Founders Workshop

Fiction Writing for Children and Young Adults

Short stories, picture books, poetry, and novels form fantastic and imaginative worlds. Prepare yourself for the world of writing fiction for children by attending this intensive, one-week workshop.

You will learn what all fiction writers must know about the creative and business sides of children’s book writing. Explore the magazine and trade-book markets, talk to acquiring editors and agents, follow a book from conception to publication, and polish your manuscript, using the best revision and editing techniques.

Patricia Lee Gauch leads a faculty of authors, illustrators, editors, and agents who will guide you through exercises in character, plot, tension, humor, and dialogue. Your one-on-one mentor will help you turn your fiction manuscript into a story ready for submission.

Note: Lodging will be in a comfortably furnished cabin with an in-suite bath, shared by two people. Based on your input, we’ll do our best to pair you with a compatible roommate.

Workshop Leaders

Patricia Lee Gauch

Former vice president and editor at large of Philomel Books, Patti is now a fulltime writer and lecturer. She has authored more than 40 picture books and novels for young readers, including the highly acclaimed Thunder at Gettysburg; This Time, Tempe Wick?; and Christina Katerina and the Box.

Jillian Sullivan

Jillian Sullivan is an award-winning author for children, young adults, and adults. Her work in fiction deals with difficult issues facing her audience. Jillian’s books for early readers include Two Homes for David and Sophie’s Mum and the Dinosaur, both dealing with struggles between child and parent.

David Richardson

Besides working as a book buyer and accounts manager for The Blue Marble Children’s Bookstore, Dave Richardson, a former junior high language arts teacher, writes a regular book review column for Reading Today (put out by the IRA) and teaches Children’s Literature at a local college in Cincinnati, OH.

Robert J. Blake

Robert J. Blake is the award-winning author and illustrator of more than twenty books for children. After graduating from art school, Robert began a diverse career in illustration, including making art for filmstrips and newspapers, as well as textbook artwork and young-adult book covers.

Joy Cowley

Joy’s love for children’s literature is “a commitment that borders on obsession.” Her novels and picture books regularly receive top honors. Countless children know her classic Mrs. Wishy-Washy.

Peter P. Jacobi

Peter is professor emeritus of journalism at Indiana University and a consultant with magazines and corporations, helping CEOs, writers, and editors learn to express their ideas more effectively. His articles have appeared in World Book, the New York Times, Highlights, and others.

Abby McAden

Abby McAden is the paperback publishing director of Scholastic and editorial director of Point. She has worked on many middle-grade and chapter-book series, including Goosebumps, Dear Dumb Diary, Rainbow Magic, Geronimo Stilton, and Poison Apple. As editorial director of Point, Abby is responsible for publishing commercial teen fiction.

Nancy Mercado

Nancy Mercado began her career as a book club editor for the Scholastic Book Clubs, where she worked for several years, which led her to Dial Books for Young Readers, where she worked as an editor for several more years. She is currently an executive editor at Roaring Brook Press, working on middle-grade and young-adult novels.

Holly McGhee

Holly McGhee is the creative power behind Pippin Properties, Inc. The literary agency, started in 1998 by Holly, represents some of the finest authors and illustrators in the field of children’s literature, including Kate DiCamillo, David Small, Jandy Nelson, Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss, Kathi Appelt, Jon Agee, Renata Liwska, and Peter H. Reynolds.

Workshop Information

June

with dinner at 6PM

through

July

after lunch

$1,785

Request an Application

Founders Workshop

Fiction Writing for Children and Young Adults

Workshop Leaders

Special Guests

Workshop Information