Carolyn Fisher’s bio:

Artist-author Carolyn Fisher has illustrated eight children’s books, two of which she also wrote. Her pictures have been sought by hundreds of magazines and newspapers from Businessweek to Disney Adventures magazine. She has created poetry, prose and art for chickaDEE magazine. Her book Two Old Potatoes and Me was featured on the PBS educational TV show Reading Rainbow. Paul O. Zelinsky, writing for The New York Times Book Review called her book The Snow Show “visually arresting…one of the most gloriously exuberant, inventive displays of computer-created art that I have ever seen in a picture book.” Her art has been exhibited in the US and Canada. In addition to teaching at art college for seven years, Carolyn has talked to thousands of kids in scores of libraries and schools about writing and art.

FAQ

Is Picture Books 101 for kids or adults?

Picture Books 101 is for adults who are interested in writing or illustrating picture books.

What if I’m a writer and not an illustrator? What if I’m an illustrator and not a writer?

You choose your medium. You can work on writing, or on illustration or both.

What if I’m a newbie writer or illustrator?

Newbies are welcome. We’re all newbies when we start!

What if I’m already a published writer or illustrator?

Great! Then you can work on the areas where you feel like you need improvement. And you can share your expertise with the rest of the community. Published and unpublished, PB 101 students have a wealth of experience and inspire each other with their fabulous writing and drawing.

What if I don’t have a picture book draft to bring to Picture Books 101?

You can come up with an idea for your own project during the course.

Will Carolyn give me a private one-on-one critique on my project during Picture Books 101?

Upon request, Carolyn offers feedback on a project of your choice within the Picture Books 101 Community Facebook group by May 31, 2023. Carolyn does not offer private one-on-one critiques.

Reviews of Carolyn’s classes

“I loved being a part of Carolyn's picture book class. Carolyn is friendly and approachable with great positive energy. She's also very knowledgeable and able to help both illustrators and writers grow. One of my favorite things in the class was getting feedback on my manuscripts from Carolyn. She gave great suggestions and helped me see things I hadn't in my pictures and words. I also appreciated her assignments that pushed me to try new things and develop new skills. If you want to progress as an author and/or illustrator of picture books, working with Carolyn is a great choice!”

—Sierra Wilson, author/illustrator, www.sierrawilsonauthor.com

“I had been wanting to write a children’s book for a really long time, but I didn’t know how to develop any of my ideas into an actual story. Carolyn’s class was exactly the push I needed. Her input and suggestions were so valuable, as was the feedback I got from the other people taking her class. The classes were well organized with lots of videos and illustrated handouts. As an instructor, Carolyn was very enthusiastic and her passion for what she does really came through when presenting information about children’s books. I really enjoyed this class and highly recommend it.”

––Jacqueline Hudon, illustrator

“I'm a published author but hadn't tackled picture books before I enrolled in Picture Book Lab with Carolyn Fisher. Our first group meeting (in-person) got me very excited to be a part of artists and writers learning and working together. Then Covid-19 restrictions hit and we were online only. Carolyn carried on teaching and adapting and encouraging us all. In less than ideal conditions, she managed to retain that aura of excitement that comes with sharing space and ideas with other creatives. I learned a great deal and benefitted from Carolyn's thoughtful critiques of my manuscript. I can't recommend her Picture Book Lab enough.”

—Brenda Leahy Johnson, author

The Art of Rebellion; Robin Hood of the Prairies

"Wow - such great feedback! Thanks so much for taking the time to creatively and constructively deconstruct my MS. Your suggestions are fantastic, and I’ll get right to the edits, buoyed along by your enthusiasm!

I absolutely LOVED your Picture Book Camp; you are an amazing inspiration and mentor for any aspiring picture book author/illustrator."

–Loraine F., writer and professor

As someone new to the children’s literature world, Carolyn’s Picture Books 101
class was exactly what I needed. Before taking her class, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I felt nervous to take the leap, put myself out there and share my writing, and I’m so glad I did! Carolyn’s friendly, candid and supportive teaching style immediately put me at ease.
She created a safe and dynamic learning environment, with no pressure and a whole lot of support. Through the Picture Books 101 class, I am now part
of a community of writers, where we share ideas, feedback and celebrate each other’s successes.

–Kyla V.  

"Carolyn Fisher's "Picture Book Lab" was exactly what I needed to start writing again after a too-long hiatus! The workshop content was just what I was looking for, presented in Carolyn's creative style (via Zoom). Her experience as both a writer and illustrator of children's picture books was invaluable. Thus, Carolyn was able to address the diverse needs of a mixed group of writers and illustrators. She personalized her teaching approach in response to questions from the group. Carolyn's positive yet constructive feedback also inspired me to enter CANSCAIP's Writing for Children Competition, where one of my books was a finalist in the Picture Book category. Without her encouragement, I would never have had the confidence to enter the contest. Thank you, Carolyn!"

—Sheryl Niebergall, Teacher/Writer