Monk's House in Rodmell, once home to Virginia Woolf, where we had exclusive access for a picnic lunch

I am late to add two posts from participants who attended the one-day "Writing Children’s Books and Getting Published" course that I ran in July of this year. I don't yet know when I will be running my next on-site workshop, though I am developing towards running an on-line workshop. Do get in touch if you want to be updated about either.

Published illustrator, Guy Parker-Rees, shared his experience of the course:

I went on a one day workshop with Laura called, ‘Writing Children’s Books and Getting Published.’

I wasn’t sure what to expect, I just knew that Laura had come highly recommended by a friend. I mainly illustrate other people’s stories but I have had some published which I have written.  I was stuck with a  book I was working on- I had a sketch of the character and  had written a version of a story for him but his voice wasn’t coming  through. I thought  the workshop might help.

The day was very well structured - Laura would look at a topic, like ‘Plotting and Pacing’ or, yes, ‘Narrative Voice,’ and then we’d do a quick writing exercise.

It was great fun. Laura presented  the  many dimensions of writing children’s books with  huge knowledge and boundless enthusiasm.

We all had a  sunny lunch under an apple tree in the beautiful garden of Monk’s House. It felt idyllic , there was Virginia Woolf’s little hut in the garden with desk and chair waiting, maybe blessing the proceedings or maybe  gently reminding us just to get on with it.

There was much to cram into one day and it  left me with a lot to think about. But mainly I came away with a reminder that there is no escaping the fact that there is a craft to writing. It takes much practice and perseverance and only by learning this craft and putting in the hours do we create the conditions for inspiration to strike.

And after the course, armed with bundles of printouts on all aspects of writing  children’s books, I was all fired up and indeed ready to get on with it.

Now I’m sure I will find that voice - if I put the hours in to let it come.  Laura also said  she offers a service to help edit and  develop  the story further.  I think this is something she would be very good at and look forward to getting in touch with her about it in due course.

Jenny Jewiss also wrote the following about the day:

"I attended one of Laura’s day workshops to ‘test the waters’ writing for children. Despite being past retirement age and so considerably older than the other attendees, who, mostly, had some experience in this field, I never felt ‘left behind.’ This was due to Laura’s teaching expertise and generous imparting of her considerable knowledge. The day was inspiring and I am greatly encouraged to venture into the field of children’s writing."