Descriptions of Each Workshop Session

Chris Negron's Sessions

Voice, Voice, Voice: What is it and where do I get one?

What does it mean to write middle fiction in an authentic middle grade voice? Do I really have to learn what rizz and skibidi and sus mean? Or is "voice" something deeper, more pure, than merely echoing the slang kids are using today? Let's explore the #1 element agents and editors seem to always say they're looking for, the one that tends to be the hardest to find as a writer.

Character Development: The Key to Plotting?

How does understanding your character's key desire and misbelief create a track for your story to travel along that makes plotting so much easier? Why are the most important words for transitioning from scene to scene "but" and "therefore?" Together we will explore a character-first plotting technique that might be key to unlocking your next story.

Query Workshop: The Dos and Don'ts of Query Letters

There are no rules in writing, right? Except when there ARE rules, like in query letters. Let's review the required elements of every query letter, and discuss in depth why your comp titles (the part we all hate, right?) can do more of your heavy lifting than any other part of your pitch. This session applies to queries sent to agents and editors alike, and Chris will save time to critique several pre-submitted queries from participants.

Kristina Moore's Sessions

Pacing, Page Turns, and Perfect Rhythm: Transform your Picture Book Manuscript into an Incredible Page-Turner

Are you pacing your manuscript to maximize effect? Are you utilizing the page turns? Is the rhythm of your story worth rereading? A well-executed picture book is a work of art. Within the confines of 32 to 40 pages, it delivers an experience akin to a performance. One that lasts long after the curtains have closed. Is your picture book text doing that? We’ll begin this workshop by briefly exploring exemplary pacing, page turns, and rhythm in successful picture books in today’s market. Then, I’ll share techniques I use to check my own picture book texts, before and after they were acquired by publishers. Finally, we’ll make page-turning dummies from our own manuscripts. No drawing skills required! Participants should bring a picture book text manuscript, one-sided, double-spaced, and scissors. Participants will walk away with techniques and skills they can apply again and again to improve their picture book craft.

The End...Or is it? Delivering Picture Book Endings that W.O.W!

In this webinar, we’ll study picture books that deliver a W.O.W. ending. We’ll focus on new and contemporary books that will compete with yours in the current market. Then, Katrina will give you a behind-the-curtains look at the revision process she went through to achieve the perfect-for-the-story endings from some of her recent picture books before and after they were acquired. You’ll leave this webinar with techniques, checklist questions, and the will and confidence to write, rewrite, and execute an ending that wows the crowd.

Revise Your Writing Into A Pot of Gold! A Hands-On, Craft-Focused Picture Book Workshop

In this hands on picture book workshop, Katrina will share with writers the revision process that she uses to turn her manuscripts from dust to gold and give insight into the revision process from her picture books, HOPE IS A HOP, GRANDPA GRUMPS, SOMETIMES LOVE, and more, from first draft to published book. Using the power of productive critiquing and her RAINBOW REVISION technique, audience members will learn and then apply peer critique and revision skills to improve their own writing. In this workshop, revision has never been so collaborative, eye-opening, fun, or colorful! Audience will leave with techniques (and a resource) they can apply over and over again to their writing process.