Art of Writing workshop: Leaving Room for the Illustrator in Picture Book Writing with Laura Piggott

Almonte Readers & Writers is pleased to present the June series of Art of Writing workshops and courses exploring aspects of creative and technical skills development in literary arts, offered as part of the 2025 Lanark Lit Festival of Writing.

Although they may seem simple, picture books are often one of the most complicated genres to write, as they combine both a written and visual narrative. Where does one end and the other begin? Is one more important than the other? As a picture book writer, how do you leave room for the illustrator and the story’s visual narrative? In this workshop, participants will learn how to pare down text when every word counts – and let pictures do some of the talking. Participants will examine current picture book writing techniques, including the importance of leaving some things unsaid. Participants will also edit and compose their own written excerpts for a picture book audience. A Question and Answer period may follow the hands-on portion of the workshop if there is interest and time. Participants should leave with a better understanding of how both written and visual narratives work in tandem in picture books.
*Participants are asked to bring a copy of their favourite, traditionally-published picture book (published within the last 10 years – this can be owned or borrowed from the nearest public library). Participants are also asked to bring a picture book writing sample or manuscript of their own work for an editing exercise.

About the instructor:

Laura Piggott is an author/illustrator who loves colour, wonder, whimsy, and magic. Her art and writing both embody a sense of humour and play. She believes that all children should see themselves in the stories that surround them.
When she’s not drawing, painting, or writing, Laura spends her time knitting and sewing; playing the piano, violin, and cello; reading books and magazines; and drinking copious amounts of coffee. When the coffee runs dry (or it’s past 3:00 pm), you might find her dreaming by the fire with a quilt and a cup of hot cocoa or a glass of bubbly wine. Laura also loves to eat, cook, and bake gluten-free food and would never turn down a dinner invitation from Phil Rosenthal or Bobby Flay.
Laura has an Honours BA in Trilingual Translation and a Bachelor of Education, both from the University of Ottawa. She also has a post-graduate certificate in Stylistic Editing from Queen’s University. She speaks English, Spanish, French, and Italian. Although she is smitten with travel, she is the epitome of a homebody.
Laura lives with her husband, two teenage children, and menagerie of pets in Carleton Place, Ontario.
Laura is represented by Joyce Sweeney and Elisa Houot at the Seymour Agency. More on Laura can be found by visiting www.laurapiggott.com 

The 2025 Lanark Lit Festival of Writing is presented by Almonte Readers & Writers thanks to the generous funding support of Lanark County, the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, the Perth & District Community Foundation, and the Elizabeth Kelly Library Foundation, with community partnership from the Mississippi Mills Public Library, the Perth & District Public Library, Mill Street Books, Almonte Writers Guild, and with the community support of Equator Coffee, OVC Almonte, Jazzy’s Brewhaus and other local partners.

Pre-registration required via Tickets Please  
Early-bird rate: $30 (until April 19)
Regular rate: $40

Explore the full calendar of events for the 2025 Lanark Lit Festival of Writing!