Exploring Picture Books

Want to write a picture book but don’t know where to start?

Children's author

You’re not alone.

Lucky for you, I love picture books and have been reviewing them for over 30 years. Join me in this highly-interactive full-day course where we look at the best picture books being published in Australia today and what makes them tick.

We look at how illustrations work with (and sometimes in oppostition to) the story, how to be ruthless in your editing and how to create something original and universal at the same time. Bring your favourite books to discuss, plus your work in progress. You will be able to workshop your ideas in a welcoming and safe environment and leave with an action plan to take your work to the next stage.

Your Investment

Full-day workshop

For a short time only, at the special ‘COVID-19-ate-my- income’ price of $125

Dates, venues and times

Given current COVID-19 restrictions are starting to disappear around the country, please contact me to be advised of new venues and dates.

What you should bring

Enthusiasm for your current draft
Pen and paper / laptop for note taking
Examples of picture books you love
Snacks and lunch.

What I provide

All training materials
Delivery of workshop
Inspiration to get you on the path to publication.

Enquire now

Marie is fantastic at what she does and is clearly a very talented writer. She is so easy to communicate with and her feedback has been invaluable. Highly recommend any business to reach out to her and utilise her skill set!

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Melanie Longano | Northern Allied Health

Marie’s recommendations were spot on and I’m so glad I reached out to her and got the job done properly. I will be using Marie for more work in the next few weeks and months. Marie has an amazing skill-set. Couldn’t recommend her services enough!

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Chef Mel | Vanilla Zulu

I chose Marie because her social posts were engaging and I related to her authenticity. Marie not only wrote great copy, but she also challenged me to articulate what I offer to clients in ways that I hadn’t thought of before.

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Geoff Ivanac | Real Life Financial Planning

I recently worked on a client’s project where the website copywriting needed to be exceptional. Marie took a meticulous approach to gathering information to write meaningful and interesting copy. I highly recommend Marie and her copywriting services.

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Neil Forrester | Ethos Website Design

Marie spoke with my client directly to obtain a full understanding of the technicalities of the services he provides to his clients. Both my client and I are very happy with the outcome.

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Neil Forrester | Ethos Website Design

Marie is a master at writing material that’s easy to read and suits the intended audience. Whenever I need to get my messaging right, I don’t hesitate to seek Marie’s expert views on my content.

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Jenny Lindsay | ConnectJen

When I needed some articles and recipes presented professionally, I called on Marie for help. She was efficient, professional and easy to work with. I wish I had engaged her sooner!

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Chef Mel | Vanilla Zulu

Marie is efficient, professional and easy to work with and cares deeply about what she does. I would recommend her for any copywriting task that requires attention to detail and creative flair.

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Jonathon Fox | Fox Management Group

I recently engaged Marie to write new content for my website and socials. Marie is a highly professional copywriter who really gets to the heart of the business she’s writing about, is efficient and will go the extra mile for you.

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Geoff Ivanac | Real Life Financial Planning

As writers, we can feel emotionally attached to our work and Marie is respectful of that. She’s generous and funny, it’s been a joy working together.Marie was very knowledgeable and engaging.”

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Jenny Lindsay | ConnectJen

(Marie’s) passion for writing and teaching sparked many lively conversations. Marie encouraged all of us to strive towards a higher level of writing as well as being adventurous in the choices we made.

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Gina Edwards

I really feel like I am now moving forward after stalling before I engaged your services. I had a good chat with my marketing specialist yesterday and we used your copy and it looks awesome.

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Geoff Ivanac | Real Life Financial Planning

Marie’s shared her expertise to help me improve my website copy. I value her constructive and kind feedback to help polish up my writing.

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Jenny Lindsay | ConnectJen

“Thank you Marie for being a part of our High Ability Masterclass! It was such a pleasure hearing about your career and getting the hints about writing.”

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Fabiano Nigro | Macleod College

As a teacher Marie Alafaci excels. She connects with her students on a personal level and cares deeply about what she does. I would recommend her to anyone looking to develop or improve their writing skills.

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Tracey Rolfe | Victoria University Polytechnic

Marie’s years of multi-faceted experience has been a source of inspiration to me, and I am grateful for the invaluable impact she has made on my writing habits and skills.

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Gina Edwards

I understand why the students loved the Grammar and Punctuation course so much; Marie is a very passionate expert in her field, patient and generous with her time.

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Frances Devlin | RMIT University

I worked with Marie in 2020 to set up and run the Grammar and Punctuation online Short Course at RMIT University. She was very professional, easy to work with, and a great communicator.

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Frances Devlin | RMIT University

Marie tailors her workshop to our needs and brings a wealth of knowledge that is presented in a fun and engaging way. Thanks, Marie!

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Olivia Allen | Overnewton Anglican Community College

As an expert, (Marie) leads our students in writer’s workshops, sharing her experience and wisdom in how to write creatively for a specific audience. Within minutes she builds a great rapport with students and it’s always a great session.

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Olivia Allen | Overnewton Anglican Community College

Thank you so much for today, it was fantastic! The students have already said it was the highlight of the High Ability Master Class.

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Fabiano Nigro | Macleod College