Introduction to story structure with Zanni
Zanni introduces the writing topics in this module.
Introduction to perspective, contrast, and composition with Anna
Anna talks about why contrast, perspective, and composition are important when we create interesting and dynamic picture books.
Handout: Introduction to story structure
Open the handout to read about our writing goals for this module.
Handout: Introduction to creating interesting sketches and illustrations
Open the handout to read about our illustration goals for this module.
Module Three Handout Introduction to Creating Interesting Sketches and Illustrations
Improve your story structure
3-act story structure
In this video, Zanni introduces you to the 3-act story structure. See the supporting handouts for more.
Handout: 3-act story diagram
Open the handout for the 3-act story diagram.
Handout: 3-act story structure explained
Open the handout for more about the 3-act story structure.
Conversation with Lian Tanner
Zanni chats to award-winning picture book author and novelist, Lian Tanner, about using the 3-act story structure.
Conversation with Deb Abela
Zanni chats to accomplished picture book author and novelist, Deb Abela, about the importance of the 3-act story structure.
Conversation with Margrete Lamond
Zanni chats to publisher, editor, author, and story coach, Margrete Lamond, about Margrete’s hot tips for authors as well as her new Seven Steps to Story guide.
Apply the 3-act story structure
Zanni shows you how the 3-act story structure can be applied to The Hole Idea by Beth and Paul MacDonald.
Task: Apply the 3-act story structure
Open the task to apply the 3-act story structure.
Task: Practise using the 3-act story structure
Open the task to practise using the 3-act story structure.
Troubleshooting your story
Zanni talks about common areas where you can improve your story structure.
Task: Write a strong beginning
Open the handout to complete the exercise.
Task: Brainstorm strong endings
Open the handout to complete the task.
Developing dynamic composition in your artwork
Create a greyscale
Anna shows you how to create a greyscale and talks about the importance of contrast in your work.
Task: Create a greyscale
Open the handout to complete the exercise.
Using a light source
Anna shows you how to create drama and contrast using a light source.
Task: Use a light source
Open the handout to complete the exercise.
Bird’s eye view
Anna shows you how to use a bird’s eye view in your work.
Task: Use a bird’s eye view
Open the handout to complete the exercise.
Composition techniques
Anna takes you through some interesting composition techniques, like cropping.
Task: Composition and cropping
Open the handout to complete the exercise.
Dramatic perspective
Anna shows you how you can create drama in your sketches.
Leading the eye
Anna shows you how you can lead the eye through your artwork.
Task: Practise leading the eye
Open the handout to complete the exercise.
Enhance your character with illustration
Anna shows you how to enhance your character using some of the techniques we’ve explored.
Task: Enhance character and format illustration
Open the handout to complete the exercise.
Module Three Task Forming Your Character And Formatting Your Illustration
Module Three Assignments
Due the last Friday of April.
Writing Assignment: Outline your story using the 3-act story structure
Open the handout to read about your writing assignment for module three.
Module Three Assignment Outline Story Using 3-Act Story Structure
Illustration Assignment: Exploring perspectives
Open the handout to read about your illustration assignment for module two.