Intensive Workshops

A successful cover is essential for both book sales and an illustrator’s portfolio. In this workshop, participants will receive a title, choose between picture book or graphic novel formats, and create three cover sketches before the conference. After a round of feedback, they’ll refine each one into a final colored piece to present at the intensive. With templates, an art brief, and a presentation guide, illustrators will gain real-world experience in working with an art director. Through group critique and selection of their strongest piece, participants will leave with a polished portfolio addition and greater confidence in their creative process. Space is limited to 12 Full Participants who will do the assignment. Illustrators wishing to Observe Only but not do the assignment may join for $30. NOTE: Those paying the lower fee to observe the intensive do not work on cover sketches with the instructor before the conference. Observers benefit by attending the intensive during the conference and seeing how working with an art director helped the participants transform their work.

Critique is one of the most valuable yet underappreciated skills a writer can develop. Learning to both give and receive feedback is essential—not just for improving your work, but for maintaining the perspective every writer needs to see their work clearly. Join two SCBWI success stories who've built a twenty-year critique partnership for a hands-on workshop that will transform the way you approach revision. You’ll learn how to listen deeply, recognize strengths and weaknesses, and supercharge your own ability to self-edit. This two-hour workshop will include practical strategies for being part of a critique group, as well as real-time critique exercises and discussion. Please bring three copies of the first 500 words of a novel or short story and come ready to engage and share. There are many ways to write a novel. Let the art of critique help you find yours!

A standard piece of advice to writers is to read, read, read. But what are you looking for when you read a picture book? Together, we will analyze a range of published work, from silly to serious to poignant and everything in between. We will look at structure, pacing, plot, characterization, setting, voice, and language—and decide together what aspects are more and less successful in the examples. This session will help you use mentor texts effectively, critique your partners’ manuscripts constructively, and read your own work more critically.

This workshop is designed to unravel the secrets of plotting a compelling mystery or thriller. In this hands-on session, we will explore the key elements of crafting intricate plots that keep readers on the edge of their seats. From designing a gripping hook to weaving in red herrings, you'll learn how to build tension and suspense at every turn. We’ll dive into the anatomy of a mystery—developing complex characters, creating surprising twists, and ensuring a satisfying yet unpredictable conclusion. Whether you're just starting your story or looking to elevate your existing plot, this workshop will equip you with the tools needed to structure a captivating mystery or thriller from beginning to end.

Inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's THUMBELINA, this workshop will challenge authors and illustrators to connect with their audience through empathy and the natural world. We'll work to develop and/or re-develop scenes using classic storytelling aspects found in Anderson's writing and ground ourselves in the art of using the natural world to connect with our readers. Participants are encouraged to bring one picture book WIP or a detailed outline, a sketchbook, and drawing supplies of their choice.