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Add the final flourish to your manuscript at Filling the Writer’s Toolbox

Get noticed–then PUBLISHED–via critiques and activities aimed at adding the final flourish to your manuscript during Filling the Writer’s Toolbox: Tools for First Lines, Voice, Character, World Building, and Revision.

Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators board member, editor and author Emma D. Dryden–PLUS other children’s book publishing experts–will break down how to better incorporate captivating elements of plot into text for intermediate to advanced writers. This faculty ‘dream team’ will also explain contemporary marketing strategies as they relate to the acquisition and marketing of children’s literature. “I love leading workshops at Highlights. Exploring the facets of craft with writers and illustrators is always a lively, enriching experience for me as I witness artists moving through barriers, finding their voice and reaching ah-ha moments they never expected,” Dryden insists.

Come prepared to engage in small group sessions and receive one-to-one feedback to steer you through the last phase of revisions. Author, illustrator and workshop presenter Pat Cummings affirms that for her own artistic process “reading other writers, studying the structure of their stories, the pacing and the voice has been exceptionally instructive. But actually talking to other writers is even better. Those conversations always seem to help scenes get unstuck, characters take shape and plots get resolved.”

And if you are in need of another excuse to participate in this unique intensive experience, the Highlights campus nestled in rolling hills at the peak of spring is reason enough. “Being in nature–walking on a beach by the sea, meandering through woods, skiing in a snow-blanketed landscape–is where my head clears, allowing problems to be solved, ideas to gel and inspiration to find me,” Dryden shares. Indeed, the picturesque setting has a tendency to spark calm, creativity and connection among guests.

Cummings also cannot stress enough the importance of initiating dialogue and explorative exercises with one’s peers. “Reading other writers, studying the structure of their stories, the pacing and the voice has been exceptionally instructive,” she says. “But actually talking to other writers is even better. Those conversations always seem to help scenes get unstuck, characters take shape and plots get resolved.”

Join us to:

• Learn techniques for editing and revising.
• Get help preparing your manuscript to catch the heart of agents and publishers.
• Listen to engaging craft sessions.
• Receive One-to-one feedback from guests.
• Participate in small-group workshopping with Emma and guests.

Posted on: March 14, 2019

Tags: filling the writer's toolbox, revision