Truth is stranger than non-fiction

When it comes to writing non-fiction books for kids, the truth isn’t always what it seems. Join CBCA Eve Pownall winner Jess McGeachin to explore a short history of children’s non-fiction books and look at why contemporary non-fiction for kids is so important. Break down the process of writing a non-fiction book including research, illustration and writing as well as pitching to publishers, with case studies from Jess's recent projects. Participants will also get a chance to storyboard their own illustrated non-fiction book for kids.

Learn all about the past, present and future of factual writing for children and start on your own non-fiction adventure.

Learning outcomes

In this workshop, participants will:

Learn about the history of non-fiction picture books for kids
Find inspiration for where to get ideas for your non-fiction book
Understand the importance of working with experts in their field
Undertake the research process
Storyboard your own non-fiction picture book
Lean how to pitch a non-fiction book idea to publishers

Format

This is an in-person workshop with a focus on writing craft; it will be held at State Library of Queensland. This workshop is suitable for non-fiction writers of all levels and writing backgrounds.

About Jess

Jess is an Author/Illustrator based in Melbourne. Constantly inspired by the natural world, Jess draws quite literally from a day-job at the Melbourne Museum. His first non-fiction book, Deep, was the winner of the 2023 CBCA Eve Pownall Award. His books Kind and The Tree at Number 43 were the co-winners of the 2023 Environment Awards for Children's Literature.

In 2023 Jess was awarded an Australian Antarctic Arts Fellowship, and travelled to Macquarie Island. Jess’s love of the natural world underpins all of the books he creates, and he hopes it inspires others to look after it for generations to come.

For more information about Queensland Writers Centre’s Program of Events and answers to FAQs, please visit: www.queenslandwriters.org.au/program-info