Quick Facts
HOST REGION: Eastern Pennsylvania
CONTACT: Kristen Strocchia [email protected]
EVENT DATE:: Saturday, September 19, 2026
SCHOLARSHIP: The scholarship application window has now closed.
REFUND POLICY
A $100 programing cancellation fee will be applied from Eastern PA SCBWI for cancellations after Saturday, September 5, 2026. For more information on our refund policy, click here. By registering for this event, you agree that you have read and understand the refund policy for this event.
A CLOSER LOOK
- Faculty Bios
- One-on-One Critiques
- The Slush (for MG & YA authors and translators)
- Lunch on Your Own
Morning Sessions (critique meetings running concurrently)
Registration & Welcome
Giving Characters Life and Voice with literary agent Charlotte Wenger
What makes a story character-driven? How can you get your characters to jump off the page? What elements create a successful character with a distinct voice? Utilizing techniques and examples from both theatre acting and children’s literature, this interactive workshop explores these questions and unpack tools to build rich characters with standout voices and unique personalities.
The Slush for MG & YA Authors & Translators: Session 1 with literary agent Charlotte Wenger
Submit the opening of your MG/YA manuscript or GN sample for an opportunity to hear how your project compares and contrasts to what Charlotte has on her MSWL, and what she is seeing in her inbox and in the market. For more information about how to participate, please click on the "see more" button below. We regret that there may not be time to review all submissions, but will try to accommodate a variety of genres and as many samples as possible.
Afternoon Sessions (critique meetings running concurrently)
Building Chemistry on the Page with editor Claire Stetzer
From crushes and first kisses to soul mates and steam, this seminar explores how to craft authentic and swoon-worthy romance for MG and YA readers. Whether your story features romance prominently or as a subplot, we'll dive into ways to build emotional and physical connections between characters that will have sparks flying. Topics include how to make tried-and-true tropes your own, how to decide on content level, and how publishers think about romance at acquisition.
The Slush for MG & YA Authors and Translators: Session 2 with editor Claire Stetzer
Submit the opening of your MG/YA manuscript or GN sample for an opportunity to hear how your project compares and contrasts to what our editor has on their MSWL, and what they are seeing in their inbox and in the market. For more information about how to participate, please click on the "see more" button below. We regret that there may not be time to review all submissions, but will try to accommodate a variety of genres and as many samples as possible.
Closing & Farewell