Breakout Session One

Creating Memorable YA Characters That Stand Out on the Page with Sharon G. Flake

This workshop will focus on crafting characters with distinct voices and personalities that set them apart and bring life to your writing. Author Sharon Flake will discuss writing in an authentic teen voice, trusting your instincts, and breathing life into your character's personality.

To Proposal or To Not Proposal with Tricia Lawrence

Learn the ins and outs of writing a book proposal and when and how and why. Agent Tricia Lawrence will explain best practices and you’ll leave with a host of books to learn from, plus an idea of where to begin. Don’t fret about writing a book proposal. Learn with us and dive in! The water’s fine.

Feeling Stories: Creating Picture Books that Pack an Emotional Punch with Kelly Starling Lyons

What draws you into a picture book? For award-winning author Kelly Starling Lyons, emotions get her every time. Using mentor texts and her own work, Lyons gives tips for infusing your stories with feeling, heart and meaning.

The Long and Winding Road to Publication with Shirin Shamsi and Zainab Khan

Shirin Shamsi and Zainab Khan in conversation about their personal journeys to publication. Sharing tips and exercises they discuss what works for them best in their writing process.

Navigating the Nonfiction Landscape: Commercial Nonfiction, Informational Books, Expository Literature, and More with Melissa Stewart

As the children’s nonfiction market has expanded and evolved in recent years, new types of books have emerged. This session defines and describes the current categories, highlights the topics and approaches well suited for each kind of book, and makes some predictions about the future of children’s nonfiction.  

Artivism: Changing the Narrative through Creative Empathy with Nikkolas Smith

Nikkolas Smith’s Artivism journey delves into the importance of art as an instrument of empathy, empowerment, and protest, combining Art and Activism to inspire others to make a positive change, and help fix the broken bones of our society. Sharing his experiences as a Black Artist, from designing theme parks to reimagining superheroes, to creating compelling viral art and bestselling picture books focused on history and social justice, Smith's workshop is a tool to empower and uplift storytellers from all backgrounds.