David Walliams

Writing Books For Children

A complete course, taught by David Walliams, highly acclaimed and award-winning author, that has been designed to develop your ideas and set you on the path to writing your first children’s book.

• One off course purchase, no ongoing commitment
• Rewatch as often as you like

David Walliams, OBE, is a highly acclaimed and award-winning author of bestselling children’s books that delight their readers and, occasionally, appall their parents. His books have featured numerous memorable characters, including Gangsta Granny, Mr Stink, Ratburger, Awful Auntie, Demon Dentist and The Boy in the Dress. They have sold over 37 million copies and been translated in more than 53 languages worldwide.

Lesson 1
Introduction
Welcome to writing books for children. Here’s a brief introduction to the course.
3 mins

Lesson 2
Research Your Childhood
Thinking about the things you believed in, cared about, found funny or scary as a child can help you create your story.
11 mins

Lesson 3
Passion Breeds Inspiration
The stories you love - books, films, whatever it is that inspires you can help you write stories of your own.
11 mins

Lesson 4
Stories Out Of Stories
The subtle art of drawing creativity from others.
6 mins

Lesson 5
Take From The Real World
Characters can come from anywhere. Especially real life.
7 mins

Lesson 6
Character Inspiration
Real life moments can give you great ideas. Here’s how to make it happen.
12 mins

Lesson 7
Themes And Subjects
Finding a subject that sticks out and stands apart from everything else.
8 mins

Lesson 8
Power Of Opposing Forces
When two big ideas collide. Sometimes one idea just isn’t enough!
5 mins

Lesson 9
Structure
Beginning, middle and end. How to put a story together and make it engaging from page one.
11 mins

Lesson 10
Driving Forces
Exploring the different types of stories and what makes them work.
8 mins

Lesson 11
The Hero
How to make your hero or heroine as relatable, but interesting and exciting as possible.
11 mins

Lesson 12
Your Villain
Everybody loves a villain. Here’s how to make them fascinating, compelling and relatable.
14 mins

Lesson 13
When To Set Your Story
How to make a story truly timeless, so that any child, anywhere and at any time, can enjoy it.
12 mins

Lesson 14
Where To Set Your Story
Finding the right playground for your story, to capture the imagination whilst retaining focus.
6 mins

Lesson 15
Finding The Funny
What makes funny… funny? Big jokes, small asides and finding humour in all manner of places.
7 mins

Lesson 16
Toilet Humour
If it's good enough for Shakespeare and Chaucer, it's good enough for us.
4 mins

Lesson 17
Sitting Down To Write
Where’s the perfect place to write, what are the perfect conditions to write in? Here’s a few suggestions for how to get going.
11 mins

Lesson 18
Know Where You're Headed
Making a plan finding your message, and dealing with writers block.
9 mins

Lesson 19
The Big Idea
Visualising and dreaming your way to a story.
10 mins

Lesson 20
The Title
The first thing a reader sees. Here’s a few thoughts on how to get to a truly great title.
5 mins

Lesson 21
Openings
If you bore children, they will stop reading...
5 mins

Lesson 22
Grab Their Attention
Page one, line one. What’s going to grab a child’s attention and draw them in immediately?
8 mins

Lesson 23
Criticism & Cuts
Edit. Edit. Then Edit some more.
5 mins

Lesson 24
Tips
All the most important things to remember.
4 mins

Lesson 25
Conclusion
Wrapping up the course, here are David's final thoughts to set you on your way.
3 mins
Show more