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Illustration by Marc Gosteli
New for 2026,
Submarine is pleased to offer its first creative writing course, Introduction to Picture Book Writing.
Thursdays 10.30am-12.30pm
Starts 26th Feb
This relaxed and supportive four-week course will cover topics such as the unique nature of picture books, generating ideas, creating characters, developing a voice and structuring your storyline. We’ll look closely at how the pictures and the text work together, and we’ll explore the magic of page turns. Alongside practical writing exercises, we’ll analyse published picture books, and you’ll have access to a curated library to study and borrow.
By the end of the course, you’ll be familiar with the technical requirements - and challenges - of picture book writing. You’ll know the elements of a successful picture book story and the pitfalls you may encounter. You’ll have begun - or added to - a list of potential picture book ideas, and you’ll be working on a manuscript draft. You’ll also know where you can find further resources to continue your picture-book journey.
No experience is necessary and all are welcome, whether you’re completely new to writing picture books or you have ideas on which you’d like to build. This course is also suitable for students who have attended Picture Book Illustration and would like to explore developing a narrative.
This course will be led by Meredith Jones, editor of Submazine
VENUE: SUBMARINE
36 HENDERSON ROW, EDINBURGH
CLASS DATES: Winter/Spring 2026
Thurs 26th Feb (10.30am-12.30pm)
Thurs 5th Mar (10.30am-12.30pm)
Thurs 12th Mar (10.30am-12.30pm)
Thurs 19th Mar (10.30am-12.30pm)