Workshops

The Journey: Your Path to Publication 2017 | September 24 – September 27, 2017

Get serious about writing that picture book—and set reachable goals to move you towards publication.

When creative people get too focused on “getting published,” their work can suffer. They become so focused on the destination, on looking for short cuts, on worrying, that they completely miss the joy of the creative process—and they also skip some important steps along the creative journey.

In this workshop, you will learn more about some of these steps toward publication and discover ways to set goals for yourself that will move you forward. Picture book author/illustrator Don Tate and picture book author Carmen Oliver will also give you information and tools encouraging you to savor the process and to enjoy the journey.
This workshop will include:

• General sessions from Don, Carmen or one of their special guests to learn more about the children’s book market as well as the essentials of writing for young children.
• Writing exercises on character, poetry, pitches, and mining your childhood memories.
• Faculty and special guests will share their own paths to publication.
• Time to write and revise on your own.
• Meeting with faculty for one-on-one critiques of your manuscript.

We promise three days of engagement, collaboration, mentorship, and a rekindling of joy in your path to publication. Join us for this inspiring workshop and let us help you on your journey!

Preliminary schedule:
Day 1
Afternoon
Arrival and check-in.

Evening
Appetizers & dinner.
After dinner: getting acquainted.

Day 2
Morning
Breakfast.
Group introductions.
My Path to Publication, Don Tate.
Writing exercise, Carmen Oliver.
One-on-one critiques.

Afternoon
Lunch.
Turning Real Life into Nonfiction, Don Tate.
One-on-one critiques.

Evening
Appetizers & dinner.
After dinner: s’mores and chat with Carmen & Don about collaboration.

Day 3
Morning
Breakfast.
Creating Picture Books & Dummies for writers and writer/illustrators, Don Tate
Creating and Building Characters Readers Care About, Carmen Oliver
One-on-one critiques.

Afternoon
Lunch.
The Booking Biz, Carmen Oliver
One-on-one critiques.
My Path to Publication, Kelly Starling Lyons

Evening
Appetizers & dinner.
After dinner: Guest speaker and book signing, Floyd Cooper.

Day 4
Morning
Breakfast.
Free writing time
Submission Basics (Queries, synopses, pitches, and research.)

Afternoon
Lunch & farewells.

Faculty blog posts:
Faculty Interview: Don Tate
Faculty Interview: Carmen Oliver
Don Tate: Get It Right With Research
Carmen Oliver: Believing After 10+ Rejections

Faculty & Special Guests

Carmen Oliver

Don Tate

Floyd Cooper

Kelly Starling Lyons