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Comments from the Ninth Annual Pacific Northwest Children’s Book Conference
Reed College, Portland, Oregon
July 2008
Why they came …
To make connections with others in the field and to learn more about my craft.
I’m working on a young adult novel and poetry for children.
To learn more about the craft of writing.
Interest and grad credit (for my) teaching license
I have always wanted to be a writer of children books in particular, and I decided recently to stop dreaming and start doing.
To learn more about the writing and production process.
I’m an illustrator and I’m interested in becoming a writer too.
I’m interested in knowing more about the real process of book ….
Because the faculty is stellar.
To learn more about the craft of writing and revision.
I took the illustration portion of the conference last year and returned to do the writing portion.
To reinvigorate and recharge my writing
To enhance both my own writing and my teaching of writing.
What they learned…
You exceeded my expectations! It was marvelous and extremely helpful!
It is such a valuable experience, being here and listening to these amazing people.
(Liked) the small intimate feel … the faculty being present at meals … Faculty readings, open mic … book sale.
Individual attention, interesting topics, well-known authors, illustrators, and editors. Chance to stay on-site… And the Mon-Fri time frame instead of taking place on the weekend; this was very important to me.
…exceed(ed) my expectations on quality. The speakers were knowledgeable, engaging…
Really liked the “first impressions” and seeing the illustrators draw the writer’s character sketches.
I loved how accessible the faculty was. Everyone was friendly, kind and encouraging.
The size of the conference and the mingling of faculty and attendees. Great kindnesses.
What I have been most surprised by is how much lectures that I didn’t think apply to me or my genre (YA contemporary) have helped me so much to think about story, character, plot, etc. Poetry, historical fiction, picture books. I wouldn’t think they would be pertinent but they were, and are!
Knowledgeable people with lots of information to share. I enjoy the broad range of professionals and themes.
… the structure of the conference.
The illustration sessions with Marla were really inspiring. Although I am not a writer, I’m interested in it and really loved all the different talks. Learned so much!
I felt less “new” this year. After last year I did some writing, a lot of research, and met with a critique partner so I felt a bit more relaxed and knew what to expect – got a deeper understanding from what I heard.
People’s critiques of my work in workshops or first impressions. Hearing about others’ creative processes.
I like that it was small so we got a chance to really get to know the faculty, editors, authors, and illustrators.
Linda’s first page sessions.
The amazing faculty! I soaked up all the advice and guidance. What I appreciated most was that all of the teachers took us seriously. Your faith in us made me believe I am a writer.