Write2Ignite’s Master Class on Lyrical Language
If you write poetry or prose you know how important it is to polish your words so that they shine. I’m happy to share that picture book author Natalee Creech, is Write2Ignite‘s Master Class teacher on Lyrical Language: Poetry in Every Paragraph. I even love her title!
The virtual class is September 28 from 9:30-5:15. Click here for a detailed schedule. The class will be recorded and available for replay for 3 months after the event.
AN OVERVIEW OF THE CLASSNatalee shared an overview of the class here. She spelled out what participants will learn in the class.
In the first session, we’ll focus on sound devices; in the second session, imagery; and in the third session, word choice. As some writers may be familiar with poetic devices, we will define them but quickly move on to exploring examples, analyzing what makes that particular poetic device work, and practical strategies to keep in mind when using that device. In the final session, we will consider word choice and look at how changing a single word can affect the whole sentence and how even individual letters can affect tone. We’ll end with general strategies for writing more lyrically according to the age of your audience and tips for using mentor texts.
A REVIEW OF NOTHING
In Director Jean Hall’s review of Natalee’s book, NOTHING, she said:
Romans 8:38-39 is a comforting verse to many Christians. Natalee Creech’s picture book, Nothing! explores the heights and depths of this truth from a kid’s perspective. The illustrations are gorgeous, it’s true. But the writing is an equally beautiful study in lyrical language...Creech chose scenarios that tap into children’s imaginations, too. Scuba diving, airplane travel, a submarine ride, a storm at sea, and a trip to the stars. What fun for young children AND the adults who read this book aloud to them.
HOW TO REVISE A STANZA
Natalee takes readers behind the scenes to see her process of revision in this post. She ended it by saying,
Books with lyrical language are meant to be read aloud and the words should flow effortlessly. Read your manuscripts aloud and examine each word to see if it is pulling its weight. Cut words that are fillers – along for the ride – and replace them with words that will not only mean what you want to communicate, but sound pleasing to the ear.
No wonder SOMETHING is a book loved by children and adults–it was carefully crafted!
WON’T YOU JOIN US?No matter what you are writing–fiction, non-fiction, prose, or poetry–this Master Class will sharpen your skills and help make your writing sing. You can find registration information here. I’ll be facilitating one of the small groups and I look forward to seeing some familiar faces on Zoom!
It’ll be a writing day to remember.
GIVEAWAY NEWSIf you register to come to the Master Class, Natalee is giving away all three of these picture books as door prizes.
Congratualtions to Stephanie Ziebarth who won JUST FLOWERS from last week’s blog.
