Thursday Conference Schedule of the 9th Annual Pacific Northwest Children's Book Conference July 10-14 in Portland, Oregon, with Continuing Education in the Graduate School of Education at Portland State University

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

7:30-8:30 Breakfast

8:20-9:20 Manuscript critiques/portfolio reviews

9:30-10:15
Other People’s Lives: Writing the Biography
Susan Goldman Rubin

Biography, the second oldest form of storytelling, is read by children of all ages who seek role models (or need to complete school assignments!). Susan discusses the challenges: what has been done before, what hasn’t (and why), and what needs doing? Using specific examples, she examines the qualities of successful biographies and discusses the difference between writing the idiosyncratic “stand alone” book and the biography that fits into an existing series.

9:30-10:15
Oodles of Poodles: Crafting the Beginning Reader
Suz Blackaby

Look, see, do. Writing for the fledgling reader can be challenging, rewarding, and humanitarian. Suz will explain what makes little readers tick, suggest ways to combine lyricism with intention, and share insights on how to enrich stories and stretch language without breaking publishers’ sometimes arbitrary and occasionally silly rules. Talk about creative writing!

11:30-11:45
First Impressions: How to Make a Good One
Linda Zuckerman

Among the very few editors who actually will look at unsolicited manuscripts, most never get beyond the first page. Sometimes they never get past the title! Why? And how can you avoid the dreaded form rejection letter? Linda reads aloud your anonymously submitted first pages, gives one editor’s reaction and explains her thinking. Breathe deeply and be prepared for an eye-opening experience.

12:30-1:30 Lunch

1:45-2:30
Beyond “Show, Don’t Tell”: Building Scenes
Dave Patneaude

"Show, don't tell" is useful advice for any writer, but what does it mean, really? How does a writer go from allowing the reader to merely hear (be told) and see (be shown) what's going on in a story to virtually experiencing what's happening as it's occurring? The answer is the creation of significant, vivid, unforgettable scenes experienced through all the senses and emotions of your point-of-view character. Through explanation and example, Dave will provide insights on how to create memorable scenes from the inside out.

2:45-3:30
Workshops for Writers
Workshop for Illustrators

3:45-5:00
Writers and illustrators unite!
Marla Frazee, Linda Zuckerman

Illustrators display their interpretations of the character studies provided by conference writers and share their discoveries. Writers share their reactions upon seeing their words interpreted visually for the first time. This inspiring session is back again by popular demand.

6:00-7:00 Dinner

8:00-9:00
Open mic

Read a portion of your work-in-progress to an appreciative and sympathetic audience - your fellow students. Experience applause and acclaim for your efforts! There will be tangible rewards for grace under pressure.

7:30-8:30	Breakfast
8:20-9:20	Manuscript critiques/portfolio reviews
9:30-10:15	Other People’s Lives: Writing the Biography Susan Goldman Rubin Biography, the second oldest form of storytelling, is read by children of all ages who seek role models (or need to complete school assignments!). Susan discusses the challenges: what has been done before, what hasn’t (and why), and what needs doing? Using specific examples, she examines the qualities of successful biographies and discusses the difference between writing the idiosyncratic “stand alone” book and the biography that fits into an existing series.
9:30-10:15	Oodles of Poodles: Crafting the Beginning Reader Suz Blackaby Look, see, do. Writing for the fledgling reader can be challenging, rewarding, and humanitarian. Suz will explain what makes little readers tick, suggest ways to combine lyricism with intention, and share insights on how to enrich stories and stretch language without breaking publishers’ sometimes arbitrary and occasionally silly rules. Talk about creative writing!
11:30-11:45	First Impressions: How to Make a Good One Linda Zuckerman Among the very few editors who actually will look at unsolicited manuscripts, most never get beyond the first page. Sometimes they never get past the title! Why? And how can you avoid the dreaded form rejection letter? Linda reads aloud your anonymously submitted first pages, gives one editor’s reaction and explains her thinking. Breathe deeply and be prepared for an eye-opening experience.
12:30-1:30	Lunch
1:45-2:30	Beyond “Show, Don’t Tell”: Building Scenes Dave Patneaude "Show, don't tell" is useful advice for any writer, but what does it mean, really? How does a writer go from allowing the reader to merely hear (be told) and see (be shown) what's going on in a story to virtually experiencing what's happening as it's occurring? The answer is the creation of significant, vivid, unforgettable scenes experienced through all the senses and emotions of your point-of-view character. Through explanation and example, Dave will provide insights on how to create memorable scenes from the inside out.
2:45-3:30	Workshops for Writers Workshop for Illustrators
3:45-5:00	Writers and illustrators unite! Marla Frazee, Linda Zuckerman Illustrators display their interpretations of the character studies provided by conference writers and share their discoveries. Writers share their reactions upon seeing their words interpreted visually for the first time. This inspiring session is back again by popular demand.
6:00-7:00	Dinner
8:00-9:00	Open mic Read a portion of your work-in-progress to an appreciative and sympathetic audience - your fellow students. Experience applause and acclaim for your efforts! There will be tangible rewards for grace under pressure.