Optional Intensives

Seven of our faculty are offering optional intensive sessions on a variety of topics (see below). The three hour intensive sessions will be split into two parts: 8:00-9:30 am on Saturday, October 18 and 8:00-9:30 am on Sunday, October 19. You must register for both days of the conference to also register for an intensive. Intensive sessions are an additional cost ($75). Attendees may also choose to purchase breakfast provided before the intensive sessions on both mornings ($30) as a part of registration. The sizes of intensive sessions are kept intentionally low (16-25), so register early to get your first choice!

THE HEART OF THE STORY: Storytelling That Moves Readers, and Moves Books

Melissa Manlove, Editor at Source Books

From laughter to tears, big feelings of all kinds bring depth and staying-power to your work. Bring your WIPs for this exploration of what gives a story the power to catch the eyes and hearts of readers, from agents to editors to (most importantly) children themselves. In this 3-hour workshop we'll explore our own powerful relationships with story and with childhood, and then we'll turn to our writing to explore how we inspire those powerful experiences in the books that we create.

From Prose to Page

LeUyen Pham, Author/Illustrator and Saturday's Keynote Speaker

Ever wonder what makes a picture book pop? Or what differentiates a good picture book from a great picture book? Making a fun character or having a lovely painting style will only get you through the door. Understanding the intricacies of visual storytelling — from interpretation of the text to the creation of a character that beguiles, from choosing the moment to illustrate to deciding where your text block goes, from understanding the power of page turn to the double page spread — there’s so much though and consideration that must go into the creation of each page, it’s hard to believe these books are designed for young children. This intensive will cover the making of a picture book from start to finish, and leave you with much to consider when you’re working on elevating your own books to that next level.

Creating Dynamic Covers

Sasha Illingworth, Associate Art Creative Director at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Creating a cover that captures the heart of your story and the eyes of a book buyer is a delicate dance. Sasha Illingworth will pull back the curtain and give a behind the scenes on what goes into making an award winning picture book cover and provide tips on how to add oomph to your future projects, or inspire you to create for your portfolio.

Crafting Your Book’s Narrative: The Basics of Character, Voice, Structure, and Plot

Alvina Ling, VP and Editor-in-Chief at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

In this intensive, we’ll explore the essential building blocks of a compelling narrative—character, voice, structure, and plot—and how they work together to create books that resonate with readers. Through a mix of talks, close reading of texts, and hands-on writing exercises, participants will learn how to craft your book’s narrative.

We’ll begin by examining how character and voice shape a reader’s connection to the story. How do you decide what point-of-view to write? How do you develop your narrative voice? Then we’ll explore narrative structure, and from there, we’ll explore plot by talking about how your book’s conflict can inform its plot. And finally, we’ll end with ways you can work to revise your own books like an editor.

Whether you’re starting a new project or refining a work-in-progress, this intensive will give you practical tools and creative inspiration to elevate your writing.

Ingram Spark Unveiled: Insights for Self-Publishing Success

Nicole Magistro, Author and Bookstore Start-Up Advisor

Ready to plunge into self-publishing? Join industry expert and children's book author Nicole Magistro for a session that demystifies the publishing and distribution process using Ingram Spark! The first half will teach the basics of setting up your account, uploading files, test printing, and proofing your book. Then, attendees will learn how to navigate the distribution landscape to reach libraries and bookstores worldwide through pricing, metadata, and marketing. Whether you're a first-time author or a seasoned writer bringing back an out-of-print title, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to launch your book into the world.

Ann Rose, Agent at The Tobias Literary Agency

Novel Roundtable

Each attendee gets ten minutes for a few pages of the novel to be read aloud and to receive direct feedback. You can choose which section of your work you would like to feature.

Jim Averbeck, Agent at East West Literary Agency

Picture Book Roundtable

Each attendee gets ten minutes for your picture book to be read and to receive direct feedback from an agent. The opportunity to hear suggestions on not only your work but a variety of others is invaluable. For this session, picture books manuscripts should be no more than 1000 words.