COMING EVENTS
Introductory Writing Classes

CREATING YOUR CHILDREN’S BOOK (VIRTUAL)
Course Description
This course is an introduction to writing a children’s book, through reading current literature and writing to topics aligned with class presentation. The goal of each class is for students to develop an individual story element, all of which build to creating a first draft. Susie Wilde was the children’s book columnist for the Raleigh News and Observer for over 30 years and is now the Influencer of Geems’ Gems. She unites concepts of writing and reviewing experience to aid participants in discussion and in their own writing... This class blends hands-on exploration of children’s books into opportunities to explore and then share your writing and ideas with fellow students.
WHEN: Tuesdays, 1:30-2:45 PM September 12, 19, 26; October 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; November 7, 14
WHO: ALL CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS
SPONSOR: OLLI @ Duke ADULT EDUCATION
HOW MUCH: $90
REGISTRATION LINK: https://learnmore.duke.edu/olli
IMAGINE SELLING A CHILDREN’S BOOK (VIRTUAL)
Course Description
Do you dread marketing? Can you imagine a way that you can have fun researching and querying? Susie Wilde, children’s book columnist for the Raleigh News and Observer, unites 30 years of writing and reviewing with her own explorations in submission to show you steps you can use to prepare for querying an agent. While writers perfect and share their own work, they will prepare for submission by writing powerful pitches, intriguing introductions, and more.
WHEN: Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 PM; September 13, 20, 27; October 4, 11
WHO: CHILDREN’S BOOK WRITERS READY TO MARKET
SPONSOR: CARRBORO ARTSCENTER
HOW MUCH: $130
REGISTRATION LINK: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/theartscenter/shop/activities/4636015
Master Critique Classes
Evening Crit Class
This critique class is for dedicated writers who have a 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: Tuesdays, 7:00-9:30 PM September 5, 12, 19, 26; October 3 (break October 10 & 17) 24, 31; November 7,14, 28; December 5 &12
Who: Intermediate-Advanced Children’s Book Writers
How much: $600/session of 12 Classes
Class limited to 6 writers
Morning Crit Class
This critique class is for dedicated writers who have a 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: Thursdays, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM September 7, 14, 21, 28; October 5, 26; November 2, 9, 16, 30; December 7, 14
Who: Intermediate-Advanced Children’s Book Writers
How much: $600/session of 12 Classes
Class limited to 6 writers

WILDE AWARDS
2023 Wilde Awards
27th annual Wilde Awards : Best Children's Books of 2023 (Virtual on Instagram)
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 2023 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 (will be recorded for others), date TBA
Who: Children's Book Lovers of all ages
Sponsor: book links will be available post-live event through Bookshop.org, supporting Indy bookstores
Registration link: Announcements will appear on FB, Instagram, Booktok and here of course!
