How do you tell a compelling story when every word—and every page turn—counts? Writing a picture book requires a unique balance of carefully chosen details, thoughtful pacing, and room for illustrations to help tell the story.
Join traditionally published New Hampshire author Matt Forrest Esenwine for a 90-minute webinar on Zoom exploring the craft of writing picture books. Using his dark and spooky Flashlight Night, his brighter I Am Today, and other books, Matt will explore how picture books take shape, why word economy matters, and how an illustrator you might never meet can become an essential storytelling partner. He’ll also offer insight into the submission process and its potential pitfalls.
In this webinar, you will learn:
- What makes writing a picture book different from other forms of writing.
- How to balance descriptive details with space for an illustrator’s contribution.
- Why page turns matter and how they work alongside plot pacing.
- How to make every word count while preserving your story’s voice.
- What goes into the process of creating a picture book.
- What to consider when submitting your work to publishers.
Whether you have an idea waiting to take shape or a draft you’re ready to revisit, this webinar will help you approach your picture book with greater understanding and confidence.
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
- Time: 7:00 – 8:30pm
- Location: NHWP Zoom Room
- Cost: $35 for NHWP members | $45 for non-members
- Additional information, including Zoom link, will be emailed 1 to 2 days prior to the event.
- Register: https://nhwp.app.neoncrm.com/event-detail?event=2909
About Matt Forrest Esenwine:
Matt Forrest Esenwine is the author of more than a dozen children’s books including the Kirkus-starred Flashlight Night (Astra Young Readers, 2017) and I Am Today (POW! Kids Books, 2022), recipient of the 2023 NH State Literary Award for Outstanding Children’s Literature. Meanwhile, his poetry can be found in books like his 2026 NCTE Notable poetry anthology, A Universe of Rainbows (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2025), The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry (National Geographic Kids Books, 2015), and the Donald Hall tribute, Except for Love (Encircle, 2019), among others. Learn more at MattForrest.com.
