The Day's Schedule

This schedule is tentative and may change.

8:45 - 9:15 a.m. Registration/Meet and Seat - meet others and find a seat! 

9:15 - 9:30 a.m. WELCOME 

9:30 - 10:00 a.m. “Stand Up!” Keynote by 3-Time Caldecott Honor Recipient Marla Frazee

10:00 - 10:10 a.m. Break 

10:10 - 10:55 a.m. Breakout Sessions 1:

(Writing) “Light in the Dark: Time to Write with Joy”- Agent Sophie Sheumaker

(Illustration) “Brave Pictures: Visual Storytelling That Takes Creative Risks” - Art Director Sasha Illingworth

(Picture Book) “The Courage to Reimagine” - Editor Danielle Collins

10:55 - 11:05 a.m. Break 

11:05 - 11:50 a.m. Breakout Sessions 2:

(General) “The Radical Art of Making Books for Children: Writing Is Resistance” - Sarah Stephens

(Picture Book) “Reimagining in Practice”- Editor Danielle Collins

(Illustration) “All the Markings of You” - NY-Times Bestselling Author-Illustrator Marla Frazee

11:50 a.m. - 1:10 p.m. Lunch 

1:10 - 1:55 p.m. Breakout Sessions 3:

(General) “Keep Going: A Workshop for Storytellers” - Editor Esther Hernandez

(Writing) “The Writer’s Resistance Toolkit: Tips & Tricks for Getting to Work in Tough Times” - Agent Sarah Stephens

(Illustration) “From Portfolio to Publishing: Creative Courage in a Professional World” - Art Director Sasha Illingworth

1:55 - 2:05 p.m. Break 

2:05 - 2:50 p.m. Breakout Panel(s) featuring Faculty listed above: TBA

2:50 - 3:00 p.m. Break 

3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Various Activities:

Pitch Clinic Critique Roundtables (optional add-on, pre-registration required)

Portfolio Critique Roundtables (optional add-on, pre-registration required)

Illustrator Plein-Air Color Sketch Hour (bring color mediums to sketch)

Writing Activity

Walk & Talk (Meet outside the front door)

4:00 - 4:30 p.m. Closing and Awards

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Socializing and Book Signing

This program is tentative and may change.

STAND UP! Keynote Speech by Author-Illustrator Marla Frazee, 3-time Caldecott Honor recipient & NY Times Bestseller

What does it mean to find our voice as an author and/or illustrator? How can we develop creative confidence using it?

(Writing) - “Light in the Dark: Time to Write with Joy” - Agent Sophie Sheumaker

As book bans rise and literacy rates fall, the publishing market for little readers has become harder and harder to break through. But we've gotten some consistent feedback from editors on what they're wanting to see right now. And that's fun! Silly books that have fun with the reader. This workshop will dive into the craft of writing with humor; what a funny book is, what to watch out for, and how to have it all. 

(Illustration) - “Brave Pictures: Visual Storytelling That Takes Creative Risks” - Art Director Sasha Illingworth 

Great illustration doesn’t just support a story; it can deepen it, reshape it, and reveal what words leave unsaid. In this workshop, Sasha Illingworth explores how visual choices can add emotional depth, humor, tension, meaning, and even a story within a story.

(Picture Book) - “The Courage to Reimagine” - Editor Danielle Collins

If you have a gem of an idea but need to find the perfect approach, then channel the courage to reimagine. Find your way from a strong premise to an equally strong execution by staying open minded to changing the structure, POV, narrative focus, and more in your work. In this workshop, Danielle will share examples of picture book projects she's edited that have undergone significant reimagining from the initial submission concept to the final published work. 

(Picture Book) “Reimagining in Practice”- Editor Danielle Collins

Building off of "The Courage to Reimagine in this hands-on workshop Danielle will guide attendees through steps to actively reimagine their picture book projects in real time. Whether you have a concept, a draft, or a complete manuscript or dummy, practicing the art of reimagining is an essential tool to finding the right approach to tell your story.  

(General) “The Radical Art of Making Books for Children: Writing Is Resistance” - Agent Sarah Stephens

Description to be Announced

(Illustration) “All the Markings Of You” - Author-Illustrator Marla Frazee, 3-time Caldecott Honor recipient & NY Times Bestseller

If you feel you are slow growing in a fast world, and finding frustration at discovering your own voice when so many editors and agents say, "I know it when I see it," this workshop is for you. Discover ways to make space and time to let it grow slowly and trust yourself.

(General) “Keep Going: A Workshop for Storytellers” - Editor Esther Hernandez

This workshop is designed with the intention to cultivate a safe space where creators feel seen, heard, and encouraged to look at their work in a new way. With almost ten years of editorial experience working on various formats, we’ll talk about the magic of storytelling and how to be courageous and persevere when shaping your stories.

(Writing) - “The Writer's Resistance Toolkit: Tips and Tricks for Getting to Work in Tough Times” Agent Sarah Stephens

As children's book creators, we encounter resistance of all kinds, from book banks to procrastination. Sarah will be presenting a few tricks and tools that can help push through and get back to the important work at hand. 

(Illustration) - “From Portfolio to Publishing: Creative Courage in a Professional World” - Art Director Sasha Illingworth

Building a sustainable creative career takes more than strong artwork. It requires clarity of voice, adaptability, and an understanding of how the publishing relationship works. In this session, Sarah Illingworth shares what art directors look for in portfolios and submissions, and how creators at every stage can develop work that grows with their careers.

BREAK OUT PANEL(S) featuring faculty above - TBA

ACTIVITIES co-current with Roundtables:

--Walk & Talk - Everyone is welcome to a uplifting and rejuvenating nature walk exploring the beautiful hiking trails of Skyline College.

--Illustrator Plein-Air Sketch Hour - Bring some supplies (sketchbook, favorite sketch utensils, color mediums) and join in on a plein-air sketch hour. A low-key and fun illustrator activity!

--Writing Activity - Bring a notebook, a writing utensil, and an open imagination!