Digging for Diamonds

Using Research to Make Your Writing Sparkle

If you equate research with dry facts and figures or think it’s limited to nonfiction, you may be in for a surprise. Bestselling author-illustrator and ICL Director Katie Davis shows you how much fun research can be and how to use it to make your writing sizzle and your characters come alive.

This workshop contains a 55-minute video with Katie Davis sharing why research is important for fiction as well as nonfiction and how research can bring depth to your story, plus real-life examples of how research (or lack of it) can take your book off the rails.

Includes Katie's handout, full of resources to start your research.

"Resources, resources, resources! Knowing where to look and how to look is crucial to telling a great story. Details matter. I really appreciated the examples of mistakes Katie Davis shared with us. It just goes to show that we all make mistakes; learning from those mistakes is part of the process. Enlightening and encouraging." - Tracy K.

"Katie's enthusiasm is contagious, and her advice was right on the money for me." - Mark R.


Your Instructor


Katie Davis
Katie Davis

Katie Davis is an award-winning writer/illustrator whose published work includes kidlit genres from picture books to middle grade to young adult. Her first picture book, Who Hops? turns 24 this year, and Kindergarten Rocks! has been a perennial favorite since 2005. Katie critiques manuscripts twice a month through her Writers’ Block membership, and is the former Director of the Institute of Children’s Literature and Institute for Writers. Her books have sold over a million copies and her two guides for writers, How To Promote Your Children’s Book and How to Write a Children’s Book, both debuted at #1 on Amazon.


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 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

"Katie rocks! (pun intended) I find research very interesting; I love to learn! Katie taught me that it not only improves my writing but gives me other story ideas as I dig for facts. Excellent handout! " - Jody J.

Get started now!