Breakout Session #3

Designing the Picture Book - A Workshop for Illustrators with Cecilia Ruiz and Eugenia Mello

In this workshop, we’ll explore how design choices—such as format, trim size, framing, negative space, etc.—can deepen the storytelling and quietly transform the reader’s experience. We’ll look closely at some brilliant picture books that push boundaries, and then, through a fun little exercise, we’ll explore how the very structure of a book can help bring a story to life.

How to make Informational Books Come Alive Through Illustration with John Rocco

Join award-winning illustrator John Rocco for a deep dive into the research, process, and technical approaches to creating compelling, beautiful, and informative illustration for nonfiction and informational fiction books.  John will discuss his approach to creating images for his own titles like How We Got To The Moon, Wild Places, and the Meet The Wild Things series, as well as share other examples of non-fiction illustration that have broken new ground and engaged readers young and old. 

Luscious Layers in Picture Books with Valerie Bolling

In today’s competitive picture book market, your stories can benefit from having multiple layers to attract the attention of agents and editors. Sharing a variety of picture books, author Valerie Bolling will identify different types of layers that you might consider as you write and revise your picture books. 

Tying the Knot Without Dating: What to Expect in the Creator-Agent Relationship with Jen Rofe

Signing with an agent is an exciting milestone in the publishing journey, but it can feel like getting married without dating! So, what does it look like to have a successful partnership with your agent? Let's discuss what you can expect from the creator-agent relationship — both the basics and the bigger picture. Whether you're starting your agent search, already have an agent, or are thinking about making an agent change, this session can help you on your way.

Writing MG and YA Characters with Mental Health Challenges with Crystal Allen and Katie Keridan

Portraying MG and YA characters dealing with mental health challenges has perhaps never been more timely or important. Join middle grade author Crystal Allen and young adult author and former pediatric neuropsychologist Katie Keridan to learn about accurate mental health representation in fictional characters. This presentation will include tips for creating realistic characters through balancing symptoms and sensitivity, a mental health writing prompt, discussion of #ownvoice in children’s literature, as well as techniques for successfully translating lived mental health experiences onto the page.

Be Your Own Gatekeeper: Indie Publishing Your Short Fiction with Matty Dalrymple

The traditional short fiction market simply can’t accommodate the many excellent short stories that deserve to reach readers. But with an indie mindset, you don’t have to rely on gatekeepers. Instead, you can take control of your publishing journey, connecting directly with readers who will love your stories, turning them into fans, and generating income from your work. Walk away with practical strategies to turn short fiction into a powerful tool for building your author brand and income.

Introduction to Subsidiary Rights with Farah Géhy

Farah Géhy, a 30-year-veteran of subsidiary rights, will walk you through the nuts and bolts of Subsidiary Rights. What ARE rights, who controls them and how are they sold? From audio and translation; to film and tv; and every right in between, Farah will give an in-depth introduction to this lucrative, complicated, and very interesting side of the publishing industry.

Challenges (and Solutions!) of Translation for Different Age Groups with Lawrence Schimel

From capturing the rhythm and cadence of the original text to conveying cultural nuances and idiomatic expressions with finesse, Lawrence Schimel will share insights for translating all different age categories of children's books, from board books through YA. He’ll address the issue of translating rhyme, where the words that rhymed in one language don't rhyme in the target language, or translating illustrated works whether the translation must be faithful to the art as well as the text. Through select examples and a few practice exercises in English, you'll learn how to respond to potential translation "obstacles" and above all to recreate the reading experience of a children's book from one language to another.

So, You Want to Write a Memoir! With Ruth Chan Memoir can be intimidating and intense. But it can also be fun and bring about unexpected beauty and some pretty good laughs. In this session, we’ll explore different approaches to getting started in memoir writing. We’ll also discuss the ins and outs of what it means to share yourself with children and others.