Do you want to learn about creating books illustrated for children (picture books), writing a YA (youg adult) novels or chapter book, fantasy or any type of book for kid's or children?
We offer three e-courses, each with ten modules and with individual feedback to each of the ten or more exercises. A course could be completed in ten weeks, but there is no time limit, and most people take much longer, enjoying the process. Virginia’s monthly e-bulletins on children’s literature and its creation are included.
Virginia oversees all and will write a recommendatory letter to publishers when the work has reached excellence (there may be an additional charge).
Create a Picture Book (by June Colbert)
Create a Picture Book illustrators version (by Jo Thompson)
Create a Kids’ Novel (by June Colbert)
Create a Picture Book
This is for all of you who have ever dreamed of writing a story for children in picture book form, or have already put a story on paper and want to know the next step! The outcome of the course should be at least one publishable picture book text.
As well as passionate storytellers, among our students have been artists who want their own text to illustrate, junior and young adult novelists who know they will be asked for a picture book text after their novel has been accepted, and those working on school readers for educational publishers.
The tutor is June Colbert who has published four children's books, and has taught creative writing for several years.The cost is $600.
The 10 modules can also be bought for $120 without feedback.
More details including a description of the 10 modules can be found Create A Picture Book e-course page.
Create a Picture Book Illustrators' Version
An Artist and illustrators' delight!
In these ten modules artists can learn to boith write and illustrate picture books.
The modules for writing are essentially the same, but there are additional exercises for illustrators.
The tutor is artist Jo Thompson. Cost $900.
The 10 modules can also be bought for $120 without feedback.
Create a Kids’ Novel
This is a rare opportunity for writers to receive ongoing feedback on their work, and is suitable for those already working on a novel, and those who are 'thinking' about one.
The tutor is June Colbert who has published four children's books, and has taught creative writing for several years.
The cost is $700 for ten modules, each with an assignment for comment and feedback.
The 10 modules can also be bought for $120 without feedback.
More details can be found on the Novels e-course page.
Mentoring Options
Mentoring is available with
June Colbert (Picture and Chapter Books) or Jo Thompson (Picture Book with Illustrations).
Once you complete the e-course, mentoring begins and continues for 6 months.
Also included are 2 hours of personal consultation (skype,telephone or face to face).
Virginia also works on each of the final versions and writes a letter of recommendation when they reach
publishable standard.
The fee scale is:
Picture book $ 900
Picture book with Illustrations $1500
Chapter book (to 15 000 words) $ 900
To register for an e-course or mentorship, ring Virginia on 03 9578 5689 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.