Workshop: Writing and Illustrating for Children with Paddy Donnelly

Has it been your dream to create stories for children?

Bestselling children's author-illustrator Paddy Donnelly is hosting a workshop for aspiring writers and illustrators looking to break into the world of children's books. In this session, Paddy will explain how he creates his stories, from the initial idea to the finished book. He will show you how to layout your manuscript, how long to make your story, and why following your own interests when it comes to characters and subjects is so powerful. He will dive into the process of combining words and pictures, the page turn and how he creates his artwork.

He'll also discuss how he established himself in the world of publishing - sharing advice on how to get an agent, crafting a portfolio, pitching to publishers and hosting storytime events for children. This workshop is ideal for anybody who wants to write and/or illustrate for children. Perhaps you're working on your first story idea and want to get an introduction to the nitty-gritty of the picture book world. Maybe you're an artist looking to switch to children's illustration. This is for all skill levels, from complete beginners to established artists/writers.

During the session, Paddy will guide you through a number of interactive exercises to help you with your specific story ideas.
You'll leave with tools, resources and advice to help you kickstart your own career as an author or illustrator for children's books. There will be an opportunity for Q&A with Paddy.

Note: Paddy will not be able to read manuscripts during this session.

Who is Paddy Donnelly?

Originally from Ballycastle and now living in Belgium, Paddy has 32 traditionally published picture books under his belt and has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Illustration four times. He is a self-taught author and illustrator, and his books include The Golden Hare (winner of An Post Irish Book Awards Children's Book of the Year 2024), The Upside-Down Lighthouse, Fox & Son Tailers, Badger Books and The Vanishing Lake.

Having worked with the likes of Bloomsbury, Hachette, Simon & Schuster, O'Brien Press and Andersen Press, Paddy has established himself as an award-winning author and illustrator. He draws inspiration from his childhood on the North Antrim Coast, and his books have been published in over 25 languages worldwide. He wishes that Pluto was still a planet.