An Iowa author will present a “How to Write a Children’s Picture Book” through Albert Lea Community Education next week.

Jean Tennant will hold the workshop from from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 22. It is for anyone interested in writing books, short stories or magazine articles for and about young people.

Topics to be presented include “Selecting a Great Manuscript Idea,” “Sharpening Your Writing Skills,” “Finding an Illustrator for Your Picture Book,” “Formatting a Manuscript,” “Copyrighting Your Material,” and much more.

Tennant has called the Midwest her home for more than three decades, and she understands the challenges of writing for publication while living in a rural area. She has had several novels published, as well as more than 200 short stories and newspaper articles. Her novels have been reprinted in several languages, and her short stories and articles have appeared in internationally published periodicals.

Her children’s picture book, titled “Olivia’s Birthday Puppy,” is available through Amazon.com, other online booksellers and bookstores. Her most recent work is the book “Walking Beans Wasn’t Something You Did With Your Dog,” an anthology about life in the Midwest which contains several stories by Minnesota authors.

In addition to many pages of handouts, the participants of the workshop are given the opportunity to submit their own work for critiquing.

Tennant offers a hands-on experience, sharing her love of the writing process with those who aspire to see their own work published. To register or to learn more, call 379-4834.