Keynotes

Take your writing to the next level by exploring and cultivating what makes you unique. This keynote invites KidLit creators to uncover the lived experiences, curiosities, and perspectives that only they bring to the page—and to use them to create work that is authentic and memorable. Kendra Levin is the Vice President and Editorial Director of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, where she supervises a team of eleven editors and edits award-winning and bestselling authors. A contributor to Psychology Today, Kendra has been working with writers as a certified life coach for nearly twenty years and is the author of the self-help book The Hero Is You.

Making books isn't always easy, but it's even harder when you don't let your work change and evolve. Jessixa will take audience members through her journey of book creation so we can see how the winding path of writing and illustrating can lead to the best of unexpected places-- if you let it. Jessixa Bagley is an award-winning children's book author/illustrator, fine artist, and graphic novelist. Her books have received numerous awards including: An SCBWI Golden Kite award, two Washington State Book Awards, and an Ezra Jack Keats Honor. She often illustrates for other writers and collaborates with her husband, Aaron Bagley. Jessixa also travels domestically and internationally to speak and teach children’s book writing and illustration. She lives in Seattle, WA.