Mining Your Own Life to Find Conflict and Emotion for Picture Books

with Andrea Wang

Do picture books need conflict?

They sure do and award-winning author Andrea Wang is going to show why. For Andrea, writing is not so much about "writing what you know" as "writing what you feel." In this interactive webinar, Andrea will talk about some of the methods she's used to mine her life for emotion and conflict and how she has applied them to her own work. She will lead attendees in some guided freewriting exercises, so come prepared with pen and paper! She'll also offer suggestions on how to incorporate the results of your freewriting into your works-in-progress.

This course includes a 90-minute video with writing exercises, a transcript, and a downloadable audio track. You get lifetime access so you can work through these exercises with each new picture book idea.




"Andrea, Julie, & Kelli, thank you all so much for this fantastic webinar. My favorite lessons are on craft and this one did not disappoint. AWESOME!"

- Julie Rand


"Thanks so much, Andrea! This has been fabulous! I have a new idea I’m psyched to put down on the page. I need to get busy writing."

- Jilanne Hoffmann


"This webinar was nothing short of amazing! Thank you so much!!"

- Gail Hartman


Your Instructor


Andrea Wang
Andrea Wang
Andrea Wang is an acclaimed author of children’s books. Her book Watercress was awarded the Caldecott Medal, a Newbery Honor, the Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature, a New England Book Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor. Her other books, The Many Meanings of Meilan, Magic Ramen, and The Nian Monster, have also received awards and starred reviews. Her work explores culture, creative thinking, and identity. She is also the author of seven nonfiction titles for the library and school market. Andrea holds an M.S. in Environmental Science and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing for Young People. She lives in Colorado with her family.

Course Curriculum



Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 14 days and we will give you a full refund.

"I am overflowing with new ideas/thoughts about new and current manuscripts!!!! THANK YOU!"

- Jenni Leinweber

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