Pretend that you’re about to begin, and then write a magazine article, picture book, or chapter(s) in a book on an individual, living or deceased. Bring that article, picture book, or chapter(s) to the workshop—no longer than 2,000 words in length. If you are in the middle of writing a biography, please feel free to submit a chapter or chapters from it. It's usually easier to review the first chapter or chapters than those in the middle.

A critique session is a big part of this workshop. It’s important that all attendees be on the same footing—hence, the assignment!

Also, please bring:

• Outline of your article, picture book, or chapter(s). If chapter book, feel free to include outline.
• Notes about the research and writing processes—sort of like journal entries.
• An annotated bibliography. Your bibliography should include primary sources (text and photos), secondary sources, places to visit, and important contacts. That would also include your subject if alive! Please locate any experts who will be willing to review your finished article, picture book, or chapters.
• A brief summary that explains why your biographical treatment is different from any others.

Please make sure that your submissions are easy to read (no coffee stains, etc.) as we will be sending these to each of you for review in advance of the workshop.

Also remember when writing your manuscripts to use fiction techniques to shape them—an intriguing beginning, building suspense into the narrative, etc.—without fictionalizing anything, of course.

Great luck and happy researching and writing!

Carolyn Yoder

PS: By March 10, 2008, please send your assignment as a Word attachment, to Jo Lloyd, Program Assistant, Highlights Foundation, 814 Court Street, Honesdale, PA 18431. Or e-mail as a Word attachment to jalloyd@highlightsfoundation.org