Writing Children's Books Workshops!
Have you ever dreamed of writing a children’s book... or are you already working on one? Join multiple award-winning children’s book author Catherine Clark Felts for her workshops designed to guide aspiring authors and writers through the journey from story idea to publication.
Upcoming Virtual Workshops:
The Magic of KidLit: From Scribbles to Storybooks
Tuesday October 13, 20, and 27 from 10:30 AM ET to 12:00 PM ET
Have a children’s book idea scribbled on a napkin, or a
manuscript that’s already taking shape? Join multiple award-winning children’s
book author Catherine Clark Felts for a three-part interactive workshop
that explores the magic of turning those first sparks of inspiration into a
polished children’s book and a path toward publication.
Whether you’re just beginning your story or ready to take
your manuscript to the next level, this workshop will guide you through the
creative, editorial, and publishing journey of bringing a children’s book to
life.
Special Guest: “Papa” Rick Harris
Joining Catherine is “Papa” Rick Harris, author of The
Adventures of Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear series and host of the
award-winning podcast Adventures in the Heart of Children’s Book Authors.
Having interviewed more than 100 children’s book authors, Rick brings a wealth
of experience and insight into creating engaging, memorable stories that
connect with young readers.
Special Guest: Heather Felty
Also joining the workshop is Heather Felty, owner and publisher of Inner Peace Press. Heather has published more than 50 titles, including children’s picture books, middle grade series, captivating memoirs, and innovative phototherapy books. She’ll provide an insider’s perspective on publishing and what it takes to transform a finished manuscript into a published book.
Day 1: From Manuscript to Bookshelf — Navigating the Publishing Journey
Featuring special guest Heather Felty of Inner Peace Press, this session explores the journey from polished manuscript to published book. Learn about different publishing paths, including traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing; what literary agents do and how to find one; what makes a strong query letter; and marketing strategies to expand and grow your audience.
Heather will share her perspective from the publishing side, giving participants a behind-the-scenes look at what happens when a manuscript moves toward publication.
Interactive activity: Begin crafting your own query letter through a guided writing exercise and receive feedback to help strengthen your pitch.
Featuring special guest "Papa" Rick Harris, this session explores how every great book starts with an idea. Learn how to transform that initial spark into a compelling children’s story. Discover how to hook young readers from the very first page, create momentum that keeps them turning pages, and determine what belongs in your story—and what doesn’t. Catherine will also introduce the different types of children’s books and age ranges to help you identify the format that best fits your story and voice.
Day 3: Making the Magic Shine — Editing & Elevating Your Book
A good story becomes a great story through revision. Explore the essential role of critique and editing in transforming your manuscript.
Learn about different types of critiques, when to use them, how to self-edit effectively, and how to give and receive constructive feedback. Catherine will explain the role of professional editors in the publishing process and share tips for finding critique partners and editors—and determining whether the feedback you receive is right for your story.
Interactive activity: Put your editing skills to work with a hands-on critique and revision exercise.
Turn Your Scribbles Into Storybooks
From that first “What if?” to a finished manuscript and a path toward publication, The Magic of KidLit: From Scribbles to Storybooks is designed to give aspiring and emerging children’s book authors practical tools, expert insight, creative encouragement, and hands-on experience.
Bring your ideas, bring your questions, and discover what’s possible when a little scribble becomes a storybook.
Sign up today at Luma!
Past Workshops:
From Idea to Bookshelf: Creating and Publishing a Children’s Book
Sunday April 12, 19, and 26 from 1:30 PM ET to 3:00 PM ET
Hosted by multiple award-winning children’s book author Catherine Clark Felts, this three-part workshop was designed to guide writers through the journey of creating, refining, and publishing a children’s book.
The workshop featured special guest “Papa” Rick Harris, author of the children’s book series The Adventures of Kaboose the Rocky Mountain Bear and host of the award-winning podcast Adventures in the Heart of Children’s Book Authors. Having interviewed more than 100 children’s book authors, Rick brought valuable insight and experience on crafting engaging, memorable stories for young readers.
Special guest Heather Felty of Inner Peace Press also joined the workshop. As the owner and publisher of Inner Peace Press, Heather has published more than 50 titles, including children’s picture books, middle grade series, captivating memoirs, and innovative phototherapy books. She shared valuable perspective on the publishing process and what it takes to bring a children’s book to life.
Day 1: Conceptualizing and Crafting Your Story
Featuring special guest "Papa" Rick Harris, attendees learned how to begin their story, hook young readers from the
very first page, and keep them eagerly turning pages. Catherine discussed what to include (and what to leave out) in a children’s book, along
with an overview of the different types of children’s books to help determine which format best fit the attendee's ideas and voices. Participants had the opportunity to share their concept or work-in-progress and received feedback
through an interactive writing exercise.
Day 2: Elevating Your Book Through Editing
This session focused on the essential role of editing and
critique in strengthening the attendee's story. Attendee's discovered the different types of critiques
and when to use them, how to effectively self-critique and provide constructive
feedback to others, and the role editors play in the publishing process.
Catherine also shared where to find critique partners and professional
editors, along with tips for evaluating whether feedback is helpful and
relevant. Participant practiced their critique skills through a hands-on
editing exercise.
Day 3: From Polished to Published
In the final session, featuring special guest Heather Felty
of Inner Peace Press, participants explored the publishing process and the
different paths to becoming a published author. Attendee's learned the pros and cons of
various publishing options, what literary agents do and how to find one, and
what makes a strong query letter. Participants will drafted a query letter
and received feedback through a guided writing exercise.
Whether you’re just beginning or refining your manuscript,
this workshop series will help you take your children’s book from concept to a
path toward publication. Each session is $15 USD. Register for one, two, or all three sessions!