Trends? Predictions? The Future? Who the heck knows?
Allyn Johnston

In a creative field like children's book writing and illustrating, it's hard not to worry about what everyone else is doing--and whether they're doing it better than you are. The only way to proceed in the face of this potentially debilitating distraction--for authors, illustrators and editors-- is to trust our own gut and intuition more than we imagined possible. Through many real-life book-making examples, Allyn shares her perspective.

Handy Hints for Newbies: A Beginner’s Checklist
Suz Blackaby

What does it take to get a book into print? Can you tell a book by its cover letter? Are there absolutes that every beginning writer should know? The Do’s of the publishing industry may be capricious and/or arcane, but the Don’t’s are actually crystal clear. Suz will outline and elaborate upon Ten Or So Cautionary Rules for New Writers gleaned from her own trial - (blind stumbling) - and error.

Classic Story Structure, part 1
Bonny Becker

Lost in the woods on your novel? Use classic story structure - the framework that underlies almost all stories from Anna Karenina to The Cat in the Hat - to move forward again. Examples and exercises will help you figure out where you need to start, identify key plot points, prop up a sagging middle, find your theme and give meaning to your story.

Are We There Yet? The Road to Picture Books
Ann Whitford Paul

Writing a picture book is a journey and like most road trips, the most difficult part is halfway there. Keeping interest and momentum going as the story progresses to its inevitable – but not predictable – conclusion is a problem that defeats many writers. In this session Ann will reveal special picture book techniques that can help you strengthen your entire story.

Piecing Together the Past: Writing Historical Fiction
Kirby Larson

Take it from a former history-phobe: creating historical fiction is more like detective work than drudgery. Not only is it exciting to research and write, historical fiction has the advantage of instant classroom/curriculum connections, making it all the more appealing to librarians watching their book-buying budgets. In this session, Kirby introduces this rich genre and helps you brainstorm places to find ideas for your first/next historical novel.

Workshops for writers
(writing faculty)

Students have the opportunity to hear a portion of their work read in faculty-led, small-group workshops. The excerpt (no more than 5 pages, double-spaced) is then critiqued by the group and the faculty leader. Fear not! A supportive and constructive environment will prevail. Students should bring 9 copies of their manuscript for distribution in the workshop.

The Collaboration Begins: Workshop for Illustrators
Marla Frazee

Illustrators launch the collaborative process by using words and phrases provided by the writers as a basis for a sketch of a compelling and enduring character. We will explore characterization, setting, composition and interpretation of text and begin drawing – and thinking – like children’s book illustrators.