Jolie Stekly's "Write for Kids" is a true masterclass. Whether you are brand new to kid lit or have some pages under your belt, this class will take your writing beyond what you thought possible. It is packed with insights, practical exercises, and inspiration, which are a worthy investment for any writer. Jolie is also a gifted and joyful instructor who builds community among classmates that outlasts the syllabus. You will leave with a heart full of gratitude and a head full of writerly-wisdom that will open up new possibilities in your creative life.  

Nicola, 23-24

⭐

Write for Kids 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

⭐

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

⭐

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

⭐

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, 22-23 & 23-24

⭐

23-24Taking Write for Kids, taught by Jolie Stekly, was one of the best things I have ever done for myself. My writing now is so much better than it was when I started the class last fall.

Each well-organized class begins with a free-write, which draws ideas from your mind you didn’t know were there! This is followed by the lesson, a short break, and then peer group sharing. Jolie brings in three or four outstanding guest speakers each term – authors, author-illustrators, poets, agents, or editors.

I would characterize the fall term as studying the craft of writing for children, the winter term as focusing on the art of writing for children, and the spring term as studying the process of getting your work ready for submission and learning the process for doing so. (Who knew there was a formula for writing a query letter?)

Jolie’s passion for teaching spills over into a passion for her students and their future successes. She is a community-builder; I have enjoyed getting to know my fellow students this past year, and we plan to continue meeting and sharing our work on Zoom.

Jolie helps you believe in yourself, even as she guides you to see ways to improve your writing. If you are an aspiring children’s book author, TAKE JOLIE’S CLASS!

Angela, 23-24

⭐

I took Jolie's Write For Kids class for two years and I can say without a doubt that aside from joining SCBWI it is the very best thing you can do to improve your writing. And yes, throughout 54 classes, I learned something new each and every time I was in class!

-Todd, 21-22 & 22-23

⭐

If you are searching for a children's writing class, look no further than Write for Kids! It has everything you could want - and more! The three-course series provides you with a strong foundation on how to craft stories for children, with memorable characters, vivid settings, and strong plots. Each course builds upon the next, leading you through a journey that is sure to make you a stronger writer. Jolie is an expert guide on this journey - leading with compassion, kindness, wisdom, and creativity. Jolie builds a wonderful and supportive community through the weekly Zoom meetings, and by the end, you've all created a strong bond that will last beyond the classroom. I really can't say enough about this class - it has made me a better writer and I feel ready to take the next step in my journey to publication. 

-Caitlin, 22-23

⭐

Jolie Stekly's year-long Write for Kids course has been a joyful and inspiring writing experience. The course is a thorough overview of formats (PB to MG to YA), character development, plot and story structures, writing language and craft, voice and tone, setting, dialogue, the publishing industry, writing queries and synopses, finding an agent, and developing a writing community. Jolie invites published writers, agents, and editors to come and discuss writing craft and the submissions process, all of whom were so kind and insightful. The classes are a combination of freewrites, discussions of craft and course texts, peer sharing of original writing, and an option to meet individually with Jolie for a manuscript review. Assigned texts were outstanding. The entire process was a joy (instructor and classmates), and I really appreciated Jolie's insights into and encouragement for the original writing that was presented as well as the writing life. An excellent survey of writing children's literature. Highest recommendation! 

-Susanna, 22-23

⭐

Jolie’s class was life changing. I had put off making the commitment but when I finally took the plunge I never expected to grow so much. Jolie is a magical being who gave us tools, inspiration, guidance, and advice. When you take Jolie’s class, you’ll get maps to the mysterious inner planet of words, guide books to the outer zone of the publishing business world, a string to find your way through the minotaur’s maze and  an invitation to the best party ever with balloons, games, a talent show, guests who are all your best friends and your favorite flavor cake with colorful icing on top!

-Andrea, 22-23

⭐

What a tremendous experience! From the depth of craft content, to the wisdom and experience Jolie and her guest speakers shared, to working with a cohort of peers over months, it was such a thorough and engaging way to immerse into Kidlit and truly advance as a writer. I highly recommend it!    

-Erik, 22-23

⭐

"The one person who's been most influential to my growth as a writer is Jolie. The knowledge she shares, the community she builds, and the overall care and support she shows, have changed my life. My writing will forever be that much stronger and more meaningful. And I look forward to taking more classes with Jolie in the future."

-Amanda, 22-23

⭐

Jolie Stekly’s Write for Kids course is unparalleled. Her passion, knowledge, and joy shine through each week. This course has made me a better writer because it has equipped me to ask the right questions during the writing process. Jolie meets you where you are on your writing journey and supports you to get where you want to be. Her encouragement keeps you motivated to keep writing with heart! The connections and relationships built with fellow classmates truly make this course unique and one not to miss!

-Jessica, 22-23

⭐

I loved your course, Write for Kids! You have been an awesome teacher and support ever since the first day. My goal for WFK was to become a better storyteller by learning the craft of writing fiction for children. 

I gained this and so much more, including: 

• A great overview of the children’s publishing business. 
• An understanding of the basic elements of storytelling and how to apply them. 
• How to read with understanding, discernment, and a writer’s eye to see how the author grabbed my attention, made me care about the hero, and kept me turning pages (sometimes late into the night) until the end. 
• How to learn from critiques & from editing, rewriting, and editing again. (And again.) 
• A higher goal – to write the best manuscript possible – not just ‘finish it.’ 
• How to work with others as a team – advocating for and delighting in each one’s success. 
• And, insight into the practical steps to publication and how editors and agents think. 

There’s lots more I could add. But above all you created such a positive and engaging place for me to learn and grow.  Thank you!

Mary Ann, 22-23

⭐

I loved taking your class. It was out of my comfort zone often but good for me. And to have such a positive encouraging teacher in you is just what I needed as well as everyone else!

-Delia, 22-23

⭐

Jolie is an amazing teacher. Her guidance helped to pull our creativity out, to bring our writing to life. If you want to dig deeper into writing, join Joie's class. 

-Lynn, 22-23

⭐

I enjoyed every class and the amazing cohort of writers. You took me out of my comfort zone often and I learned so much from your teaching style.

-Sacha, 22-23

⭐

We were standing in front of the door that had a sign “Children's Literature.” Jolie came along and pushed the door opened, revealing a room full of vibrant colors, sounds, characters. We felt in awe, but also a bit intimidated, unsure if we were invited. Jolie took our hands and navigated us through the room, waving to different people along the way. We came to a chest sitting in the center. We wanted to open it, but did not know the lock combination. Jolie gave us the passcode, and we lifted the heavy lid, noticing treasures inside. “They are yours now,” Jolie said, “use them.” Grateful for the gifts: How will we use them? Will we put our own treasures in there? But thanks to Jolie, we know for sure: Yes, we do have treasures of our own. 
 
Is it too metaphorical? Like you say, it is lively to have fresh metaphors here and there, but we shouldn’t overuse them. Plus, now thinking about them, isn’t it kind of easy to hide your feelings behind metaphors? Maybe when reading books, people need to make connections themselves. But when going through life, people need to say and hear feelings, expressed as is. So, here are my feelings, unhidden. 
 
I still do not know what force brought me to that door with the sign Children Literature. What invisible force made sure that our paths crossed on that foggy summer morning in Seabrook. What force pushed me to click the sign-up button on your website. I did not know how much I really needed your class at that point. At the point when the world made less and less sense, you appeared. You made sense, and the world you represented made sense, and it was beautiful. You were gentle and understanding and accepting and passionate. You created a welcoming and safe space for every one of us to open up and to believe in ourselves.  
 
That’s my testimonial, and I know it is unprofessional. I guess I am good at being unprofessional. I'll try again:
 
Jolie, I think your course should be renamed. To “Write for Kids: Everything You Need to Know.” 
Even though you believe in learning from as many sources as possible. Even though you would never give your course such a presumptuous name. But it is still true: your course covers it all. And you have this way of teaching it, in a non-obtrusive manner. You weave the knowledge not only into our consciousness but also into our subconsciousness. Borrowing your expression: the knowledge becomes part of our DNA.  If we came to this course “not knowing what we do not know,” we are leaving this course not knowing what we know. And I mean it in a good way. From now on, attending writing seminars or reading writing craft books, we would think: “Hey, I already knew that! Jolie talked about that!”  
 
I realize I have too many words for one email, sorry. But in my defense: I am a writer. You told me that! 
-Sasha, 22-23

⭐

Write For Kids is an exceptional learning opportunity for all writers of children’s stories - seasoned or aspiring. Jolie has created a safe, intimate space on a virtual platform that allows writers to exercise their craft, find their creative voice, set achievable goals, manage setbacks, and build the community they need to succeed in a challenging industry. The connections made and knowledge gained over the three-session course will be worth every penny and every hour spent in front of the computer with Jolie and your new writing family!

-Meg, 21-22

⭐

 “Thank you so much Jolie for this class and this year. Your wisdom and your care put me in touch with a part of myself that apparently was dormant, waiting for the right moment to awaken! This experience will forever remind me to believe in myself and I will always remember it as a significant turning point in my life.”

-Annabel, 21-22

⭐

Thank you so much, Jolie. Your class was wonderful, and in many ways it has given me, (and will continue to give me) a new perspective on life, that is a key to greater joy in everything I do. Thank you for all the love, wisdom and connection that you shared with us. What an adventure. Thank you for being part of my story!!

-Ruthie, 21-22

⭐

I went from having a story idea to writing an entire book because of this class. Jolie offers practical information that you can put to work right away. Along with thoughtful discussion, insightful author talks, and helpful hints. The class is a must for people interested in writing for kids. 

-Lauren, 21-22

⭐