Facilitated by
Melissa Baker Nguyen
Rate for 4-week course: $120.00
TUESDAYS - October 8, 15*, 22, 29
6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Mississippi Mills Public Library
*5:30-7:30 p.m. on October 15
Overview
This 4-week course will guide participants through the process of creating engaging stories for young readers. Your instructor, Melissa Baker Nguyen, is ready to lead participants on an exploration of the fundamentals of children's literature, including brainstorming story ideas, developing relatable characters and compelling plots, what to think about when writing for different age groups, creative and engaging use of language, and more!
With support and guidance at every juncture, participants will share ideas, discuss, and explore the role of illustrations in a children’s book. Opportunities for feedback and group discussion will be sprinkled throughout, and Melissa will also share her knowledge about publishing (including self publishing) and tips on marketing your own creative work.
By course end, each participant will have the opportunity to produce a story, refined or unrefined, that is ready to share. Overall, this course aims to inspire you and strengthen your resolve; children of the world need to hear your story!
What will we do in the series?
This course will include a focus on the following subjects/areas of exploration:
Intro to children’s literature
Audience awareness
Breaking down the elements of successful children’s books
Creating memorable characters/character development
Plot structure
Writing and revising
Sharing
COURSE SYLLABUS <pdf> *downloadable
Who is this series for?
This course is for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a children’s book, anyone who needs reassurance that their story should be told, and anyone who needs that push to get started (again) on their goal of creating a book for kids.
About the instructor:
When Melissa Baker Nguyen was growing up, you could always find her with a pencil and paper in hand. Melissa has always loved drawing and creating, and that led her to graduate from both Acadia University, with a degree in Studio Art, and The University of Calgary, with a degree in Education.
Coming from a Studio Art background, painting was her first passion. Always a curious creative soul, she was pulled toward – and continues to master – digital art and children’s book illustration.
Melissa has worked for the past 15 years creating graphics and logos for many start-ups, ministries, and non-profits. All of this design and built-up creativity have led her to finally open her own little shop. This has been a longtime dream and is now a reality. She couldn't be happier to share her work with you!
Melissa works wherever she is, with whatever she has on hand, whether that is in Uganda, Vietnam, even at her Mom's in Nova Scotia, or in Perth, Ontario where she currently resides!
Nowadays, you can find her generally under the strict supervision of her very quirky Havanese puppy named Nash. In her studio, you’ll find her knee-deep in paper, pencils, pens and paint, with a steaming cup of coffee not far off (fun fact, she keeps a coffee maker in her studio space!). The rest of the time, this true Canadian girl is volunteering, spending time with family and friends, or curled up in a giant sweater dreaming up new and beautiful things.
Much more on Melissa can be found at www.lostbumblebee.com
Presented with support from the Mississippi Mills Public Library, and partially funded by the Municipality of Mississippi Mills.