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Open Right

Sue deGennaro: Author Talk

Session Info:

The session will focus on the process that is involved in the creation of a picture book. We will look at the misconceptions of thinking you need to come up with a fabulous idea straight away. In truth many creators stumble upon their brilliant ideas. I will talk about how my picture book idea for MISSING MARVIN happened while waiting on a plane for all the luggage to be loaded. From this simple idea I grew my concept.

The most essential element of this session focuses on the importance of giving things a go, because you never know where it will take you. With the use of a powerpoint I will take the children through the process that goes into creating a picture book. This will include the roughs, the mistakes and even the images that never made it into the final draft of the book.

The second half of the session will have a more practical element, with either writing or illustration being the focus.

Writing Focus: a series of exercises that can be used as prompts to start a story, focusing in writing stories that a unique. There will be exercises exploring the importance of divergent thinking.

Illustration Focus : the students will follow me in a step by step process of creating a character, each student will walk away with 3-5 illustrations they have created. I would strongly recommend the illustration focus for children in classes from Prep to Year 4/5. It is fun, engaging and inspiring even for the most reluctant of students.