Neurodivergent Picture Book Creators Workshop with Kaz Windness
Meet and learn from the award-winning, proudly neurodivergent illustrator and author of funny and heart-warming books for young readers, Kaz Windness. Designed for neurodivergent creators and/or those creating books for children on neurodivergent topics — get friendly support and even pitch your book for instant feedback from Kaz with a member of the EK Books team present and scouting (optional, but recommended!).
Live online. 4 PM US Mountain Time, Wednesday, April 22 | 8:00 AM Australian Eastern Time Thursday, April 23.
(The event will be recorded so registered attendees can catch up at their own pace).
Online seminar
Get Practical Tools You Can Use to Do the Work That Matters and Increase Your Chances of Getting Published.
4 PM US Mountain Time, Wednesday, April 22 | 8:00 AM Australian Eastern Time Thursday, April 23.
Supported by EK Books, We're Here to Help You Get Published - With Advice Specifically Tailored to Creators Like You!
Dealing with creator's burnout
Whether you are a creator with a wonderful neurodivergent brain or you address topics sensitive to this, the work can be hard and the publishing journey, daunting. Here's some hard-earned practical wisdom on how to stay your best self for the long haul.
Navigating the publishing journey your way
Things are different for neurodivergent creators and when you are addressing related topics. The publishing journey can seem tough, but there are surprisingly easy things you can do to improve your odds of publication and navigate this world on your own terms.
Doing justice to the most important topics for young minds
As an author or illustrator, how do you help young readers navigate the challenges of an unusual mind? And how do you use your own lived experience (if you have it) to enhance the impact of your words and / or illustrations? Learn from an award-winning master of the craft.
Supported by EK Books for Kids - an award-winning, global publisher specializing in books with heart on issues that matter. Participate in the workshop to meet an EK Books editor and unlock pitching opportunities!
Meet your mentor
Kaz Windness is the award-winning, genre-crossing illustrator and author of funny and heart-warming books for young readers. Proudly neurodivergent (ASD/ADHD), Kaz specializes in character-driven books celebrating inclusivity, grit, and kindness. Her many books include the Geisel Honor winner, “Worm and Caterpillar are Friends,” the Dolly Parton Imagination Library pick, “When You Love a Book,” as well as the acclaimed Bitsy Bat series and many others. She taught illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design for 12+ years and is the founder of The Cuddlefish Academy, where she inspires students to tell stories with pictures. Kaz lives in Colorado with her English teacher husband, two teen children, and a bunny-obsessed Boston Terrier named Remy. Kaz loves making deep-dish pizza from scratch and sketching animals at the zoo. Visit Kaz at WindnessBooks.com.
Ready to Pitch Your Book Live for Expert Feedback? Here's How it Will Work:
During the second half of the session, you’ll have the option to drop a 1–2 line pitch into the Zoom chat and get instant feedback from Kaz Windness.
This is how you find out if your idea actually works.
Kaz will help you shape it into something clearer, stronger, and more publishable. The kind of pitch that makes sense to a publisher.
And in fact, a publisher from EK Books will be there, following along and paying attention to the pitches.
No pressure though. This is completely optional.
If you don’t want to pitch, you’ll still learn a lot by watching others. You’ll see what clicks, what doesn’t, and how small changes can turn a vague idea into something that feels ready.
Workshop + Pitch Your Idea for Live Feedback from Kaz!
- Attend the workshop live and/or catch up on the recording and learn how to succeed as a neurodivergent children's book creator
- Get access to bonus digital handouts you will keep to support your journey
- Pitch your book live to Kaz and get instant feedback and have your pitch read by an EK Book publisher (Not feeling ready to pitch? That's ok! You're welcome to watch and learn too).
- Strictly limited spaces available!
$90 USD
Workshop + Written Feedback on Your Pitch as Part of the 'Your Marvelous Mind' Pitching Competition
- Everything on the left, plus:
- We're hosting a pitching competition! Standard entry is free, and authors can upgrade to receive feedback from EK Books editors
- Detailed written feedback normally costs $190 alone, but you can claim a feedback package and attend Kaz's workshop at no extra fee
- You have until April 30 to submit your pitch to EK Books, and will receive in-depth written feedback in May.
$190 total (save $60!) USD
Important disclaimer:
This workshop is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or professional advice. It is not a substitute for guidance from a qualified healthcare or other relevant professional. Please consult an appropriate professional before making decisions relating to your health or wellbeing.
While the workshop includes insight into the publishing process and attention from a publishing editor, participation does not guarantee publication or any specific outcomes. All publishing decisions are made independently and based on individual merit, market considerations, and editorial fit.
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