Naps and Notebooks Mini Masterclasses

Feeling stuck? Burnt out? Unsure how to make the most of your time? Muddled about feedback from an editor? Craving inspiration? It’s not easy to make space for creative work when you’re raising young kids. I’m a mother to a sweet young boy who requires a lot of attention, but that doesn’t mean I want to stop learning and growing. In fact I’m more ambitious as a mother. And I have a feeling you might be too. I’ve been a part of the Two-Hour Club for years. That means most of the creative work I get done happens during nap time, quiet time, or after bed time. You too?

These writing masterclasses are designed to make the moments you have with your notebook count.

Reviewing Your Work
$100.00

If you’ve been writing for several years, you have created a body of work, maybe without even noticing. I’ll walk you through how to review your work with intention and kindness. This exercise is especially helpful when you’re in between projects, querying agents, want to try writing in a new genre, or trying to choose a new project. You’ll understand your strengths as a writer and get clear on the projects you want to focus on in the future. We’ll also study several Julia Donaldson books and identify the values you want to bring to your own work, so the writing process feels meaningful and energizing. Every masterclass includes a short video that’s totally watchable during nap time and a beautiful workbook.

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Nonfiction for Kids
$100.00

I’ve worked on hundreds of nonfiction books and magazines for clients like Time for Kids and Bravery Magazine, and I’ve learned nonfiction can be every bit as creative and as engaging as fiction can be. In this masterclass you’ll learn about the different genres of nonfiction, the essential elements of any nonfiction book, and how to create a book that will have kids truly excited to learn more. Every masterclass includes a short video that’s totally watchable during nap time and a beautiful workbook.

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Writing Relatable Characters
$100.00

Creating characters from scratch is an essential skill. But what does it mean to write a relatable character? And exactly how do we do it? In this masterclass, we study modern classics and walk through the process step by step, so you can create your own beloved characters with confidence. This class will inspire you, whether you're totally new to writing fiction or just feel like this is a blind spot, and the techniques I share apply to everything from picture-book characters to characters in chapter books, middle grade, and YA. Every masterclass comes with a workbook and video that’s totally watchable during nap time.

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Design your own bite-size MFA program with these on-demand, targeted classes.

How to Read Like a Writer
$100.00

Cultivate one of the most important skills you can have as a writer. Learn to read with purpose and discover how you can find inspiration in this essential practice. I’ll show you in real-time how I analyze five chapter books and walk you through step by step how to apply the process to any genre or question. Every masterclass comes with a workbook and video that’s totally watchable during nap time.

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Chapter Books
$100.00

Chapter books are their own unique art form that encourage kids to read, read, read, until they finish a series and fall in love with something new. In this masterclass you’ll learn what makes chapter books distinct, create characters that readers adore, find a formula that works for you, and discover ways to personalize and elevate your work. Every masterclass comes with a workbook and video that’s totally watchable during nap time.

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I have loved taking part in this class! Heidi, thank you so much for all the content.
— Amanda Andrus

Grow as a writer. Master your craft. Go at your own pace.

Thank you, Heidi! You’ve provided a wealth of information and several splashes of inspiration, all sprinkled with warmth and encouragement. I’ve learned a lot.
— Colleen Olle
How to Grow as a Writer
$100.00

How do you get from aspiring writer to bestselling author? From illustrator to writer? Or from experienced WFH writer to award-winning artist? In this masterclass I'm sharing three ways you can, not just grow as a writer, but grow intentionally: Developing your identity, asking for help, and being your own guide. This honestly might be the most important class you ever take as a writer. Every masterclass comes with a workbook and video that’s totally watchable during nap time.

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Book Mapping
$100.00

A book map is an overview of a book that helps writers analyze a manuscript, chapter by chapter and scene by scene. It’s a powerful way to get the distance you need to see a book the way a reader will and work on a book at any stage of the creative process. In this class, you’ll learn how to create a book map for picture books, chapter books, middle-grade, YA, and adult novels; diagnose and solve problems regarding plot, character development, theme, and more; and use the book mapping process throughout the development of the book.

I first gave this class as a keynote for SCBWI, and I’ve been teaching a month-long version for EFA for several years. Now you can understand book mapping and how it applies to your work in less than an hour, plus you’ll get a handy dandy workbook!

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How to Find the Time and Energy to Write
$100.00

We all struggle with finding the time and energy to write. But it’s possible to transform your relationship with time and protect your energy, so you can do the creative work you long to do. This class will introduce powerful mindset shifts and practical exercises you can use to make space for creativity. Every masterclass comes with a workbook and video that’s totally watchable during nap time.

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Thank you for the course, Heidi! The material has been informative and helpful, and I have learned a lot.
— Erin Liles

Make a matcha latte. Grab your notebook. And let’s get started!

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This was such a great class! I learned a lot and have applied it to manuscripts. Love it!
— Angela Dalton

FAQs

Are these classes right for me?

Some of the examples will focus on picture books, but we’re digging into craft and process in a way that will still be totally relevant if you work on chapter books, middle grade, YA, and full-length novels. I’m a writer and editor, and these classes combine artistry and analysis. I’ve studied hundreds of books and tried to make sense of the vague, templated instructions that are so often found in books and classes in a way that would help me be a better writer and make the kind of books I actually want to make. I hope you’ll find them helpful too!

How long are the classes?

The videos are all less than 30 minutes, plus you can spend however long you want to spend with the workbook. The classes are designed to fit comfortably into naptime or whenever it’s quiet, plus still have time to stretch and rest your own eyes a bit!

Do I need to have a manuscript written to benefit?

No! You can start watching any time in the creative process.

Am I too green? Too experienced? Too something to take these classes?

If you’re looking for inspiration and practical steps you can take to improve your writing, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re experimenting with a new genre, trying to master a skill that doesn’t come naturally, or just trying to make the most of your precious creative hours, I know you’ll learn exactly what you need to.

Is there a sales pitch at the end?

No! These aren’t webinars designed to sell you something. These are masterclasses you can take whenever the timing is right for you. You will learn everything you need to know about each topic inside the masterclasses. There’s nothing else to buy.

Are there refunds?

I don’t offer refunds, but I’m confident you’ll find these masterclasses wildly inspiring. If you’re like me, it always helps to hear the essentials in new ways, and I’ve put my own spin on every topic. You won’t learn these ideas anywhere else.

Can I request a topic?

Yes! Send me a message, and I’ll add it to my list.