➡Learn about the series.
➡Reach out to join us in winter.
➡Join the early-notification list
for the 25-26 series
❄ DID YOU MISS FALL SESSION BUT WANT TO JOIN US THIS WINTER? ❄
It is possible to register for winter session, even if you didn't take the fall session. Students will be expected to have a solid, foundational understanding of writing for children. Reach out directly to Jolie to register.
Winter Dates: Tuesday from 6:00 - 8:30 PST, 1/7 to 3/4 and Thursday from 3:00 to 5:30 PST 1/9 to 3/6.
Join the early-notification list for the 2025-2026 series!
Those on the list will be given the first opportunity to register and offered the early-bird price.
WRITE FOR KIDS : a three-course series with Jolie Stekly
Jolie’s class was life changing...Jolie’s supportive approach has encouraged me...It was even better the second time...TAKE JOLIE’S CLASS!...Write for Kids is a true masterclass..a worthy investment for any writer...It was by far one of the most rewarding and enriching journeys I’ve had in my life, not only for writing but also for heart...one of the best things I have ever done for myself...My writing is so much better...Jolie’s class was life changing...Jolie’s supportive approach has encouraged me...It was even better the second time...TAKE JOLIE’S CLASS!...Write for Kids is a true masterclass..a worthy investment for any writer...It was by far one of the most rewarding and enriching journeys I’ve had in my life, not only for writing but also for heart...one of the best things I have ever done for myself...My writing is so much better...
Do you want to write and publish books for kids and teens?
But you still need to:
✔ learn how to write the book
✔ finally write it
✔ grow in your craft to become a stronger writer
✔ attract an agent or editor
Wouldn't it be great to be part of a live, interactive class...
✔ exclusively for children's book writers
✔ studying all categories of children's literature
✔ learning from guest speakers not typically heard outside conferences
✔ building a community of like-minded writers who provide valuable feedback
I often hear from students: I didn't know, what I didn't know.
Be in the know.
This course is tried and true,
formerly the University of Washington's
Certificate in Writing for Children program.
Fast track your journey, no matter where you're at in the process.
Live, interactive classes. Join from anywhere.
While classes will happen live,
either on Tuesday or Thursday,
students will have access to an online classroom space
to watch class replays (clipped for bite-sized viewing).
You won't miss a thing!
Fall Session Will Include:
9
Classes
3
Guest Speakers*
1
Manuscript Review
Option to take class on either:
*Guest Speakers: Guest speakers will speak "live" during either the Tuesday or Thursday session (whichever hours work best for their schedule). If a guest speaker is not live during your class, you will be invited to attend live on the other class day. If you cannot, the replay will be available for you to watch.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few answers to the most commonly asked questions:
IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
Do you want to write books for kids and/or teens? If so, then YES!
I work with both pre-published and published writers. Students come with varying levels of experience, from knowing very little to being agented and/or published.
This course MEETS YOU WHERE YOU ARE. It's a series that many have taken more than once.
WHEN DOES THE COURSE START AND FINISH?
The Write for Kids class is a series of three courses that take place fall, winter, and spring. One class group will meet on Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:30 PM PST and another class group will meet on Thursdays from 3:00 to 5:30 PM PST.
The following are the expected dates for 2024-2025:
Fall: October 8 & 10 until December 10 & 12. (There is no class on 11/26 & 28.)
Winter: January 7 & 9 until March 4 & 6.
Spring: April 1 & 3 until May 27 & May 29.
Please note: each session has its own fee, and students must complete the session before (in the current or a previous year) to sign up for the next session (with some exceptions for winter).
IS THE PRICE FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES OR ONE COURSE SESSION?
Each session has its own fee.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT?
The time commitment is really up to you. I truly believe you get back what you put in. There is "required" reading, but you will never feel left behind if you are unable to do the reading. The amount of time you spend writing will likely vary based on your project(s) and other life factors. The biggest commitment is the 2.5 hours of class time each week. But knowing students can't always attend every class, you will be able to review replays to ensure you don't miss a thing.
HOW IS THE COURSE DELIVERED?
The Write for Kids series will be taught LIVE via ZOOM.
While this course is no longer taught in-person, I aim to make the class feel as though it is.
This format allows folks from all over the country (and even the world) to attend.
Class sessions are also recorded and made available in a password-protected classroom space. Viewing is extremely user-friendly, as I break the recording into shorter segments. (No wading through 2.5 hour recordings.)
HOW LONG DO I HAVE ACCESS TO THE COURSE?
Replays will be available for the entirety of the course (as long as you remain a student) and through the month of August 2025. The one exception is for guest-speaker replays, which will only be available for 2 weeks. For those who don't complete the series, you will have access until the next session begins (students taking fall session will have access until winter session begins, if they are not continuing).
Replays will only consist of the content portions of the class and will be broken up into bite-sized pieces. This offers you a chance to view or review with efficiency, not having to wade through a 2.5 hour class recording.
The online classroom space will contain all you need in one spot: replays, handouts, slides, syllabi, etc.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN EACH CLASS?
There will be a maximum of 16 people in each class, and each will require a minimum of 6.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
I'm happy to answer any questions you may have so you can determine if this course is right for you! Email me at jolie@joliestekly.com and I'll get back to you asap.
Many come to the WRITE FOR KIDS series because it was recommended to them.
Words from 2023-2024 WfK students:
You could wander around on your own for years trying to write for kids. Or, you could follow Jolie to the buried treasure and she’ll fill your pockets with gold. When you return home, the gold will transform into a pile of books you write using all the secrets shared by Jolie and the writerly wizard friends you’ll meet along the way. Follow Jolie, my friends. I completed 3 picture book manuscripts, a book dummy, and am drafting a middle grade story while taking the Write For Kids Class.
-Sarri, 23-24 student
It was even better the second time. Jolie’s class opened a new writing world for me. She taught me the art and craft of storytelling; introduced me to the wonderful Kid Lit community, and showed me how to be a part of it.
Above all, Jolie’s supportive approach has encouraged me to keep going forward with confidence. I highly recommend anything Jolie teaches – she’s the best!”
-Mary Ann, 23-24 student
It was by far one of the most rewarding and enriching journeys I’ve had in my life, not only for writing but also for heart. I highly recommend Jolie’s class whether one wishes to embark upon writing as a profession, or simply want to befriend a magical child within.
Shizuko, 23-24 student
As someone completely new to children's book writing, I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for Jolie's Writing for Kids class. I impulsively took a chance on something that sparked my interest, and I am so incredibly grateful that I did. Being in Jolie's class reminded me of why I enjoy writing in the first place, helped me better understand my own creative energy, forced me to learn in new ways, held me accountable and, most importantly, connected me to a wonderful community that I didn't know I needed. I highly recommend Jolie's class to anyone who is hoping to transform the lives of children through story, and wants to know how to get from having an idea to publishing a book.
-Nan, 23-24 student
Jolie Stekly
Hey, Friends! I'm Jolie.
I help pre—published and published writers of books for kids and teens grow in their craft and achieve their goals.
I so enjoy teaching these classes, watching the relationships that grow out of them, and celebrating the growth and successes of so many. The course has been built on the foundation of those who came before me, the hundreds of classes and conferences I’ve been fortunate to be part of, as well as the twelve years of teaching the series.
I work with writers at all stages, teaching classes remotely and at the University of Washington (Professional and Continuing Education). I also offer workshops and coach writers one-on-one.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous editors, agents, authors, and illustrators to develop programming for conferences, retreats, and classes.
One of my proudest moments was being recognized as SCBWI’s 2009 Member of the Year, and now I’m honored to welcome hundreds of first-time attendees to the international conference in Los Angeles (and remote conferences), helping them make the most of their experience. It’s one of my favorite things.
I hold a master's degree in teaching, proudly write on the blog team for the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators, and I’m represented by Rosemary Stimola at Stimola Literary Agency.
"Jolie's class changed my life -- seriously! She is an amazing teacher and coach, and I continue to learn so much from her. Her teaching and feedback style helped me develop my own inner motivation to write again after developing terrible problems with writer's block in classes with other teachers, and the things I learned from her about kidlit and writing were vital to every success I've had since. If you can take a class from her, do it!”
— Jessica Petersen, OLD TRACKS, NEW TRICKS
"Jolie Stekly's love of writing is obvious from the first minutes of her class. Her knowledge about the craft of writing and her ability to give spot-on feedback helped me every single week to improve. Jolie was able to call upon her many contacts within the publishing industry to add further depth to her classes. Most importantly, Jolie possesses boundless enthusiasm. Her classes are warm and welcoming, where writers are encouraged to take risks, and growth is sure to follow. I highly recommend her classes."
- Amanda Hosch, MABEL OPAL PEARS and the Rules for Spying
Jolie has a deep knowledge of the craft of writing for children. She has carefully built the curriculum to help the new or experienced writer gain a deeper understanding of the industry, process and technicalities of writing. Her instructional style is passionate but gentle and saturated in knowledge. She has the benefit of many year of experience, and is well-connected within the industry for a unique insider’s perspective. This is evident in her instruction, insight, critique, curriculum and quality of guest speakers in class.
- Kristina Schwartz, ghost writer of books for kids
© Jolie Stekly 2024