The Place to Go for Children's Literature

Children’s Book Writing & Illustrating M.F.A.

Summer 2018: June 18 - July 27

Hollins - Since 1842

Whether you are interested in writing children’s and young adult literature or illustrating it, Hollins University can help. At Hollins, you can spend six weeks for three to five summers and complete the M.F.A. program. You can follow your passion for children’s literature on the campus where Margaret Wise Brown first found inspiration.

Whether you are interested in writing children’s and young adult literature or illustrating it, Hollins University can help. At Hollins, you can spend six weeks for three to five summers and complete the M.F.A. program. You can follow your passion for children’s literature on the campus where Margaret Wise Brown first found inspiration.

  • About the Program

    Children’s Book Writing & Illustrating M.F.A: Students who want to both write and illustrate children’s books can receive a master’s degree combining both disciplines. Immerse yourself in a creative environment, supported by a foundation of critical study in the appropriate genres.

  • Creative Haven

    Hollins’ immersive, compacted residency programs and picturesque campus setting offer students a creative escape for the summer. The 475-acre campus is located in Roanoke, Virginia, and is minutes away from the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, and Roanoke’s historic downtown and city market.

Our graduate professors don’t just teach — they do. That’s why we have several children’s and young adult authors and illustrators to guide you through the writing and illustration process. You’ll also enjoy guest lectures from accomplished authors. Previous speakers have included:

  • David Almond

    David Almond

    Winner of the Carnegie Medal, Smarties Award, two Whitbread Awards, and the Hans Christian Anderson Award

  • Candice Ransom

    Candice Ransom

    MA Graduate, faculty member, and author of Amanda Panda Quits Kindergarten.

  • Nancy Willard

    Nancy Willard

    Newbery Medal winner for A Visit to William Blake’s Inn

Many of our students see success after, or even before, graduation as published authors. Alumni Credits:

  • Ali Standish

    Ali Standish

    MFA '15 graduate published her debut novel, The Ethan I was Before with many starred reviews.

  • Nancy Wright Beasley

    Nancy Wright Beasley

    MFA '11, The Little Lion, YA Holocaust novel was theatrically adapted by Mill Mountain Theatre.

  • Victoria Piontek

    Victoria Piontek

    MFA '14 graduate's debut novel, The Spirit of Cattail County, was acquired by Scholastic for publication.

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