Descriptions in order of workshops
Breakout 1
Julie Romeis Sanders ~ Rules and Rebellion on the Road to Publishing Success ~ Every agent, editor, and writing teacher will share specific “rules” you must follow to sell your manuscript: don't rhyme, don't try to teach a lesson, and never, ever write a story about a kid who won't eat his vegetables. But why do we have these rules? And more importantly, when can you break them? This workshop will help writers better understand what agents and editors are looking for, and what they can do to improve both their storytelling and their chances at getting published.
Matt Phipps ~ Dreaming to Drafting: MG/YA Novel Workshop ~ This workshop will take a holistic and highly collaborative approach to the process of finding inspiration for your novel, going from dreaming to drafting, crafting characters and story arcs that surprise you, and finding the right mentor texts to help guide you along the way. Come expecting writing prompts, conversation, and peer workshops--let's have some fun!
David Hohn ~ Illustrator Intensive ~ From Blank Page to Portfolio Ready: How to Build an Illustration Pt 1~ A step-by-step breakdown of an illustration process:▪️Starting from a blank page ▪️Ideating the concept ▪️Identifying your “Keywords” ▪️Sketching and concept refinement ▪️How to choose a composition▪️Video demo of toned thumbnail process
First Page ~ Picture Book ~ Have you ever wondered what an agent or editor is thinking when they read your submission? Now you can find out! The first 10 people who sign up are guaranteed a spot to read their first manuscript page to our faculty panel and receive instant feedback.
Breakout 2
Leslie Bernard Booth ~ Narrative-ize Your Nonfiction Picture Book: Harnessing the tools of fiction to write informational texts that shine ~ In this one-hour workshop with award-winning picture book author Leslie Barnard Booth, learn how to elevate your nonfiction manuscripts by thinking like a fiction writer. Analyze mentor texts to see how techniques and structures from the other side of the literary aisle can bring nonfiction to life for young readers. Consider the role of character, tension, and plot in informational and nonfiction mentor texts, then try an exercise designed to bring the propulsiveness of fiction to your nonfiction manuscript and strengthen its narrative arc.
Melissa Manlove ~ Business Loves Craft, Craft Loves Business ~ Getting your pitch and comps right is often a writer’s very last (and most reluctant) step. And this is because so many writers find themselves feeling that art and business are profoundly at odds—but editors know the truth: that the art and the business elements don’t have to fight each other, and can instead lift each other up, deepening your craft and reaching more readers. Join me for a look at some of the powerful insights that are often the last things standing between great writers and great success!
David Hohn ~ Illustrator Intensive ~ From Blank Page to Portfolio Ready: How to Build an Illustration Pt 2 ~ A step-by-step breakdown of an illustration process:▪️Putting the theory into practice▪️Designing an image using simple shapes▪️Follow a portfolio piece from idea to final art▪️Color choice and rendering
First Page ~ Novels ~ Have you ever wondered what an agent or editor is thinking when they read your submission? Now you can find out! The first 10 people who sign up are guaranteed a spot to read their first manuscript page to our faculty panel and receive instant feedback.
Breakout 3
Agent Panel ~ If you are looking for a literary agent, want to know more about what an agent does, or you just want to bask in the glow of so much knowledge, this panel is for you. Join CoCo, Fiona, Julie, and Rachel for an hour of Q&A. With decades of combined experience in the publishing industry, these four Oregon-based agents have a wealth of information to share.
PAL Roundtable Discussions ~ Already agented? Not interested in following the agent path? Then join us for an hour of roundtable discussions on various topics such as Work-for-Hire, School Visits, and more. This is a chance to share knowledge and tips while building community in small groups.
Breakout 4
"Inventing Wonder" Maker Session ~ Let's invent some wonder! Join us at this maker session and leave the conference with a little reminder of how we can bring wonder into our lives, and then send it out into the world.
"Creating Hope" Project ~ Let's create some hope! Take a few minutes to help Oregon kids by putting together some school kits. OPTIONAL: SCBWI Oregon is providing all the supplies for this project, but if you want us to do even more, you can donate a little extra at registration. All donations will go towards the kits for kids.
First Look ~ Illustrations ~ Have you ever wondered what an agent or editor is thinking when they look at your submission? Now you can find out! The first 10 people who sign up are guaranteed a spot to present one image to our faculty panel and receive instant feedback.
Breakout 5
Melissa Manlove ~ The Storyteller's Voice ~ So many writers have a strong authorial voice that comes to them naturally, but to make the next big leap in your career requires shifting into storyteller's voice—a voice that tailors itself to narrator, character, mood, and theme—to the story being told. This workshop will focus on practical examples of many different voice strategies and how authors can lift their manuscripts and connect even more strongly with readers, using the many tools of craft.
Matt Phipps ~ Getting to Yes: Why Editors Say No ~ This session tackles the myriad possible reasons why an editor might pass on a submission . . . and what might make them say yes. We will discuss how you’re pitching your project, assessing its fit for the marketplace, evaluating which editors and houses might be the right home for it—and which ones might not. We’ll also talk about the kinds of conversations and considerations that arise at editorial/acquisitions meetings and why some projects make the cut and others don’t.
Julie Romeis Sanders ~ Two Jobs, One Book: A Writing Talk for Artists ~ An interactive presentation for illustrators who are looking to develop their skills in writing their own picture books. In this talk we will discuss the different roles of writer and illustrator and how to break down the writing process into manageable steps for visual thinkers. This presentation could also be helpful for picture book writers who want to better understand the role of illustrators and illustration in a picture book.
Rachel Letofsky ~ Demystifying Book Contracts ~ A quick dive into the standards and ideals of the book publishing contract with an examination and explanation of common clauses, and language to seek (and to avoid, if possible!) when negotiating a contract with a publishing house.