A day-long Children’s Book Writers Conference…
Designed for ~ Writers and illustrators interested in learning more about children’s books from published authors/illustrators and a children’s book editor/agent in a day-long intensive with sessions devoted to picture books, middle-grade and YA, editing, and presentation.
When ~ July 16, 2011, ~ 9:30 AM to 4 PM
Where ~ Sebastopol Center for the Arts go
Schedule
9:30 ~ Meet & greet with an opportunity to see the Art of the Picture Book: Behind the Covers exhibit and also the Bibliophoria II: Art of the Book Exhibit.
Inkling to Ink ~ Morning Session: 10 to 12:30 ~ Picture Books: Inspiration to Print
10-10:30 ~ The Spark! Recognizing and holding on to inspiration with author/illustrator Teri Sloat
10:30 – 10:45 ~ Inspiration in action! A visit to a Wooleycat concert in the music room at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, featuring Dennis Hysom, his audience of young children, parents, and grandparents, and songs from Wooleycat’s Musical Theater.
10:45 to 12:30 ~ Art of the Picture Book Presentations & panel discussion in conjunction with the Art of the Picture Book: Behind the Covers exhibit at Sebastopol Center for the Arts, featuring four author/illustrators: Gianna Marino, Teri Sloat, Stacey Schuett, Christine Walker
Presenters discussed:
• Processes in conceptualizing, writing, and illustrating picture books
• Experiences in developing projects, presenting them to agents and publishers, and seeing them through publishing and beyond.
They shared their results in printed books and mobile apps.
Working Lunch ~ 12:30 to 2
Seek & Find research trip to Copperfield’s Books children’s book section. This included an informative presentation by and Q&A with Michele Bellah, Copperfield’s children’s book buyer, regarding book selection, presentation and audience.
Q &A back at the Sebastopol Center for the Arts. Followup on morning session topics and preparation for afternoon session.
Afternoon Session ~ 2 to 4
Chapter Books & YA ~ 2 to 3
Author presentation by and discussion with Hillary Homzie.
Editing & Presentation ~ 3 to 4
Presentation by and discussion with Abigail Samoun, former editor with Tricycle Press, now with her own literary agency, Red Fox Literary.
Fee ~ $110 included workshop and lunch catered by Brown Street Grill.
For information about future events for writers and artists: Contact Linda Galletta, Sebastopol Center for the Arts, Email lindag@sonic.net Phone 707.829.4797. Sebastopol Center for the Arts, 6780 Depot Street, Sebastopol, CA 95472.
Bibliophoria.com 
Sounds like a fun packed day. Not sure about the trip to Copperfields, since I live near copperfields I’m in there a lot. $110. sounds expensive. How many are attending and will we have an opportunity to get a critique at any point. Edytha
Hi Edytha, Thanks for your questions. I hope this answers them…
COPPERFIELD’S VISIT. The conference organizers want to create a dynamic and productive day for attendees. We’re including the bookstore visit (a rare opportunity at a conference such as this) to give context to writing for children. Bookstores, bookbuyers and booksellers are allies and resources for children’s book writers. The store is a short walk from SCA—a nice break in mid-day—and our brief time there will be focused on searching out elements discussed in the sessions and learning from a bookbuyer/seller about selection, presentation and audience. We think the visit will offer insights not normally gleaned during our personal (and frequent!) drop-ins to the children’s book section.
COST. $110 includes the conference and a catered lunch by Brown Street Grill. That’s a competitive price for a day-long workshop/conference with a number of presenters.
CRITIQUES. At conferences, individual critiques are usually offered for an additional price. We won’t have time for this as part of our day, but you may be able to contract later with a specific presenter for an individual critique. And you’ll have a chance to meet other local writers with whom you could form a critique group.
ATTENDEES. We are limiting the number of participants to 30.