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Amy Nielander

@amynielander

1.1K

followers

1073

following

Author Illustrator THE LADYBUG RACE,
GRAMA'S HUG, MY NAME IS NOT ED TUG
Repd @adriagoetz. https://www.amynielander.com/

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Families are invited to join Children’s Book Coach @amynielander for a drawing workshop featuring her Create a Character Activity!

In this interactive program, children and caregivers draw together while building creativity and connection. Participants will stretch their imagination and practice resilience through engaging activities.

No drawing experience is needed, and all caregivers are welcome. This family-focused workshop is a fun and engaging way to connect with your child ages 5 and up!

🗓️Saturday, Oct. 24 • 1:30 - 2:30 P.M
📍@MichiganCentralDetroit
🎟️General admission - $45 per family
✨Writing Room members get 20% off!
🔗For registration and more information, visit detroitwritingroom.com/events.

#Childrensbooks #detroitwritingroom #familyfun #characterworkshops #detroitevents taken in Michigan Central Station by @amynielander

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2 days ago

Unlock your inner child with our Family and Friends Drawing Workshop!

Are you looking for a fun way to connect with your child? Join Detroit Writing Room Coach @amynielander for a hands-on drawing workshop featuring the Create a Character Activity.

Participants will stretch their imagination and practice resilience through engaging activities. No drawing experience is needed, and all caregivers are welcome. The workshop is for ages 5 and up.

🗓️Saturday, Oct. 24 • 1:30 - 2:30 P.M.
📍@MichiganCentralDetroit
🎟️General admission - $45 per family
✨Writing Room members get 20% off!
🔗For registration and more information, visit detroitwritingroom.com/events. by @amynielander

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4

a month ago

Please join me for upcoming family drawing workshops this fall! Thank you to hosts and families for sharing your kind words this summer! I am truly grateful for your time and giving activities a try! ❤️ Comment “CAC” if you’d like to host a workshop for your community! by @amynielander

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a month ago

Meet DWR children’s book coach @amynielander at our Detroit Writers Conference on Oct. 10!

Amy is leading “Picture Book Training: From Concept to Publication.” Whether you are in the early stages of story development or are seeking publication, this session will walk you through a Training Plan that will help you stay focused on the finish line: submitting your story for publication.

✨ The 2026 Detroit Writers Conference offers a full day of workshops, expert panels, networking and publishing guidance to help writers learn, connect and get published.

📅 Oct. 10, 2026
🕤 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
📍 @michigancentraldetroit

🎟️ Tickets are limited! Register in our bio link or detroitwritingroom.com/writers-conference

#detroitwritingroom #detroitwritersconference #detroitwriters #detroitevents #detroit taken in Michigan Central Station by @amynielander

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2 months ago

I worked on pencil sketches today and wanted to share a sneak peek before Friday's post!

I never know where shapes will lead me when I begin! They usually stump me. But, when I stick with it I'm always pleasantly surprised.

When I get stuck, I think of a theme to tie all of my shapes together. Can you guess what it is from this scene?

There's still time to work on your own characters before Friday's post! Comment CAC to for a link!

Sign up for a Parent Child Drawing Workshop near you! Seats are limited and there are just a few spots left!

#amynielander #createacharacteractivity #creativity #workshops #familytime by @amynielander

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3 months ago

Looking for a fun way to connect with your child? ✨
This is your reminder to sign up for our Parent-Child Drawing Workshop with Detroit Writing Room Coach @amynielander!

Children and caregivers will work side by side to create original characters, spark their imaginations and make something special together. No drawing experience needed—just bring your creativity!

🗓️ August 6, 2026 ⏰ 7-8 p.m. EST 📍 @MichiganCentralDetroit 👶 Ages 5+

Space is limited, so don’t wait to reserve your spot!

Register at detroitwritingroom.com/events

✨ A few spaces are reserved for @bgcgreaterdetroit families to attend for free! ✨💜🖊️

#DetroitWritingRoom #ParentChildWorkshop #FamilyFun #DetroitEvents #Detroit taken in Michigan Central Station by @amynielander

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3 months ago

Sharing my 2026 Family Drawing Workshop schedule! There are still a few events in the works. Please visit my website for updates. The first workshop kicks off next week at Dearborn Heights Library on Wednesday, June 10th!

All caregivers, ages and drawing levels are welcome. I can’t wait to meet families and share the CREATE A CHARACTER Activity (plus more)!

Participants will:

✏️Learn how to draw
✏️Team up for partner drawings
✏️Design original characters

I hope you can join us! Comment “PRINT” if you’d like a downloadable schedule.☀️Thank you to all of my Workshop Hosts!

@aadlgram
@dearbornheightslibrary
@livoniapubliclibrarymi
@mifraserpubliclibrary
@ssldl
@springfield_twp_library
@lyontwp_lib
@detroitwritingroom
@royaloaklibrary
@shelbytwplib by @amynielander

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4 months ago

Librarians used the CREATE A CHARACTER Activity to build connections with neighbors, have fun, and stretch their creativity together! Thank you for sharing your collaborative characters designs in the gallery! Part Three

@michigan_library_association
#SpringInstitute #YouthServices by @amynielander

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7 months ago

Librarians used the CREATE A CHARACTER Activity to build connections with neighbors, have fun, and stretch their creativity together! Thank you for sharing your collaborative characters designs in the gallery! Part Two

@michigan_library_association
#SpringInstitute #YouthServices by @amynielander

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7 months ago

Librarians used the CREATE A CHARACTER Activity to build connections with neighbors, have fun, and stretch their creativity together! Thank you for sharing your collaborative characters designs in the gallery! Part One

@michigan_library_association
#SpringInstitute #YouthServices by @amynielander

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7 months ago

Thank you to Michigan Library Association for inviting me to share my playful drawing journey with you at the Spring Institute Conference this weekend! It was an honor to be a presenter! @michigan_library_association

This was our first time launching a large-scale CREATE A CHARACTER Community Activity, and we had a wonderful experience! It was a joy to see so many librarians collaborate and share their characters in the gallery. Thank you to everyone who participated!

#createacharacteractivity #presenter #familytime #drawing #creativity by @amynielander

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7 months ago

I’m deeply honored to partner with @michigan_library_association next month to share my Create a Character journey! Thank you for this exciting opportunity.

This playful drawing practice began with my kids at the dining room table, years ago. We used simple tools- paper and pencils -to let our imaginations soar.

In 2024, I decided to take that activity on the road. Would parents/caregivers try drawing to connect with their kids? I wasn’t sure, but wanted to find out!

After two years of designing and refining the Parent Child Drawing Workshop experience, I’m thrilled to see (and hear!) the meaningful moments taking place.

More communication. More resilience. More imagination. More laughter. More listening. More eye contact. More reaching out. More creative confidence. More positive energy. More empathy. More agency.

Next month’s presentation will feature the Create a Character Community Activity! We’ll celebrate creativity, inclusion, and belonging.

Reach out if you’d like to team up! Or, learn more on my website. Thanks for reading, friends.

#createacharacteractivity #amynielander #creativity #familytime #conferencespeaker by @amynielander

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8 months ago