writers will share tricks that help them think visually throughout the writing process, and they'll offer some of their successes in creating pages that readers want to turn.

Friday - Lesson 08

Grab your red pens—it's time to edit! Our guest writers know that writing is all about rewriting. Today, you'll journey with them as they share some of the methods they use to turn their first drafts into contracted manuscripts. You'll discover how to read like an editor and improve your publishing opportunities. They'll tell you why you should surround yourself with a circle of like-minded writers—your critique group—to gather fresh input, perspective, and suggestions regarding your writing. And you'll get started with your critique group right away—as part of your class assignment, you'll be invited to submit part of a working manuscript for your fellow students to critique.

Week Five

Wednesday - Lesson 09

In this lesson, we're going to explore the needs of publishing houses to help guide you in your search for finding a home for your book manuscript or magazine article. You'll discover how to improve your odds through market research. You'll uncover the resources that our guest writers use to target publishers and how they know the right time to send out their manuscripts. And we'll spend a few moments with an editorial director from an educational publishing house to learn more about the growing needs in this specialty market.

Friday - Lesson 10

Today, you'll learn how to align yourself with published authors by appearing professional through the submission process. We'll spend time with a noted author discussing query and cover letters, and you'll learn how to craft correspondence to gain the attention of editors. You'll find out how to get your submission out of the slush pile and onto the desks of editors. You'll learn the correct way to format your manuscript, and laugh along with our guest writers as they share some of their favorite rejection stories (and the lessons they learned in the process).

Week Six

Wednesday - Lesson 11

In today's lesson, we'll explore the business side of children's publishing. We'll move beyond the writing and submission components and into the world of contracts and promotion. You'll learn all about it through the words of a seasoned marketing pro who specializes in the children's publishing world. You'll learn how to get your books off of bookshelves and into the hands of your readers. And you'll have fun with us as our writer guides share some of their favorite promotional tricks too.

Friday - Lesson 12

As we wrap up our course on writing for children, we'll look for ways to continue to grow ourselves as writers. Journey with us one more time as we learn how professional writers continue to develop in their craft each and every day. You'll discover organizations and online communities that offer support to writers. You'll meet the president of the largest association of children's writers and illustrators. And you'll hear final words of advice from our guest writers as they welcome you into the world of children's publishing. Dream big, and write well!

This course includes a knowledgeable and caring instructor who will guide you through your lessons, facilitate discussions, and answer your questions. The instructor for this course will be Carol Parenzan Smalley.

Carol Parenzan Smalley is a children's writer, an editor, a library consultant, and a college instructor. Her books for children include Fats, Oils, and Sweets for Scholastic, No Hands Allowed: DaMarcus Beasley, Robbie Reader Biography: Henry Hudson, and Extreme Sports: Riding the Giant Wave with Garrett MacNamara for Mitchell Lane Publishing, A Mathematical Walk through an Amusement Park for TouchSmart, a guide to American Sign Language for Barnes and Noble, a five-book series on the U.S. government for Perfection Learning, and more. She is a frequent contributor to publications for writers, and she spends her free time conducting workshops for her many readers.

Requirements:

Access to a library or bookstore that stocks children's books, Microsoft Word or other word processing software, Internet access, e-mail, and the Netscape or Firefox or Internet Explorer Web browser.

Student Reviews:

"Across the world, I felt a little nervous and distant when this course started, but, I have had a great time and experienced a large learning curve. It has been a privilege to work with such a talented teacher and class."

"After printing some of the materials from our class, I have a 3-ring binder the size of a metro city’s telephone book!"

"As a person just trying to understand the industry and write her first manuscript, I found the class extremely helpful."

"As a person just trying to understand the industry and write her first manuscript, I found the class extremely helpful."

"As a retired school teacher with 28 years of expericence, I was impressed with the quality of the lessons, quizzes, and assignments."

"As I finish this last assignment, I shed a happy tear. A happy tear because I have met some wonderful people in the beginning of my journey. I have already started to set roots and grow. It has been a pleasure meeting and working with all of you. Thank you for making the first leg of my journey a most memorable one. Until we meet again..."

"As someone who is just starting to write, I can say that at times I was overwhelmed with all the great info. (I kept thinking, I just need to sit down and write something on paper before I worry about the rest of this.) So, I copied it all down, in the hope that some day, I will be able to use it. The best thing about this course was that I actually did start to put something down on paper...I know I would not have done that without the 'assignments.' Thanks for the 'kick in the backside.' Thanks for all the great resources, too. I know they will be helpful in the future."

"At first I didn't think I would like this class; I thought I had too much experience and wasted my money. But then, as we got into the lessons, I learned so much and will be taking tons of valuable information away with me. This course was listed for beginner or advanced writers, and that sure is correct. Well done."

"Because of your encouragement, I had the courage to glue wings on my short story and let it fly off to a publisher. What an exhilarating feeling!"

"Carol as an instructor and pseudo mentor fulfilled all of my expectations. Her ability to provide positive critisism has allowed me to know that if I continue, I can succeed! She is a GREAT teacher......inspiring, giving, nurturing!"

"Carol, by faith, I am going to leap off the springboard of your encouragement, hoping to land with a published book in hand!"

"Carol has a wealth of information to share, and as she said to me in class, she was happy to have been the little bird on my shoulder while I was discovering the world of children's writing. I found the discussion areas very helpful and there was a lot of classmate interaction. Carol encouraged us to do this and learn from each other because this is some of what writers do in order to grow their craft. It's a course for a path and a plan for the future."

"Carol, I just wanted to thank you and everyone else who participated and made this such a great class. This was the first time I had ever shown my work in 'public,' and I am thankful for all of the positive support and encouragement I received."

"Carol is a fabulous teacher! I would like someday to take a course that delves more thoroughly into Children's Literature, but found many resources here that encourage me to research this topic on my own. Thank you!"

"Carol is an outstanding teacher. She is extremely knowledgeable about children's books and the publishing world. She is dedicated to her students. I highly recommend this course."

"Carol is a surperb instructor, extremely knowlegable and interactive. My only regret is that the end was inevitable. I would love to see more courses offered by Carol!"

"Carol- I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your class. You got me excited to read and study children's books, which for me will be another medium for art. I'm sorry that it's coming to an end. I will miss everyone."

"Carol led us on a wonderful journey. Every step of the way she was a thoughtful and caring instructor that was willing to interact with us. She made me feel like I can take on the world in Writing for Children! Thank you, Carol, and may our paths one day cross again."

"Carol Parenzan Smalley is an energetic instructor. Her knowledge of the subject, Writing for Children, is extremely competent and thorough. She offers an abundance of materials and resources. The assignments present delightful challenges which lead one through all the different levels and genres of Children’s Literature. Carol covered different components of publishing from the publishing houses to the business and legal side of publishing children’s books. Finally, each student is encouraged to draw up a written plan for their writing future. I am grateful to Carol for developing such a comprehensive course. I gained the ability to keep abreast of the new books in different genres emerging in the children’s literature market. I have a new appreciation for the publishing world. I have a better understanding of professional organizations, writer’s conferences and critique groups. Most importantly, I leave this course with a desire to continue writing for children."

"Carol, please let me tell you how great this class was for me. I have not done anything like this for 30 years. I am 50 years old and have been ill most of my life, sometimes not even able to leave my bed. This class has given me a new outlook on life. Although I may never become an author or even publish one book, it has taken me into a good place."

"Carol, (this was) an outstanding class. I feel like I've learned so much and have so many additional resources which you provided to review. Thanks for the easy to follow lessons, practical, hands on assignments, and timely feedback on all of our assignments. I will be sure to recommend your class to others. This work has really made me want to be a writer and author. I loved finding out about a publisher whose mission matches my passion so beautifully."

"Carol, you have taught me to be the character, not just look at him and talk about him. That is a tremendous aspect to writing. Thanks for all of your dedication."

"Even though this is the last lesson, this is really the beginning for me. I have loved reading children's books and thought about writing for a long time. This class has opened up an entire new world for me. I have filled my research bag with books and continue to read and read and discover. All of the great information received in this class will help me focus and put a plan together that is manageable with work and other activities. Thanks for the inspiration."

"Even though we are writers, words cannot convey the lasting impact this class has had on me. It has been more difficult than I thought to say good-bye."

"Excellent course. I liked the information provided by children's writers, at various stages in their careers - from beginning, as most of us are, to seasoned writers. Also the multitude of resources and websites have given me a truck load of tools to succeed as a children's writer. It's up to me now."

"Great class, Carol—an amazing look into the somewhat daunting children’s writing world. I plan to continue to explore the many, many sites and books you’ve introduced us to. I plan to join the SCBWI sometime this year. I want to finish my books and see if I can actually get one published."

"Great course!!! Wonderful instructor!!!! I really enjoyed the class. The feedback was very constructive. I also found it very helpeful to read other student's work."

"Great course. Wonderful instructor. I really enjoyed the class. The feedback was very constructive. I also found it very helpful to read other students' work."

"I almost didn't take this course. I was so filled with self-doubt and phony excuses that I had pretty much decided to bag the whole idea. I am SO glad I didn't listen to myself! I have gained so much from this course and I am fired up to pursue my dream of being a writer. (I am a writer!)"

"I am so glad I took this course! It really has inspired me to take my casual interest in writing children's books more seriously. I plan to make more time for my writing and start keeping better track of the ideas that pop into my head. I plan to spend a lot more time at my local library doing research. And maybe one day I will get serious about trying to get published. Thank you, Carol and fellow students, it has been a real pleasure."

"I cannot think of another course that I found so exhilarating, enjoyable, and challenging! I was very skeptical about taking a course online. This is my first, but it will not be my last. Thanks to Carol, our instructor. You are a professional par excellence! The lessons were thought-provoking and informative. I enjoyed exploring the web sites as much as sitting on the floor in the children's section of the local bookstore investigating the latest in children's lit."

"I'd just like to say how thankful I am that I had the opportunity to take this class. I have learned so much and I am amazed at the wealth of information in this class. You've made this class so enjoyable. I so appreciate all of your positive feedback. You always had something positive to say in all of our discussions. This is just the first of many writing classes to come for me. I'm looking forward to taking Writing for Children II when it becomes available. I've just gotten my feet wet and I'm ready to jump in!"

"I do know that I am in this for the long haul and will work at it constantly and consistently. This is the most enjoyable work I have ever found to do -- even though it also causes lots of anxiety. Thanks for all your help, Carol. And thanks to my fellow students and their encouraging comments."

"I enjoyed this course. Well planned and delivered by Carol."

"I feel like I know you even though we never met in person, your voice shines through in your writing. It's nice to have dreams and feel creative. It's the process that counts more than the goal of being published or making money. They say follow your passion and the rest will happen. Many thanks for your encouragement."

"I feel very fortunate to have found such an amazing course! Out of all the classes I have attended throughout my career, this one ranks with the very best. It far exceeded my expectations."

"I found myself on pins and needles waiting for the next lesson."

"I found this to be a great on-line first course for me. The content was interesting, insightful, and well presented. For this particular course, I thought it was a stroke of genius on the instructor's part to have other authors and writers share their experiences and successes with us. It was like having visiting professors for your class. Refreshing!"

"I gained much from this course: knowledge, confidence, insight, advice, resources. There wasn't a completed manuscript on my desk by the end of the six weeks, but there was a huge increase in my confidence that I have the ability to make that happen. I grew both as a writer and a person. Not bad for a six-week effort!"

"I had been flying by the seat of my pants for about two years as I blindly entered the world of children's writing. This course gave me reassurance that I was on the right track. Now I have one less thing to worry about and I can concentrate on writing, instead!"

"I have learned a lot about what I don't know already, and I'm only on lesson 3!"

"I have learned much from this course. I feel it gives you a good background and skills to enter the children's writing field. The discussion section is the place to get questions answered, feedback on your work, and bonding. I am glad I chose to take this course. I know not what road I will eventually travel down, but I do know I have the skills to navigate the road if I choose."

"I have loved this course, loved reading all of the wonderful stories, and mostly loved watching everyone share so eagerly their own experiences with writing. There has been such a delightful spirit of comraderie in this group. It has been an honor and a priviledge to have been a part of it. Carol, thank you for such a great few weeks. I've enjoyed every lesson and appreciated the attentiveness you've shown to all of us in the discussion areas."

"I have reams of material to review as well as many web-sites to visit. What a wealth of information! I'm a little overwhelmed at the moment, but I know it will be useful as I continue to work on getting my books published."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed your class. I especially appreciated your obvious love for what you do. Your love for writing (and teaching) is infectious. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement."

"I just recieved a request (from a publisher) to review my manuscript for the children's book I was posting during this class! I also want to thank you for being such a wonderful teacher. I owe you a lot of credit for this small but important step in my writing career. Even if they don't want to publish my book, I still feel a sense of accomplishment in being asked to see the manuscript."

"I just want to let you know how much I truly appreciated this course. The information, pacing, resources, assignments, and feedback were exceptional! Mostly, though, I want to thank you for your gentle, but clear commmunicaton style. It was a joy working with a writing expert who values kindness over criticism. You have made a huge impact on us all. Thank you."

"I knew that I did not know much when starting this course a mere 6 weeks ago. Now 6 weeks later, I am fully aware of how much less I really knew then, yet at the same time how much I have learned. You have given me permission to write; whatever comes out. There is time to go over the words, edit, correct, rewrite; but first it has to make its way out of my head. This course has been a great education; but even more it has inspired me to continue the journey and enjoy it along the way. It is daunting but exciting. Carol, words can not really convey how much I enjoyed your course; so I will simply say, thank you."

"I loved this course so much. This was my first writing class, and I feel confident to take another one. This couse taught me so much and Carol was the best instructor. Even though I did not meet her, I still felt her beside me through every lesson and every assignment. I will miss her very much."

"I loved this course. Through it using Carol's encouragement and suggestions, I am off in a whole new direction for my life."

"I must say I am sad for this class to end. I have really enjoyed learning along with everyone in the discussion area and sharing ideas. I feel so much more confident about where my writing will take me after completing this course."

"In completion of this course, I feel like I have completed a master’s program in the field of Writing for Children. Really! Thank you."

"I originally signed up for this class to help me with my writing career. I thought I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do. Now, however, with every lesson that I complete, I discover another avenue that I’d like to explore!"

"I really liked the idea of having a lot of children's authors participating in the design of the class. It was great to have the other ideas."

"It is very obvious that Carol loves what she does. She's clear, kind and very knowledgeable. I loved this class."

"It is with sadness that I approach the end of this course. This has been the best learning experience for me, probably due to the fact that I love children's books, but more importantly, because of the interesting and informative way the material was presented. Your comments for all of us have always been positive and helpful. The information and author guests in each lesson have been great, and again, the wealth of web sites and books have been tremendous."

"I've become more brave through this class, and found tons of resources I didn't know about. Thanks Carol. This class was not what I thought, but it was even better than I expected."

"I was amazed at the amount of material that Carol covered in 6 weeks. I learned so much and I am very grateful to Carol for sharing so much of her experience, insight, knowledge, encouragement, and wit with her cyberspace students. You are very fortunate to have her on your teaching staff."

"I will be using a lot of this information long after this course is over."

"I will not stop until I am published or perished!"

"I would definitely take this course again. Carol was great and very patient with my questions and of her input into my writing. I've learned a lot from her and from everyone else in the class."

"I would highly recommend Writing for Children. Carol provides excellent resources and information in her course. She provides helpful and encouraging interaction with her students. She has a delightful sense of humor. I can tell she really enjoys writing for children herself, as well as teaching others how to write for children."

"I would like to thank you for this awsome class! It was so helpful and un-intimidating. Last Thursday I submitted a 300-page memoir style novel to an editor at Random House who read my query and first chapter and wanted to see the manuscript."

"Ms. Smalley taught us above and beyond the subject matter. The topics covered in the lessons often applied to much more than just writing children's literature. This was an extremely helpful course and the instructor is one of the very best. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to break into the writing world, whether in children's literature or otherwise."

"Online or on campus, this instructor and this course were by far the most interesting, helpful, and informative class that I have ever taken. This instructor's classes are well organized and presented, her comments most helpful and encouraging, and her selection of additional resources are so comprehensive that they are the equivalent of several additional courses. Before I took this class, I was planning only to write family stories for my children and grandchildren. Inspired by this instructor, I am now taking a different, and I believe more rewarding path in writing stories not only for my family but also for publication. I plan to take every class this instructor teaches. Her personality comes through in her lessons and her comments in the Discussion Area. Thank you to the online administration for finding this gem of an instructor!"

"Special thanks to Carol for providing a beacon. Your guiding light has illuminated a path forward. No matter what the outcome, I will continue to create and find my unique voice. Thank you for providing a safe haven for an adrift writer."

"Thanks, Carol, for your encouragement, insights, and thoughtful wisdom. As others have mentioned, you are indeed an amazing teacher as well as a talented writer and compassionate mentor."

"Thanks, Carol. It was a great class, and it gets me excited to be working on stories. I really will miss class."

"Thanks, Carol! You've been a great teacher...I hope this publishing dream comes true...when I hit the big time, I'll send along an autographed copy of my bestseller to you!"

"Thanks for providing this course! Your information was really useful, your feedback was valuable, and I found the course content inspiring!"

"Thanks for the encouragement, Carol. If I'd had a teacher in my younger years cheer me on (instead of just telling me to "apply myself" -- how many times did I hear that over the years?), maybe I would have seriously pursued a writing career when I was younger."

"Thanks to Carol and fellow classmates for an extremely insightful and fun class! This class far exceeded my expectations, Carol. I feel like it has launched me in a very exciting direction."

"Thank you all for the most inspirational class I have ever taken. I am sure that in the future I will place less things in my way to chasing this interest."

"Thank you all for the support, the encouragement, the friendship, the good reading of stories yet to be, and to Carol. This became more than just a course to me; it became a bonding of a group of people who all had the same passion. To write and publish a book, be it a board book, a picture book, a chapter book, a middle grade book, or a young adult book. We were all on the same page, to write and let people read or listen to our stories. We leave this course feeling a little more confident in ourselves, gained a giant bundle of knowledge, made some friends, and loved the instructor. (She really did a great job and put a great amount of time and thought in the lessons and shared much more than I think we could ever imagine.)"

"Thank you, Carol, for all the information you are giving us in this course! I feel like someone who's been let out of the locked closet, at this point. Even the writing magazines didn't give me as much information about writing and publishing as I've gotten in the course. I feel liberated and ready to move forward with publishing now."

"Thank you, Carol, for opening up so many aspects of writing that I’d never even considered. I no longer feel like I’m working inside my hermetically sealed mind. Now I have a librarian, a bookstore owner, a brace of authors’ websites, and my colleagues in class to help me navigate this labyrinth of inner space."

"Thank you, Carol, for your words of wisdom and your ability to encourage a discussion group. Your challenging replies to our discussion questions made us use our heads and spark our own creative solutions to our dilemmas. That gave us confidence."

"Thank you, Carol. I enjoyed the course. I still have an awful lot to learn about being a successful writer, but this course has set me on the path towards successfully publishing one day in the not too distant future."

"Thank you for a delightful journey through children's writing. I have learned more than I thought possible. I will continue to work on my story and see where it goes."

"Thank you for a great class. I enjoyed the introduction to new authors and appreciate the information and lists of resources. The interaction with the other members made this especially enjoyable. My writing plan is in motion."

"Thank you for offering this extremely helpful course! The instructor is committed to helping each student learn and grow as a potential writer and does a great job of sharing her own enthusiasm for children's literature. This class has provided the inspiration and practical strategies to help me pursue a dream that has been sitting on the shelf for awhile. I highly recommend this course for anyone interested in pursuing writing for children."

"Thank you for presenting such a wonderful course. This has been one of the most informative and easy to understand courses I have taken. What fun this course has been ... sometimes we all need to be reminded to look at the world thru children's eyes and life's work will be more enjoyable. I am having fun just being a kid again. Now I must hit the BOOKS."

"Thank you so much, Carol, for putting so much of your heart and soul into this course. This is certainly a jumpstart to my children's writing career!"

"Thank you so much for making this class incredible! I never knew I could learn so much in such a short period of time. Carol, your example and words of wisdom have helped so much!"

"Thank you. This has been a great class. I've learned way more than I ever dreamed - almost too much information - my notebook is overflowing. I know that I will reference this material many times in the years to come. This class, as well as the student discussion areas, have been priceless. Thank you, everyone."

"Thank you! This was an amazing class--both informative and inspirational. I was looking for a class that would help motivate me, challenge me and open my eyes to the world of writing and publishing children's literature, and I was not disappointed in the least."

"Thank you to Carol for an interesting, informative, and encouraging class and for all of your personal involvement with each of us through the discussions. We appreciate your sharing yourself with us and hope your writing journey continues to go well. Thanks to all the other students for opening up your ideas and dreams and writing to encourage the rest of us. It's a wonderful thing to know that so many people from so many places and backgrounds are hoping to contribute to children's literature."

"The best thing about this course is the fact that it's online. I can do my classes 24/7 and it made a huge difference for me. I've been sick through part of the class and child care would have been a nightmare if I had to be physically present in a classroom."

"The content and presentation of this course were excellent. The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided enthusiastic support. I am looking forward to similar courses and other courses that this instructor may offer."

"The course has provided me with a good foundation for making my dream a reality, if not today, then sometime in the not too distant future."

"There were many insightful observations, first-hand reporting, and the inclusion of resources to tap into that made this a wonderful class."

"The roundtable of authors offered a personal twist that helped me to find someone I could relate with and understand concerning key course concepts."

"This class has been a great inspiration for my writing and has given me the nudge I needed to get started!"

"This class is a rare gem. Any aspiring writer for children should grab this prize!"

"This class was fabulous! Carol has done a magnificent job of presenting valuable lessons, practical, hands-on assignments, timely feedback, and a WEALTH of resources for us to take with us as we leave the course. Anyone who takes this course won't be sorry and will be many steps closer to becoming a Writer for Children."

"This class was great. And Carol did a great job with every lesson."

"This course and Carol have broadened my horizons as to writing for children. The information that was given was highly useful and the input from Carol was always positive and helpful in ways in which we could learn and grow. I'd highly recommend this course to anyone in the least bit interested in pursuing writing for children. It has been an inspirational undertaking for me!"

"This course and Carol have broadened my horizons as to writing for children. The information that was given was highly useful and the input from Carol was always positive and helpful in ways in which we could learn and grow. I'd highly recommend this course to anyone the least bit interested in pursuing writing for children. It has been an inspirational undertaking for me!"

"This course has been a life-altering event for me. It has taken me twelve years to discover such an opportunity existed to be confirmed and mentored online. The encouragemnet I received from Carol rekindled my hope as a writer and gave me the oomph I needed. I realized this class brought a discipline into my life I desperately needed. Should I have the opportunity to be published, a portion of my dedication page would certainly be to her."

"This course is one of the best things I have ever done for myself. Many, many thanks for this well-structured, gently-guided class. I shall always be grateful."

"This course offered a realistic view of the Children's Book Industry. The materials presented throughtout the course gave an overview of information that allows the student to develop a more realistic idea of where they are and the steps they should take to grow as a writer. The dialogue with the other writers at various stages of their careers helped to keep things in perspective. Becoming a published writer is an overwhelming process. But, through the dialogue with the instructor and the writers, the supplemental information and sources, encouragement, and hard work, I hope that the result will be many more quality stories for today's youth."

"This course was amazing. Carol was as hands-on as online can get. I hope there is a Part II to this class someday!! Thank you so much."

"This course was chock-a-block full of useful, accessible information. Although Carol is an expert in children's books, I enjoyed her inclusion of information from others in the field. I especially enjoyed reading the input of guest authors; some were published, others were not published. Reading their input gave me hope. I found it refreshing to read information that was not "cookie cutter" advice. Such inclusions gave me a broader scope of how children's writers and publishers work their craft. If anyone has even a hint of interest in writing children's books, I would strongly recommend taking this course."

"This course was extremely valuable to me. The instruction and instructor were excellent. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to other people. In fact, I already have."

"This course was great, especially for those just entering the world of children's writing."

"This course was outstanding. The instructor was outstanding. I cannot say enough about this course. This is the first time I am actually sorry to see a course end. The instructor was extremely helpful and supportive without forcing her ideas on others. She gave you just enough critique that allowed you to improve your work on your own without her doing the work for you. My highest praise goes to the instructor! The information in this course was so helpful and up to date. I really feel like this course gives all of us the inside edge and gives me the sense of empowerment. Thank you so much for this experience!"

"This has been a most enjoyable class. I appreciate all of the resources you have provided and the opportunity to meet new authors. I'm working on my plan and thus far have joined a critique group, attended and joined a local writing group, and am now a member of SCBWI. I am working on daily goals and plan to get the cobwebs off some of my old writings and have a second look at them. Thanks for everything."

"This has been a very informative class. I have taken other online courses, and I was impressed at how the instructor managed to always find time to respond to everyone's messages."

"This has been fun and a lot of work, but it lit a fire under me. See you on the bookshelves."

"This has been THE most enjoyable class I've ever taken. I've learned so much and suddenly see things from a child's perspective. I love it! My writing has just taken off without me from all the new ideas I've gotten. Thank you, Carol, for the life-changing course."

"This is an excellent course! It is up-to-date with information on the children's writing market. The author interviews were extremly helpful to me."

"This was a great class. I began recommending it to friends by the third lesson."

"This was an excellent course for someone who has considered writing for children and is ready to take the next step and get started. It was most enjoyable and I believe that the resources provided through this course will be very useful in growing as a children's author."

"This was a very informative class and the instructor was fabulous. She was always very quick to respond to questions and concerns and did a great job of facilitating the class discussions."

"This was my first on line course. I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a wealth of material on each topic which was incredibly relevant and highly motivational. I was always inspired to write after completing the readings or talking to the other students in the discussion area. The instructor/course was better than many graduate level courses I've taken. Thanks for a rewarding experience."

"This was perhaps the most enjoyable class I have ever taken! For years I thought about writing for children and this course has encouraged me to pursue this field. I never realized the wealth of information that was available about children's books, and I never thought an online course would provide that information in such an exciting and challenging format. The instructor and the course design were very professional and a joy to follow. I looked forward each week to the next lesson and was often disappointed when I read that a lesson 'has not been released yet.' Thanks to all involved for a memorable and enlightening 6 weeks!"

"Very supportive class and instructor. Lots of information for a beginner to review and have as a resource."

"What a wonderful course. It was totally engrossing. I think the information will keep me going for a long time in review. I am so happy with my new information. Thanks, Carol."

"What I learned from this course is not what I thought I would learn...which is always a nice surprise! I underestimated the magnitude of what goes into children's writing! This definitely gives me more confidence and more gusto!"

"Wonderful course! It was very thorough and really opened my eyes to the world of children's literature. I've got so much work to do. Thanks for the great orientation and the much-needed encouragement. I am inspired!"

"Writing for Children has been wonderfully informative, and, for me, has added shape and form to a dream I have had for a long time."

"You are the essence of what a great teacher should be...a facilitator leading her students to discover new things about the world and themselves. You have done both for me, and I am so grateful! Just to say, "I am a writer" is a HUGE step for me. Thanks for sharing yourself with all of us. I hope one day to meet you at a conference or book signing somewhere and thank you in person."

"You encouraged me to write from my heart. For this I will always be very thankful. Writing for my grandchildren and, perhaps, other children is an awesome adventure. I look forward to reading and writing and holding a piece of life in my hands and seeing it through the eyes of a child. Thank you for the exciting journey into the world of writing for children."

"You have inspired, taught, critiqued, given your time, and, without knowing it, kept me writing! Thank you for the professional insight, guidance, and work put into this class. It has been a joy! Hopefully, one day I will have something to present to a publisher, but for now, I know that just writing to fulfill my passion is enough. My sincere thanks for everything...what an inspiration!"

"You may never know how much this class has taught me to grow as a writer but even more so as a person with wonderful emotions. You somehow opened my eyes to a bright world full of hope and dreams. I was afraid to dream but now I know dreaming and working on my dream is where it is at."