Books on the Breeze

Read by the Sea is partnering with the Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library (PARL) and the Writers’ Federation (WFNS) to organize a series of monthly author readings and workshops called Books on the Breeze: Read by the Sea Library Series. These events will take place at various PARL branches throughout Antigonish and Pictou Counties from January to June 2025. Each month during this time, Read by the Sea will organize for a professional Nova Scotian author to visit a PARL branch for a day of programming that includes a one-hour reading/in-conversation event, and a two-hour workshop on either the craft or the business of writing. The reading/in-conversation event will be hosted by a local writer or librarian and will have broad appeal to readers of different genres throughout the counties. Meanwhile, the workshop will appeal more directly to writers in the region and will be an important opportunity for writers to access the instruction and the wealth of knowledge that professional writers can offer.

Up next will be Lana Shupe at the Westville Public Library May 10, 2025!

WRITING PICTURE BOOKS WITH HEART 

Participants will be given insight into writing from the heart for picture book people.  Time will be devoted to the importance of the picture book as an age-defying genre.  A useful tool for reading with young and old.  Participants are asked to come with a picture book idea in mind.

12:30pm – 1:00pm

Introduction to – WHAT to write in picture book form? WHY write from the heart in picture book form?  HOW important is “less is more” in picture book writing?  WHEN to start and know when it is right to stop.  WHO do we write picture books for?

1:00pm – 1:15pm

During this 15-minute period, participants will rapid-fire words they feel might be useful when writing from the heart.  They might be surprised to learn how heartfelt words might resonant differently among the group.  These words will then be on display to assist workshop attendees as they begin to think about the picture book story they want to craft.

1:15pm – 2:00pm

This time will be devoted to beginning to craft a story, keeping some of the words from the rapid-fire session in mind.  I will be available for story starter suggestions and effective handling of first lines.

2:00pm – 2:30pm

Time for read aloud sharing if participants wish and feedback and question/answer period.

Please register in advance by email rjreadbythesea@gmail.com