Anyone who has ever wanted to be a children’s author can take a four-session course in the subject this month at Merritt Bookstore in Millbrook. Karen Orloff and Della Ross Ferreri will offer ABCs of Writing for Children on August 14, 16, 21 and 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The $185 class series will cover how to get ideas, how to structure a story, creating great characters, revision techniques, writing query and cover letters and submitting to editors, among other topics. It will include in-class exercises, manuscript critiques and informal discussions over BYO brown bag lunches. It’s not necessary to be an illustrator to enroll.

Orloff is a former editor and the author of nine picture books (two forthcoming) and three interactive children’s mysteries. Ferreri is the author of three picture books, two board books and two easy readers, and has written numerous poems and stories for children’s magazines.

Merritt Bookstore is located at 57 Front St., Millbrook, NY. To register or for more information, contact Orloff at [email protected] or 845.234.0685.