Intimate and inspiring workshops for children's authors and illustrators.
877-288-3410
Intimate and inspiring workshops for children's authors and illustrators.
...of several nonfiction books, including Keeping Our Earth Green and River Wild. Her book Pizza for the Queen, a Junior Library Guild selection, is a historical fiction picture book …
...Book Honor Award, an IRA Children’s Book Award, a Green Earth Book Award and two Science Books & Films (SB&F) Prizes. 2014 will bring the publication of her first pic…
...concepts in a fun, simple and often humorous way. Example: Blue Hat, Green Hat by Sandra Boynton. Bedtime books. Lulling text and soothing storylines encourage snuggling up and pre…
...first Austin SCBWI Conference in 2005. A newbie, scared and completely green, I’d come on my own. I knew no one. I felt like a fish out of water. Should...…
...book. Grow: A Novel in Verse earned her the Carol D. Reiser Children’s Book Award and the Santa Monica Green Prize for youth fiction. Juanita’s recent work includes Cal…
...the National Book Award and the Walden Award and winner of the 2012 Green Earth Book Award. His other young adult novels include The School for Dangerous Girls, The Deadly...…
...for the entire 2019 workshop season. In this episode, hear Angela and Alison talk about: How Angela’s grandfather and his presence in her life became the basis for the book..…
...Alison Weiss, senior editor at Sky Pony Press and on-site faculty, just signed on a STEM-based chapter book series called Lucy’s Lab by author Michelle Houts. She will share …
...titles that I hope we can discuss, and that we recommend workshoppers consider before they arrive are: WHAT I LEAVE BEHIND, by Alison McGhee. LONG WAY DOWN, by Jason Reynolds...…
Join Us To: Work with two agents in hands-on sessions that will help you prepare your pitch, synopsis, and bio for the submission process. Through one-to-one manuscript critiques of ten page samples and synopses, identify weaknesses in your manuscript that must be addressed before you submit. Ensure that the premise of your story will make […]
Join Us To: Discover what makes a novel in verse successful. Generate pieces to add to or begin your novel. Finish or revise your novel in verse with mentor help. Have a one-to-one critique of 25 pages of your work-in-progress. What You'll Learn: A verse novel must play at the intersection of blank space and language. At […]
Join Us To: Get daily feedback from your faculty mentor on manuscripts, ideas, and revisions. Hear daily faculty keynotes for learning and encouragement. Receive guidance on the submission process, including query-writing basics and overviews of the current children’s book market. Attend hands-on breakout sessions on topics of your choosing. Devote time to working on your […]
Join Us To: Explore, revise, and polish your work-in-progress. Learn tools to strengthen your novel, with a focus on character development, plotting and outlining, revision, journaling, and improvisation/play. Receive a one-to-one critique with faculty for feedback and an individual "ask the editor" meeting with our guest editor. What You'll Learn: Two seasoned authors of middle […]
Join Us To: Study the craft of writing powerful books and articles about science and nature for young readers. Learn how to submit both fiction and nonfiction science and nature work to editors and agents. Have one-to-one critiques from faculty mentors, and have a chance to submit work to all editors participating in this workshop. […]
Please note: this course is full. Please click here to be placed on our waiting list. Join Us To: Prepare for the publication of your first book with this 16-week online workshop. Hear from publishing professionals, get downloadable resources, and ask questions in a supportive forum. Complete monthly assignments to reach your goal of a […]
Join Us To: Have the entire draft of your fantasy or speculative fiction novel read and critiqued prior to the workshop. Have a one-to-one meeting with your mentor to further discuss your manuscript and map out a revision plan. Hear lectures on craft and the marketplace. Make connections with fellow writers. Have free time to […]
Join Us To: Brainstorm how you can cultivate creativity when you've been working in the industry for a long time. Talk about your careers, challenges, deadlines, and upcoming projects with your peers. Share the ways you wish to push the boundaries of your work. Please note that this workshop is for a limited number of published […]
Join Us To: Build on your understanding of youth literature as you pursue equity in your communities, classrooms, and on the bookshelf. This workshop will inform attendees’ ability to engage with children’s literature in ways that disrupt the status quo. Continue the “Essential Conversations” we began at last year’s Building Cultural Competency Symposium (attendance at […]
Join Us To: Get feedback on up to 50 pages of your novel draft (line comments and an editorial letter.) Have a one-to-one faculty critique session. Hear from a guest editor about what they're looking for. Hear presentations on craft and the market. What You'll Learn: Lead faculty for this course are two experienced authors […]
Join Us To: Have the entire draft of your novel read and critiqued prior to the workshop. Have one-to-one meetings with your mentor to further discuss your manuscript and map out a revision plan. Hear lectures on craft and the marketplace. Make connections with fellow writers. Have dedicated time to write or revise. What You'll Learn: […]
Join Us To: Prepare your manuscript for submission under the guidance of renowned editor Emma Dryden. Learn proven techniques for editing and revising your manuscript, and have time to put the techniques into practice. Deepen your understanding of the fundamentals of writing for children. What You'll Learn: At this workshop, you will: Learn and practice […]
Join Us To: Explore, revise and polish your middle grade sci-fi work-in-progress. Learn how to approach the genre for the middle grade audience and how to navigate the intricacies of introducing young readers to science fiction. Receive one-on-one synopsis consultation with a faculty mentor. Hear lectures from faculty that help you get past plot, theme, […]
Join Us To: Acquire the confidence and craft knowledge to take your novel from brilliant idea to completed draft, whether it's a novel in verse, genre hybrid, or story that starts at the end. Pop open the hoods of acclaimed experimental YA and middle grade novels to see what makes them run. Through lectures, group […]
Join Us To: Create and deliver an impressive school visit with our faculty by your side. Learn how to take what you’ve written or illustrated and turn it into an attention-grabbing presentation for kids. Get strategies for creating and delivering engaging talks, information on developing materials for teachers and students, and guidelines for developing other […]
Join Us To: Explore using memorable characters, loads of heart, and a healthy dollop of humor to create contemporary novels. Discover the plot points needed to lead your readers to the heart of your sweet & sophisticated story. Learn how to create a compelling first chapter. Craft a realistic voice for your protagonist. Hone in […]
Join Us To: Learn revision strategies to help you find problems in your picture book, chapter book, novel, or narrative nonfiction manuscript. Listen to feedback that might reveal problems of which you were not aware. Spend time putting the strategies to work and strengthening your manuscript in preparation for submission. Learn the value of critique […]
Join Us To: Discover how you can strengthen your plot by using the techniques perfected by screenwriters. Build a high-concept story. Use new techniques to access your plot. Get one-to-one feedback on your work-in-progress. Work in peer groups to strengthen beats and storylines. What You'll Learn: Tips and tools used by screenwriters to uncover your plot. How to examine your […]
Alison Morris is a nationally recognized children's book buyer with an infectious enthusiasm for reading and 20 years' experience matching books to readers. As the Senior Director of Title Selection for nonprofit First Book, she oversees the curation of children’s and young adult books on the First Book Marketplace, hand-selecting a diverse range of titles that speak to and address the needs of kids in underserved communities, with a keen eye to inclusion, authenticity, and kid-appeal. She previously served as Senior Editor at Scholastic Book Clubs, Children's Book Buyer for Wellesley Booksmith and The Dartmouth Bookstore, and was the founding blogger of the ShelfTalker children’s book blog for Publishers Weekly. A passionate advocate for book access and affordability, Alison contributes book recommendations to Book Friends Forever, the podcast of author/illustrator Grace Lin and editor Alvina Ling, and she shares a book-filled home with her husband, illustrator and graphic novelist Gareth Hinds.Alison Weiss: 8 Ways to Become an Even Better Writer
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