How to Use Tension to Create Captivating Picture Books
with Valerie Bolling
How do you keep readers turning the page?
How do you keep readers interested in your story? How do you pull them along so that they won’t want to stop reading? Tension is an important aspect of creating a captivating picture book.
In this webinar, the author Valerie Bolling explores examples of tension in published picture books and provides techniques for how to increase the tension in your own stories.
"This encouraged me to pull out a manuscript I've been working on for a long time and haven't been able to hone in on the arcs. This was SOOOO helpful! Thanks, Valerie!"
- Lauren Kerstein
Your Instructor
Valerie Bolling is the author of LET’S DANCE!, a 2021 SCBWI Crystal Kite award winner and CT Book Award finalist. In 2022 Valerie is happy to welcome TOGETHER WE RIDE (April) and RIDE, ROLL, RUN: TIME FOR FUN! (October). Sequels to these books – TOGETHER WE SWIM and BING, BOP, BAM: TIME TO JAM! – as well as a Scholastic early reader series, RAINBOW DAYS, are slated for 2023.
A graduate of Tufts University and Columbia University, Teachers College, Valerie has been an educator for almost 30 years. She currently works as an Instructional Coach and teaches picture book writing classes. Valerie is also a WNDB mentor and deeply immersed in the kidlit writing community. This is her third year in 12 x 12, and she serves on the DEI Committee and as the co-moderator for the Black Affinity group. Valerie is also a member of SCBWI, Black Creators HeadQuarters, Diverse Verse, three critique groups, and three co-marketing groups.
Valerie and her husband live in Connecticut and enjoy traveling, hiking, reading, going to the theater, and dancing.
Course Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
"Thank you, Valerie! This was wonderful, clear, and very helpful! I will apply these tips to my next revision."
- Dena Davis
"Thank you very much! I have a story I've been feeling stuck on and this helps!"
- Laura Ann Trimble Elbogen