Children's Book Writing Workshop
Brian Boal with Landon’s Library and Ashley Belote talk about the importance of children’s books.
The Victorian Chautauqua Writers Workshop series will be held July 11-15, 2022, and will feature several disciplines in writing. Among the first announced by the program director, Lori Youse is a children's book writing workshop with instructor Ashley Belote. This adult learning program titled Learn the Craft & Write a Draft – The Nuts and Bolts of Picture Books, has been generously funded by Landon's Library.
Belote comes with many accolades as a young and talented children's book writer and illustrator. Her endearing stories include FRANKENSLIME and VALENSLIME, both published by Feiwel & Friends in 2021. The book set showcases characters spawned by Belote's colorful imagination and is wrapped in glitter-bejeweled dust jackets. She is also the author and illustrator of her solo debut Early Reader, titled THE ME TREE from Penguin Workshop in 2021, and her solo debut picture book LISTEN UP, LOUELLA from Feiwel & Friends in 2022.
When Brian Boal first learned of the workshop, he was eager to get involved to ensure its success. Landon’s Library, which Boal and his family founded, provides books each month to every child born in Garrett County from their date of birth until their first day of kindergarten. The nonprofit has sustained two decades through private donations and is the first county-wide effort of its kind in the State of Maryland. To date, over 90,000 books have been distributed to enrich the lives of children and their families. This initiative, combined with teaching the craft of creating picture books, makes a natural pairing, according to Boal.
Picture this.
Belote studied traditional animation under the direction of the famed filmmaker and animator Don Bluth. Hailing from the area, she earned her BA from Alderson Broaddus University and her MA in Arts Administration from the University of Kentucky. Belote's graduate study included a children’s literature and illustration course, The Whole Book Approach, through Simmons College at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. She also serves as the Illustrator Coordinator for the Carolinas chapter of SCBWI, (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators).
The goal of Belote's course is to learn about the craft of picture book writing and illustrating. Each workshop participant will actively work on a manuscript that will move from an idea to a draft throughout the week. Belote looks forward to bringing together people with a passion for telling stories that appeal to children. According to Belote, the ability to illustrate is a bonus, but it is certainly not a requirement to join the workshop. She wants her class to think in terms of telling stories with words and pictures, working in tandem to communicate a narrative. Since early readers relate and respond differently to words or pictures, this harmony is where the magic lies in capturing children's attention.
Each day will begin with learning about an aspect of creating a picture book and the process behind it. The second half of the session will be devoted to working on manuscripts. Participants will learn how a children's book moves from an idea to a full submission package. This exciting process will be shared through Belote's personal experiences and challenges.
Something Belote also plans to work into each day is a healthy dose of fun. She loves her craft, and it shows in her published works. Her joy is contagious and will undoubtedly inspire those who take her workshop.
Additional workshops are still being finalized, including teen creative writing, playwriting for adults, songwriting, and poetry writing, and two workshops for youth grades 3-5 and 6-8. Early registration is recommended, as each workshop accepts only ten registrations. Adult workshops are $150 each, and youth workshops are $75. The Friends of Ruth Enlow Library has generously funded tuitions for the Children's Workshops.
Learn more about Ashley Belote, or visit the Victorian Chautauqua online market to register.
