Join acclaimed picture book biography author Rob Sanders for this six-session online class where attendees will dig deep into the style and substance of today’s creative non-fiction picture book biographies.
The six-session class will cover:
- The many forms picture book biographies may take
- Choosing a biography subject/or letting the biography subject pick you
- The essential ingredients of PB bios
- Research: Finding sources, gathering information, determining importance, etc.
- Creating a through-line with child audience and gatekeeper appeal
- Structuring the picture book biography: chronological, non-linear, or untold life event/anecdote
- Exploring backmatter; what resources do you need and why
- Revision techniques that make a difference
- Drafting and workshopping one picture book biography manuscript with Rob and the class
Over the course of the 6 weeks, 4 weeks will be spent on the study of picture book biographies, and each student will choose a subject, research, and draft a picture book biography during the class (Students may begin a new project or continue to refine one in process). Because we believe that learning and doing leads to greater understanding, each student will also be asked to research and teach a mini-craft lesson during one class session. The last two weeks of the class will be workshop and peer review.
Who Should Take This Class:
- Writers interested in exploring the exploding picture book biography market
- Writers interested in drafting a picture book biography
- Writers who have a picture book biography drafted and are ready to deepen
- Writers who previously took PB Nonfiction with Bethany Hegedus and want to learn at the hands of a new instructor
- Writers looking for community and insight into their work
Class Dates: Mondays, 7:00 – 9:00 pm CT *Check your time zones!
March 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st; April 7th and 14th, 2024
Instructor Rob Sanders is a teacher who writes and a writer who teaches. He is known for his funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books and is recognized as one of the pioneers in the arena of LGBTQIA+ literary nonfiction picture books. Rob’s nonfiction books continue to break new ground, including the first picture books about the Pride Flag, the Stonewall Uprising, a transgender Civil War soldier, a gay presidential candidate, and the first gay marriage in America. His work also continues to introduce readers to heroes of the LGBTQIA+ community—from Harvey Milk to Gilbert Baker, from Cleve Jones to Bayard Rustin, and more. His fiction explores friendship, relationships, standing up for others, and being allies. Blood Brothers, his first middle grade novel, written in powerful, raw verse released in July 2022 and was named an NCTE 2023 Notable Novel in Verse. 2024 releases will include Rob’s first nonfiction poetry collection—Queer and Fearless: Poems Celebrating the Lives of LGBTQ Heroes (Penguin Workshop) and two fiction picture books—Between You and Me (HarperCollins) and We Are a Class! (Beaming Books). Rob believes in paying it forward. He serves on the SCBWI Impact and Legacy Fund Steering Committee and is a frequent speaker, teacher, mentor, coach, and critiquer. Rob is represented by Rubin Pfeffer.
Website: robsanderswrites.com
Facebook: RobSandersWrites
Instagram: RobSandersWrites