Rules Schmules
How to Break the Rules and Get Away with It
Picture book writing is filled with “rules” on everything from word count to story structure to format. But what if your idea doesn't conform to all the rules? Can some be ignored or even broken? And, if so, are you skilled enough—and brave enough—to be a rule-breaker? Laura Backes will analyze picture books that successfully defied convention, including how the creators worked with intention and which rules they absolutely left intact.
Your Instructor
Laura Backes is publisher of Children’s Book Insider, The Children’s Writing Monthly, and co-owner of WritingBlueprints.com (along with husband Jon Bard). Laura has edited and critiqued thousands of picture book manuscripts. Her credits include Best Books for Kids Who (Think They) Hate to Read (Random House); articles for Writer’s Digest, The Writer and Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market; and technical editor of Writing Children’s Books for Dummies. Laura is also the host of the weekly Kidlit Distancing Social.
Course Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions