NESCBWI Virtual Shop Talk - Create Boldly! The World Needs Your Story with Valerie Bolling

Create Boldly! The World Needs Your Story:

The best way to react to challenging times and a competitive market is to be bold. It can be tough to forge ahead, but if you remember the children for whom you’re writing, you’ll know that they need stories that only you can write.

 In this session, Valerie will provide examples of how to be bold and remain true to yourself. She'll share some of her personal experiences as well as examples of “bold” books. After this motivational presentation, you’ll be inspired to make bold moves of your own as you create stories for young readers.

Valerie Bolling is an award-winning author/educator who is passionate about creating stories for children in which they can feel seen, heard, valued, and validated. She’s the author of 15 books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, LET’S DANCE!; Kirkus Prize Finalist, TOGETHER WE SWIM; Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection, I SEE COLOR; Notable Social Studies Trade Book and Crystal Kite Honor, A FLEA FOR JUSTICE: MARIAN WRIGHT EDELMAN STANDS UP FOR CHANGE; and two books for educators. Sharing her books with young readers, their families, and educators---and inspiring children and adults to write their own stories---brings Valerie immense joy!

September 16, 2025

7:30pm- 8:30pm EST

$10 for Premium members

$15 for Non members

Please Contact Bridget Bick with any Questions at

[email protected]