Storymoja writing for children workshop

Do you dream of writing but hesitate to start? Are your drawers full of manuscripts you dare not show anyone? Do you tell your kids wonderful bedtime stories and wish you could write them down? Here's the chance to turn your dreams into reality!

A writing workshop is the best way to hone your craft under the guidance of an expert published writer. The deadlines will encourage you to complete your stories, the workshop leader will help you polish them to perfection, and you would join a community of fellow writers. AND you will have the chance to get published by Storymoja, one of the most innovative publishing houses on the Kenyan scene today. What more could you ask for? Sign up now!

DETAILS:

Workshop Leader: Muthoni Garland. Her novella, "Tracking the Scent of My Mother," was short-listed for the Caine Prize for African Writing. One of her children's stories, "Kamau's Finish" is used as supplementary reader in the US and UK, and is available in Uchumi, Nakumatt and most bookshops for only 300/.

Curriculum: Participants will discuss how to write books that excite young readers, and the various forms and age ranges of children's writing. You will also learn and apply such craft elements as character, plot, point of view, description, dialogue, setting, voice, and theme. In addition, writers will work with illustrators on the visual aspect of their books. Each participant will complete at least one publishable manuscript. Storymoja will publish the most promising manuscripts.

When: The workshops begin on Wednesday 25th February 2009.

They will run for two months and end Wednesday 29th April, 2009.

Sessions are every Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:30pm and every Saturday from 9am to 11:30am.

Where: Storymoja offices, off Lower Kabete Road, Spring Valley, Nairobi.

Cost: Ksh 12,000/ each.

If Storymoja publishes your manuscript, half of this (6,000) will be refunded to you as an advance against your author's royalties.

Scholarships: Storymoja is offering four scholarships to exceptionally talented writers who can demonstrate financial need. Please indicate when you register whether are applying for the scholarship and indicate in one paragraph why you are unable to pay the workshop fee.

Registration: please write to by February 18th and include the following:

a. Your name, e-mail and phone number.

b. Your publishing history (newcomers are very welcome!)

c. A short description of what you are hoping to write and/or why you want to attend this workshop. Add a paragraph explaining your financial situation IF you are applying for the scholarship.

d. A 800-word sample of your writing for children.

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO PLEASE SIGN-UP QUICKLY!

If you already have a children's manuscript and you want us to evaluate whether it meets our publishing requirements, please send it to