It gives me great pleasure to invite children’s book writers and illustrators to the ninth annual Pacific Northwest Children’s Book Conference, sponsored by Portland State University and held on the beautiful campus of Reed College in Portland, Oregon.

Our outstanding faculty this year includes Bonny Becker, Susan Blackaby, Marla Frazee, Kirby Larson, David Patneaude, Ann Whitford Paul, Susan Goldman Rubin, and Elsa Warnick. Because they are all experienced teachers as well as published authors and illustrators, they know how to communicate what they have learned about writing and illustrating in ways that are meaningful and accessible to students, and they are generous and supportive. This is one of the things that makes our conference significantly different from many others.

Our special guest editor this summer will be Allyn Johnston, editor in chief of Harcourt Children’s Books, where she has worked for 22 years. Allyn has published many highly acclaimed authors and illustrators and has pursued excellence in all genres of children’s publishing.  Her passion and her unique vision will bring a fresh perspective to our conference.
 
Once again we have a full week of lectures, workshops and critique sessions that focus on picture books, historical fiction, mysteries, and biography for children; on the writer’s tools and materials, from poetic language to structure, dialogue and scene building; on surviving and staying centered in an increasingly competitive and commercial environment – and more. Illustrators will have the opportunity to develop characterization, setting, composition and interpretation of a brief text provided by the conference writers; to understand the “tools” of illustration; and to learn about the business side of being a professional artist. First page analyses, faculty readings, open mic sessions – all this in a retreat-like campus setting in Portland!

We continue to offer several concurrent sessions: one for those new to the field, the other for those with more experience. In the afternoon, illustrators will pursue their craft while writers will divide into workshop groups led by a faculty member. (In order to be sure writers are assigned to a group at their level of experience, we ask that they submit the first 5 pages of a current project along with their registration form.) These workshops will provide feedback and support for writers in a collegial setting. Individual manuscript and portfolio critiques will also be available.

Attendees have the option of staying on campus and sharing meals with the faculty. This additional chance to ask questions, exchange ideas and make connections is a major factor in contributing to the warm and friendly atmosphere for which our conference is known.

I look forward to seeing you this summer!

Linda Zuckerman, Director
Pacific Northwest Children’s Book Conference