Writing Fiction for Children
Both beginning and advanced children’s fiction writers will learn techniques for creating short picture books and longer, non-picture books for middle schoolers. We will read and analyze children’s books; explore techniques for developing story structure, plot, pacing, narrative voice, and character; and practice techniques through writing exercises. We will dive into world-building and discuss the function of illustrations. We will also examine the importance of revision and polishing. At the end of the course, members will have a deeper understanding of what it takes to write prose for children and will have tested their own writing.
Faculty Bio
Mina Witteman is the author of seven middle grade novels, a Little Golden Book, and 40 short stories in anthologies and magazines. She is a longtime teacher of creative writing, trained and certified by Amsterdam University of Applied Science.
This is an In-Person Course
- Classes meet in person at the Golden Bear Center, Suite 300, at 1995 University Ave., Berkeley
- Limited to 18 members
- You must be a current OLLI @Berkeley member to register. Learn about membership, including our fee assistance program.
Schedule Highlights
- Course starts on Thursday, April 3, and ends on Thursday, May 8
- Classes meet for 6 weeks, 2 hours per session (10–noon)
- All course materials will remain available to view and enjoy in Member Dashboards through May 31