Author & Illustrator Masterclasses

‘An essential course for any writer at any stage of their author journey’
-Charissa Coulthard, author

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EmpathyLab’s mission is to raise an empathy-educated generation and partnerships with schools, authors and illustrators are vital in achieving this. A key strand of our work is to offer authors and illustrators Empathy Masterclasses so they can integrate a greater focus on empathy into any school visit or festival event.

Aims of the masterclass

  • To equip authors with the knowledge and ideas to introduce a sharper empathy focus into school and festival events
  • To explore how authors can be empathy role models for children and young people – championing the language, values and skills of empathy
  • To increase the number of authors and illustrators participating in and benefitting from Empathy Day
  • To explore how authors can be Empathy Ambassadors – spreading the word; taking part in Empathy
  • Day and Empathy Action Month; staying involved through the Alumni scheme

Benefits for authors & illustrators

  • Inspiration and new ideas from practical examples of author empathy-focused work (festivals/schools/libraries)
  • Understanding of the science of empathy and how book characters affect readers’ brains, building real-life empathy
  • Connecting with and inspiring a young audience who are learning about empathy
  • Doing social good by being part of a growing empathy movement
  • Learning how to weave a sharper empathy focus into existing workshops and talks
  • New event hook/different pitch to event organisers (eg. PSHE leads) by helping to develop a key social/emotional skill

Take a look at the 2026 masterclass agenda

Masterclass Agenda '25

Join our next courses

Wednesday 11th and 18th March, 2026. 10:00 AM-1:00 PM  (two half days) 

During the National Year of Reading we are offering all published children’s authors & illustrators the opportunity at just £100. Self fund or ask your publisher to nominate you.

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Farrah Riaz talks about her experience on the masterclass