26th annual Wilde Awards

Best Children’s Books of 2022 (Virtual on Instagram)

Course Description: For years Susie Wilde appeared in bookstores declaring her choices of best children’s books for those who are only months-old to adult readers who love the exquisite nature of young adult novels. Pandemic taught her that things work just as well on-line and in the past year she’s discovered the marvels of Instagram. So….what are the best 2022 books for babies to young adults? You can find out when Susie presents award-winners for all ages and categories. Each will have a link to purchase from Bookshop.org, a company that supports indy bookstores.

When: Live on Instagram, Thursday, December 8, 2022 (will be recorded for others)

Who:  Children’s Book Lovers of all ages

Sponsor: book links will be available post-live event through Bookshop.org, supporting Indy bookstores 

How much: Free

Registration link: Announcements will appear on FB, Instagram, Booktok and here of course!

 

Winter 2023 Writing Class

Imagine a Childrens’s Book: Part 1 (Virtual)

Course Description: For years you’ve dreamed of writing a children’s book.  You may even have a vague story idea. But how do you turn that into a workable plot? Susie Wilde, children’s book columnist for the Raleigh News and Observer for over 20 years, unites 30 years of writing and reviewing experience to teach you the steps that help give your story structure. From creating original characters to developing their motivations, conflicts, and finally resolutions, this class blends hands-on exploration of children’s books with opportunities to share your writing and ideas with fellow students.

When  Wednesdays, February 8, 15, 22; March 1 & 8;  7:00-9:00 pm

Who:  Children’s book writers, all levels of experience

Sponsor: Artscenter

How much: $130

Registration link: https://artscenterlive.org/performance/imagine-a-childrens-book-pt-1-online-3/

 

Imagine a Childrens’s Book: Part 2 (Virtual)

Course Description:  How do you get your children’s book down on paper? What makes for a book that sparkles with style? Susie Wilde, children’s book columnist for the Raleigh News and Observer, unites 30 years of writing and reviewing experience to show you how to make a story sing. Wilde focuses on fiction elements needed to craft a strong story: images, dialogue, and vivid verbs.  The class blends hands-on exploration of children’s books with writing exercises and opportunities to share your work. To take this class you must have completed Part 1, or have teacher approval.

When  Wednesdays, March 22, 29; April 5, 12, 19; 25 7:00-9:00 pm

Who:  Children’s book writers who have taken Part 1, or have instuctor approval

Sponsor: Artscenter

How much: $130

Registration link: https://artscenterlive.org/performance/imagine-a-childrens-book-part-2-online-5/

 

Imagine a Childrens’s Book: Part 3 (Virtual)

Course Description:

Course Title: Imagine a Children’s Book Part 3: What works, what doesn’t?

Course Description: Enter the world of children’s books by comparing books that work, those that don’t, and being inspired to work on your own story. How can the work of a celebrity lead to meaningful writing? Susie Wilde was the children’s book columnist for the Raleigh News and Observer for over 30 years. She unites concepts of writing and reviewing experience to aid participants in discussion and in their own writing. We will examine different concepts in shared books and turn these into prompt possibilities to support individual writer’s work . This class blends hands-on exploration of children’s books with opportunities to share your writing and ideas with fellow students. Students either need permission or have completed Parts 1 & 2.  Class includes individual consultations to determine next steps.

When  Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31  7:00-9:00 pm

Who:  Children’s book writers who have taken Part 1, 2, or have instuctor approval

Sponsor: Artscenter

How much: $130

Registration link: https://artscenterlive.org/performance/imagine-a-childrens-book-part-3/

 

Winter-Spring 2023 Critique Groups

This critique class is for dedicated writers who have work-in-progress. Be prepared to share work every week. There will be 5 classes in this session, a one-week pause to regroup and then 5 more.  This class is limited to six students.

When: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm; February 7, 14, 21, 28; March 7. (Pause March 14 & 21). Classes resume March 28; April 4, 11, 18, 25

Who: Intermediate-Advanced Children’s Book Writers

How much:  $400/session of 10 classes

Class limited to 6 writers-Closed

 

This critique class is for dedicated writers who have work-in-progress. Be prepared to share work every week. There will be 5 classes in this session, a one-week pause to regroup and then 5 more.  This class is limited to six students.

When: 9:00am-12:00 pm;  February 8, 15, 22, 29; March 8. (Pause March 15 & 22 ). Classes resume arch 29; April 5, 12, 19, 26

Who: Intermediate-Advanced Children’s Book Writers

How much:  $400/session of 10 classes

Class limited to 6 writers

 

Events: