The PB Retreat with Ebony Lynn Mudd

Ebony's smart, applicable approach to understanding structure and applying to analyzing and writing PBs is worlds beyond other content I've encountered. My understanding is significantly deeper, and I can see how it's super-charging my approach to writing.

This class is worth every penny. Especially if you are ready to level up your writing skills.

I cannot say enough positive words about this class! You will leave each week feeling energized to scour your manuscripts for ways to level up your voice and tackle revisions. Ebony will teach you what the elusive "voice" actually means and what you can do to amplify yours. She dives deep into the psychology of sound to teach you how and why the words you choose will level up your writing. She says it, and now I'm going to say it, after this course, you will never listen to lyrics (or picture books!) the same way again. This class is a must-have addition to your writing and revision tool belt. Ebony is thorough, enthusiastic, and patient. She will make sure no student is left behind. Ebony even shares some of her own revisions so you leave understanding how to tackle yours. I 100% recommend this class.

Ebony isn’t reinventing the wheel, but she is rearranging how you analyze books. With clear-cut and practical examples, you learn how to inspect every cover, spread, page, line, and word to understand how the elements of a picture book build upon each other. After this class, you’ll be more intentional with your studies which directly translates into being more productive when revising. And, a side effect of all that is more confidence in yourself! Come on, what are you waiting for?? Do yourself a favor, sign up for this class, and thank me (and Ebony) later!

I loved Ebony's style and in-depth look at what's critical in a picture book to make it soar. None of what she provided were hard-and-fast rules, but they were part of a helpful guide on analyzing picture books so my own could improve. And not just the stories I'd already written, but any I planned to write in the future. She explained first spreads, last spreads, how to leave room for the illustrator, how to understand pacing in a story, and what's going on with page turns, text, flap copy, and book covers. I could not recommend this course more!

This class is incredible! A MUST for anyone looking to level up your picture book! After taking this class I will never read a picture book or listen to music in the same way! The pairing of these two was a brilliant stroke of genius and a owe a big fat thank you to Ebony for sharing her insights through this amazing class!

Ebony's candor delivers. She uses various picture books and her own manuscripts to teach the structure of picture books. It is breathing new life into my revision process. I look forward to the next course: How to Use Hip Hop Music to Level Up Your Picture Book Voice.

Y'all this class is short but packs a punch, don't let it deceive you. Every week I've gone back and rewatched and combed through the slides. Ebony has compiled a wealth of knowledge and it takes time to digest and wrap your head around it, but it's given me the confidence to write (finally) now two stories outside of the tired old "try, fail" structure. AND when I get brave enough, I want to go back and try new structures on manuscripts that could be working better. Ebony is a kind and generous teacher. She's thorough and puts in the time and energy to make sure no one is left behind during class, and even shows how to implement the concepts on her own work. If you're a picture book writer, new or more seasoned, this class is excellent for making you consider how to make your stories really sing off the page.

I am amazed by all the tips and tricks Ebony has to study picture books. I have so many new tools in my belt now. She is so fun, thorough, and willing to answer any questions you may have.

As a PB pre-published author, I struggle with structuring my stories so they bring out the in-depth "magic" I know is buried somewhere in the text. Ebony Lynn Mudd presents a friendly, encouraging course that teaches "structure" from its basic definition to its value in crafting the best picture book possible while offering specific examples along the way. I'm ready to lift my writing to the next level!

How To Use Hip-Hop Music To Level Up Your Picture Book Voice is the PERFECT class for those who are looking to level up their writing. Whether you're polishing your picture books for querying or trying to sell a book on submission, this class is going really improve your writing. Ebony gives great examples from music and her own body of work. She provides tools to help you examine how the choices you make when writing affect the voice. 10/10 Recommend to literally everyone.