In this online writing course with Writing NSW, I will provide feedback on your writing for children, enabling you to hone your skills over five months. Feedback will vary depending on each submission, but it may focus on areas such as storytelling, plot, structure, characterisation, theme, or voice.

How Does This Course Work?

Once a month, you’ll submit either a picture book text (up to 800 words) or an early reader/chapter book or middle grade text (up to 1500 words). I will provide tailored feedback, giving you time to incorporate my suggestions and advice into the next month’s submission. Each month, you can submit either new or revised writing.

You’ll also have the opportunity to read and critique the writing of other participants. This process of giving and receiving feedback from fellow writers is an ideal way to determine what works, what resonates, what falls flat – and how to improve.

This online program takes place on a website specifically designed for writers, making it simple and easy to share your writing, give and receive feedback, and interact with fellow writers.

If you’re ready to challenge yourself and develop your skills through constructive critique and independent work, this is the program for you.

Please note:

• This is a feedback-based program. While you are welcome to generate new material for submission during this time, no prompts or themes will be provided.

• By enrolling in this course, you are committing to giving and receiving feedback from peers and myself. Read this article here for more information.

• Regarding picture books: Industry standard word count is generally a maximum of 500 words. It’s rare that longer picture book text would be published, so shorter submissions are encouraged but you may submit up to 800 words if necessary. This online feedback program will help you learn how to write a more concise picture book text.

Important Dates

This five-month course opens on Monday 16 February 2026. Submissions of picture book text (up to 800 words) or early reader/chapter book or middle grade text (up to 1500 words) are due on the following dates, 10pm (Sydney times):

Monday 23 February 2026
Monday 23 March 2026
Monday 27 April 2026
Monday 25 May 2026
Monday 22 June 2026

After each submission date, you’ll have 10 days to complete peer feedback. At the end of each feedback period, you’ll receive my feedback.

Participant Requirements

This course is for picture book and early reader/chapter book or middle grade writers. This course is not suitable for writers of young adult fiction. If you would like feedback on young adult fiction, check out our manuscript assessments. Picture book text and early reader text should be fictional.

Internet access and confidence using basic computer software are essential for this program.

For FAQ’s and more information, see the Writing NSW Website here.

Join me in conversation with author Sara Haddad as we launch her wonderful junior fiction novel based on the critically acclaimed adult novel, The Sunbird.

This will be a beautiful free event for children and adults alike.

For bookings and more information, click here

Join us for a School Holiday Storytime of A Lemon for Safiya at Sydney Northwest’s Muslim Community Centre.

Come for a book reading, craft activities including making your own lemon memory hanging charm, lemon and olive oil cake and more!

Books will be available for purchase and signing on the day.

Book here

Bring your little ones and enjoy an engaging Storytime filled with creativity, reflection and fun!

ISRA Centre Sydney

This evening will involve a story time to nourish your soul, a Q&A session with Jemima, delicious snacks inspired by the story, craft activities that the whole family will love, and a raffle for prizes, which includes a lemon tree!

This is a free event but please register for catering purposes.

Pictures & Pages will be there with books for you to purchase and book signing will also be available on the night.

Join us for a double book presentation including fun activities for Aslan and Benny by Jemima Shafei-Ongu and Sit, Stay, Grow by Angelika Von Sanden; two therapists and authors whose books feature dogs to help children and adults better manage difficult emotions, especially their fears.

Join us for an after-school storytime reading of A Lemon for Safiya, followed by some fabulous story-related craft and activities. All Welcome.

An all day event in conversation with small groups of children from local to North Sydney schools.

I will be reading and discussing A Lemon for Safiya and look forward to the stimulating conversations we’ll have.

Irfaan College Students in years 5 and 6 will be getting some great writing tips on how to create more engaging writing using the technique of “show not tell” in their work. It’s going to be a lot of fun!

Everybody’s welcome at Harry Hartog’s Narellan for Book Week Storytime with a fabulous line up of authors, including me! I’ll be reading A Lemon for Safiya and I really look forward to catching up with all the lovely readers there.

Today we are sharing the story of Aslan and Benny, followed by a fun craft activity in Narwee’s Active Kids.

Today’s Book Week Storytime involves sharing Aslan and Benny with stage 1 students followed by an exciting Q&A session.