Welcome Scribblers, Writers, Dreamers!

aNNOUNCEMENT:

Visually Sketching Out Your Plot

with Glenn Jason Hanna

To Register for this Workshop, click here:

Visually Sketching Out Your Plot

Most elements in a story are simply called into being at the behest the writer. You want a story set in the American West? Boom! You wish is granted. You want a male main character? You now have a male main character. Plot, however does work that way because plot is not a single element but a series of actions and reactions, choices and consequences. Reveal things too quickly and your audience loses interest. Reveal things not clearly enough and your audience is confused. Gaps of logic undermine your whole work.

In this workshop we are going to learn how to construct a tight, interesting plot by making quick thumbnails and sketches and by working your way backward from the end to the beginning. You don't need to know how to draw (though I would argue everyone does know how to draw) If you can make the letter i and the letter c, and if you have an open mind, then you have all that you will need.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

GLENN JASON HANNA

Glenn is a former animator who abandoned the world of cartoons for writing. He's a prolific writer whose work spans genres from picture books all the way to novels. He currently serves as CBW-LA's Critique Leader.

To Register for this Workshop, click here:

Visually Sketching Out Your Plot

Whether you seek a community of like-minded authors, dream of becoming a published author, or simply want to pursue and explore your writing hobby, joining a writing group like the Children's Book Writers of Los Angeles will help you.

CBW–LA offers critique groups and sessions, writing workshops, guest lectures, write-ins at local coffee shops, networking, writing support, and even publishing opportunities for our members and guests. Every month, there's something interesting on our calendar!

Once you've had a look around, be sure to check out OUR NEWSLETTER at medium.com for thoughts on writing.

Upcoming events

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HISTORY

Although the group's main focus is on writing for children, we welcome writers of all kinds, as well as those who love to read children's books.

Founded in 2010, we branched out to start publishing our members in 2013 through our annual Story Sprouts Writing Day Workshop. We have two Writing Resources and Anthologies under our belt: Story Sprouts and Story Sprouts: Voice as well as a collaborative Middle Grade novel called Kayla Wayman, Teen Time Traveler: Lost in the Stream.

Story Sprouts: Setting and Story Sprouts: Conflict are currently in development, as well as a yet-unnamed Middle Grade collaborative novel about a boy who gets sucked into his video game. Look for those soon.

We encourage you to attend the annual workshop and buy a copy of the previous Story Sprouts; they make an excellent writing resource, brimming with high quality poetry, short fiction and nonfiction by our Story Sprouts authors.

MISSION AND PURPOSE

Our workshops provide tips and lessons on the craft and business of writing. You'll learn how to create characters so real, they practically jump off the page, weave storylines to make an interesting plot, revise and edit your manuscript, write and submit query letters to agents and editors, and how the publishing industry works.

You can get helpful feedback on your manuscript through our critique sessions, and our creative writing sessions help in sparking the next great idea, or simply help you improve your writing skills so you can find your voice and style.

MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS

Events are open to members and non-members alike. Members get great discounts on our workshops and free access to our critique sessions. Be sure to RSVP to reserve your space at any event. We offer many takeaways and have limited space, so we want to make sure you get the most out of your experience.