So, You Want to Write a Children’s Book?

The Malaysian children's publishing industry is still in its infancy and one of the things it lacks is authors who are passionate about writing children's literature.

This 6-session course, conducted by Daphne Lee, will help aspiring writers of children's books get started in their chosen field.

The course (each session lasts 2 hrs - the course is held over 6 weeks) covers:

- an introduction to children's literature, including types of books for children
- finding the right genre and subject to write about
- finding your own voice
- creating characters and plots that young readers will enjoy
- how to avoid dumbing down
- writing in vernacular English
- illustrations for children's books
- what to do once you've written your story

Dates: Sat, 21 & 28 April, 5, 12, 19, 26 May, 2012 (2.30pm to 4.30pm)
Venue: Silverfish Books, 28-1 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru, KL. Tel: 03-2284483
Fee: RM500.00 for the 6 week programme (Those interested may register online by clicking here.)
(There will be an early bird discount of 10% for registrations by 31 March 2012.)

Bio:
Daphne Lee is a writer, editor, and book reviewer. Her weekly column about children's and YA books appears in the Malaysian daily, The Star, and, for eight years, she wrote the book blog The Places You Will Go. She currently runs a Facebook group, also called The Places You Will Go, for readers who love children's and YA books, although all kinds of books are discussed there.

Daphne has published six picture books, and short stories in various anthologies. She is editor at Scholastic Malaysia, and also edits on a freelance basis. Her most recently published project is Malaysian Tales: Retold and Remixed (ZI Publications).

She has taught creative writing to adults and children for more than 10 years.

Children's writing events by SCBWI

Calendar of events by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Malaysia for 2012 at Silverfish Books, 28-1 Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Baru.

The Talks are organised by SCBWI Malaysia with Yusof Gajah Lingard Literary Agency. All meetings are from 2.30-5.30pm unless otherwise stated. Dates, topics and speakers are subject to change and will be updated as soon as we can on our website as well as on our Facebook page. The main speaker will be Linda Tan, president of SCBWI Malaysia but we will update accordingly when there are other speakers. If you have a topic you wish to discuss, please contact lindalingard@gmail.com. Token entry fee of RM10 for tea and handouts.

Jan 2012, Sat  7  -- Getting my book published - Overview of the Publishing Process  / The Calistro Prize and Q&A

Jan 2012, Sat 21 -- What do literary agents do and how they can help you / The query letter

Feb 2012, Sat 4 -- Bring your ms for reading at the Silverfish Writers' Forum. Illustrators may bring your portfolio. Free forum.

Feb 2012, Thurs 9 -- 10am-12pm - Learning and developing as a writer/illustrator / SCBWI & The Asian Festival of Children's Content. (The Asian Festival of Children's Content will be held this year on 26 May in Singapore. There will be a special price for SCBWI members. Not yet a member of SCBWI? Become one and enjoy the benefits immediately.  We are this meeting  to provide you detailed information on how you can benefit from the Asian Festival of Children's Content. Among others, the benefits include:

1. Learn from experts from around the world in the field of children's literature - whether writing or illustrating
2. Promote your work at the festival to publishers and agents
3. Network and get to know industry professionals4. Launch your book at the Festival and introduce your book to attendees from the region and other parts of the world
4. SCBWI Malaysia and the Yusof Gajah LIngard Literary Agency will be pleased to help you promote your works at the Festival.

Speakers from Singapore will also be present at this talk to answer all your queries. Please also take this opportunity to bring along your books or portfolio to show. For those who cannot come on this day, please do not hesitate to contact us by email:malaysia.scbwi@gmail.com

Feb 2012, Sat 18 – How can I protect my Copyright / The Publishing Contract

Mar 2012. There will be no SCBWI meetings in the month of March but writers are welcome to join the Silverfish Writers' Forum. Free.

Apr 2012, Sat 7 -- Literary/Illustration Award sources / Promoting your work

May 2012, Sat 5 -- SCBWI and Yusof Gajah Lingard Children’s Book Week / Group book launch

May 2012, Sat 26 to Tues 29 -- The Asian Festival of Children's Content, Singapore. Don't miss the Early Bird Rates!

June 2012, Sat 2 -- Bring your ms for reading at the Silverfish Writers Forum. Illustrators may bring your portfolio. Free.

June 2012, Sat 23 -- Book categories / Picture book fundamentals for writers and illustrators.

Jul 2012, Sat 7 - Bring your ms for reading at the Silverfish Writers Forum. Illustrators may bring your portfolio. Free

Jul 2012, Sat 21 -- The dollars and sense of publishing / should I self publish and how to go about it.

Aug 2012, Sat 4 -- Bring your ms for reading at the Silverfish Writers Forum. Illustrators may bring your portfolio. Free

Aug 2012, Sat 18 -- Marketing yourself / your book - tools and tips

Sept 2012, Sat 1 -- There will be no SCBWI meeting in Sept but you are encouraged to join the Silverfish Writers' forum. Free.

Oct 2012, Sat 27 -- How do I protect my copyright?

Nov 2012, Sat 24 -- I have written a book – what’s next?

Dec 2012, Sat 1 -- The Publishing Year in review – key developments and how it affects you