Writing for children
AWAKE NOT SLEEPING
One of the authors of UN Women’s Awake Not Sleeping Initiative, a collection of 25 modern fairy tales reimagining fairy tales from across Europe and Central Asia for a new generation, challenging stereotypes and disrupting gender norms. Emrah’s story, A Tale of Two Ševalas, is a fictional recount of Ševala Zildžić-Iblizović, the first Muslim woman medical doctor in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans, from the eyes of a little girl.
QUEER KIDLIT MENTEE
Selected as a mentee for #QueerKidlit Mentorship in June 2021 and matched with author Kyle Lukoff (A Storytelling of Ravens, Too Bright To See). Kyle worked with Emrah over the summer of 2021, helping him polish his picture book manuscript, Families of the Wild, an exploration of the growing diversity of modern human families through a close look at animal families. The mentorship was created by Jeanette Bradley and Dani Duck.
CHILDREN’S BOOK ACADEMY
A graduate of Children’s Book Academy, run by Dr Mira Reisberg, an award winning illustrator and writer. Completed the intensive courses, Craft and Business of Writing Children’s Books (2021) and Mastering Graphic Novels (2022), participated in Picture Book Palooza events in 2020 and 2021, and currently taking the Middle Grade Mastery course.
12 x12 PICTURE BOOK CHALLENGE
Participant in the 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge 2022, a year-long writing challenge where members aim to write 12 complete picture book drafts for each 12 months of the year. Founded by picture book author Julie Hedlund, 12x12 has been supporting, encouraging, and educating writers, providing access to a community of 750+ picture book writers at all levels.
ENGAGING IN EVERYTHING KIDLIT
A member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), participating in its regular online events. Continues to take courses, attend webinars and conferences from Storyteller Academy, the Writing Barn, Writing Blueprints, Children’s Book Insider, among others. Participated in Storystorm, a month-long story brainstorming event, created by picture book author Tara Lazar, in 2022 and 2023.
PREPUBLISHED KIDLIT AUTHOR
Currently querying agents and publishers, Emrah has ten completed picture books in English and Turkish from fiction to non-fiction and informational fiction. He is drawn to stories that deal with difficult subjects like displacement, inclusion, and non-conformity with ease, grace and humor. He loves a little of the absurd, charming not only the children but readers of all ages.
emrah@medyagaga.com | @popdater