Winter 2008 Classes, Retreats & Workshops

Classes, conferences and workshops provide opportunities for professional contacts, manuscript critiques, networking and fellowship. Many an unpublished manuscript has been refocused, redefined, rewritten and published after its author attended a class or workshop. The information below was compiled by Oak Park author June Sengpiehl.

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CLASSES

THE SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
Children’s Book Illustration
Thursdays, January to May, 2008 -- 6-9 pm
Instructor: Lisa Cinelli

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, 37 S. Wabash, Chicago
This is a multi-level course
For more information or to register, phone (312) 629-6170

COLLEGE OF DU PAGE

“From Goodnight Moon to Harry Potter”
Saturday, February 2, 2008 9 am to 2:50 pm
Instructor Carnela Martino
College of DuPage, Glen Ellyn Campus

An Introduction to the children’s writing market for those new to the field.
For more information, visit www.cod.edu/conted/writingspring/htm or by
touchtone at 630-942-3555.

Writing With Details: Bring Your Characters To Life
Saturday, April 5, 2008, 9 am -2:50 pm (bring a sack lunch)
Instructor: Carmela Martino

Learn how sensory details and point-of-view techniques can help create
engaging, empathetic characters.
For more information visit cod.edu conted/wrtingspringhtm or by touchtone at
630-942-3555

Nothing But The Facts
Saturday, March 1, 2008, 9am-noon
Instructor: Pat Kummer

A discussion of children’s nonfiction markets, conducting market research,
writing effective query letters and proposals and approaching editors. Bring a
recent edition of Children’s Writer’s And Illustrator’s Market to class.
Register online at: www.cod.edu. or by phone 630-942-2208 Cost $45

ELMHURST PUBLIC LIBRARY

Nothing But The facts: Get The Scoop on Writing Nonfiction for Children And
Young Adults
Saturday, April 5, 2008 10:00 am to noon
Instructor: Pat Kummer

A discussion of nonfiction markets, how to conduct market research, research
nonfiction topics, and how to write a query letter for a book proposal.
To reserve a seat, call Elmhurst Public Library at 630-279-8696, ext. 316

NORTH CENTRAL COLLEGE
Remember When? Stories My Family Loves to Tell
Thursdays, January 17-31, 2008 or Wednesdays, March 5-19, 2008, 6:30-8:30 pm
Instructors: Julie Phend, author and recently retired middle school teacher
Sharon Frolick, author and Director of Creative Juices Writing Center

Class is open to parents, grandparents and grade school children and is best experienced with two or more family members present. This intergenerational workshop will bring family members together to swap stories, tales and traditions that are unique to your family. You’ll learn interview techniques and practice writing and illustrating short tales. By the end of the class, you will have one story written and illustrated, the initial chapter of a long-lasting memory book.
For more information, call 620-637-5560

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
60 W. Walton St., Chicago

Workshop: OH, THE POSSIBILITIES: WRITING FOR CHILDREN IN TODAY’S PUBLISHING
WORLD
Saturday, March 8, 10 am to 4 pm
Instructor: author Esther Hershenhorn

This workshop introduces newcomers to today’s world of children’s book publishing -the markets, the genres, the formats and audience niches, as well as recommends a few Rules of the Road and tried-and-true Short Cuts to make navigating that world easier.

Participants will have the opportunity to share a work-in-progress in order to see its possibilities in today’s publishing world. (Note: please bring a bagged lunch as the class
will continue to meet during the lunch hour.)

Esther Hershenhorn authors picture books and middle grade fiction, coaches children’s book writers and serves on the Board of Directors of The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.
To register, visit www.newberry.org

UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO WRITER’S STUDIO

Gleacher Center
Writing Novels For Children and Young Adults
Tuesdays January 8, 15,22,29, Feb 5,12, 2008 6:30-9 pm
Instructor: Esther Hershenhorn

Develop and craft a novel for today’s older juvenile readers. Suggested readings of classic and contemporary fiction across a variety of genres will highlight the structure and demands of the various format possibilities. Writing exercise and workshop discussions will focus on the writing process, elements of narrative, revision and a story’s marketability, with special emphasis on the connection between plot and character. The workshop will keep writers on their respective plot lines,offering measured assignments, project-related goals, models to study, suggestions and encourgement. Particular needs will be assessed and addressed in the remaining weeks.

LEMONT PARK DISTRICT
16028 127th Street
Lemont, IL 60439
630 257-6787
To register online: information@lemontparkdistrict.org

How To Get Published in the Children’s Book and Magazine Markets
Saturdays, January 12, 19, 26, 2008 l0:30 am-11:30 am
Instructor: Heidi Bee Roemer

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the many disciplines needed to be a writer. Evaluate your writing skills and set goals. Learn how to write, research and submit manuscripts.

Information about copyrights, contracts, agents and marketing strategies are covered. Includes workbook, sample magazines, guidelines and publisher’s catalogues.

Introduction to Children’s Poetry: Not For Teachers Only!
Saturday February 9, 2008 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Instructor: Heidi Bee Roemer

This “crash course” overview introduces a variety of approaches for writers who want to write kid-friendly poetry. Workshop features poems written by popular children’s poets.

Learn what makes children’s poems marketable and how they may be used to complement classroom curriculum.Take-home bibliography,. ti[ps and writing prompts included.

The ABC’s of Writing Children’s Poetrys
Saturdays February 16, 23, March 1, 8, 2008 l0:30 am to ll:30 am
Instructor: Heidi Bee Roemer

If you want to write and sell poetry, this class is for you! Beginner and intermediate poets will learn poetry terms, techniques, meter and voice. All poems receive in-depth critiques. Many former students have published the poems written in this class. 64-page workbook included.

OFF CAMPUS WRITERS’ WORKSHOP (OCWW)

Author-led weekly writing workshops
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln, Winnetka
Thursdays 9:30 am -Noon Admission $10,
(Members @$ 30 per year get a session discount and may may submit
a manuscript in advance for critique for $15)

Cate Wallace “Writing for Spiritual Satisfaction”
January 10, 17, 2008
Ms critiques in any genre. Follow ms guidelines and send by 1/10

Christine DeSmet “How To Put Tension on Every Page”
January 24, 2008
Ms critiques for up to 10 short stories, and novels, including YA

Simon Elkeles “Writing Timeless Teen Dialogue,”
Feb 7, 2008
“Pros & Cons of First Person in Juvenile Fiction,”
Feb. 14, 2008
Ms critiques for middle grade and young adult fiction.

J. A. Konrath “Plotting and Pitching Mysteries,”
March 13, 20 and 27, 2008
Ms critiques for short stories, novels and queries/synopses.

For more information (including ms guidelines) contact www.ocww.bizland.com or contact Ellen McKnight at ELTMCK@aol.com

The following institutions also offer classes and workshops for writers and illustrators. Specific class information was not available at time of publication.

The following institutions also offer classes and workshops for writers and illustrators. Specific class information was not available at time of publication.

THE RAGDALE FOUNDATION

Lake Forest, IL
Phone (847) 234-1063
or visit www.ragdale.org.

THE WRITERS CENTER AT ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Elgin, IL
Regular writing workshop plus weekend special-topic workshops
Phone (847) 697-1000, Ext. 7578

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SCBWI REGIONALS

SCBWI ILLINOIS EVENTS

Book And Story for Tweens and Teens: A Weekend Workshop with Richard Peck
March 1, 2, 2008 (9am Saturday until 3 pm Sunday)
Eastland Suites, Urbana, IL

Cost $175 for SCBWI members and $190 for non-members
Price includes lunch and dinner on the 1st, lunch on the 2nd
Manuscript critiques will not be available
To register or for more information, contact Sara Latta, saralatta@sbcglobal.net

SCBWI IOWA

Conference “Focusing On The Genres”
The Lodge on I-74, Bettendorf
April 18-20, 2008

This conference features Andrea Welch, Harcourt, Traci Todd,
Chronicle,Virginia Koeth, National Geographic For Children and authors Tracy Barrett and Lisa
Wheeler among others.
Visit www.scbwi-Iowa.org for details.

SCBWI WISCONSIN

Annual Spring Luncheon
Oconomowoc, WI
April 5, 2008

Featuring Sarah Cloots from Greenwillow Books.
For more information, visit the website.

SCBWI INTERNATIONAL

9th Annual Winter Conference
February 9-10, 2008

New York, NY
visit SCBWI.org. for faculty, registration and information.

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RETREATS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND LECTURES

18th Annual Butler University Children’s Literature Conference
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Pre-registration is required for the conference which includes a separate networking luncheon for writers and illustrators and an optional manuscript or portfolio critique for an additional fee.
According to a representative of Simon and Schuster, it is one of the premiere children’s literature conferences in the country.

This year’s speakers include David Wiesner, Gary Schmidt, Diane Stanley, Louise Borden, Valiska Gregory and Arthur Levine
Pre-conference Meet-the-Authors Gala on January 25. 2008 will be held at the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Central Library downtown from 7-9 pm with book sales and autographing.
For more details, e-mail (http://www,butler.edu/childlit)


HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION FOUNDERS WORKSHOPS FOR PROFESSIONAL AND ASPIRING WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Honesdale, PA
Conferences include seminars, small-group workshops, and one-on-onesessions with some of the most accomplished, prominent and supportive authors, illustrators, editors, critics and publishers of the world of children’s literature, all determined to help authors and illustrators meet their goals

February 16-23, 2008
Carolyn Yoder Alumni Writers’ Retreat
Leader: Carolyn Yoder

March 4-9, 2008
Life In The Spotlight: Author Opportunities After Publication
Leader: Peter Jacobi

April 3-6, 2008
Retelling Folktales and Myths
Leader: Josepha Sherman

April 10-13, 2008
Real People, Great Stories: The Art of Writing Biography
Leader: Carolyn Yoder

April 23-27, 2008
Writing from Nature: Blazing a Trail from Field Journal to Publication
Leader: Mark Baldwin

For all workshops, phone (570) 253-1192 with questions. To register or to request more information, e-mail Jo Lloyd, Program Assistant, at jalloyd@highlightsfoundation.org.

24th Annual Writers Workshop
July 12-19, 2008
Chautauqua Institute, Chautauqua, NY

For more information, visit http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/chautauqua_top.html

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RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

VERMONT COLLEGE BRIEF RESIDENCY

MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
Montpelier, VT
July, January

11-day intensive residencies in July and January on campus alternate with 5 month nonresident projects (4 semesters, 5 residencies) Faculty includes M. T. Anderson, Kathi Appelt, Marion Dane Bauer, Sharon Darrow, Ellen Levine and Norma Fox Mazer

Contact Melissa Fisher at (800) 336-6794, Ext. 8637 or e-mail melissa.fisher@tui.edu or visit the website at www.tui.edu/vermontcollege

SPALDING UNIVERSITY BRIEF-RESIDENCY

Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program
Louisville, KY

with a Concentration in Writing For Children
Semesters begin in May or October
Program is 4 semesters, 5 residencies
Contact Graduate Admissions at (800) 896-8941, Ext. 2423
or e-mail: mfa@spalding.edu or visit the website at www.spalding.edu


LESLEY UNIVERSITY LOW-RESIDENCY

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Cambridge, MA
Offering a concentration in Writing for Young People
Semesters begin in January and June
Program is 4 semesters, 5 residencies
Contact Jana M. Van der Veer
Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services
email: jvanderv@lesley.edu
phone: (617) 349-8369 or (800) 999-1959 X8369
Or visit the website at http://lesley.edu/gsass/creative_writing/index.html

HAMLINE UNIVERSITY LOW-RESIDENCY

1536 Hewitt Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104
Master of Fine Arts In Writing For Children And Young Adults
Semsters begin in January and July
Program is 4 semesters, 5 residencies

Contact Christine Rousu, Programs Administrator, at 651-523-2465, or email at crousu@hamline.edu
Or visit the website at http://www.hamline.edu/gls/academics/degree_programs/mfa_cl/index.html

Office phone: (651) 523-2047, Fax: (651) 523-2490
For general questions, call (651) 523-2900 or e-mail gradprog@hamline.edu

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LEARNING ON-LINE OR BY CORRESPONDENCE

INSTITUTE OF CHILDREN’S LITERATURE
Correspondence courses and access to articles, tips, chat room discussions on writing.
Visit www.Institutechildrenslit.com

WRITER’S DIGEST ONLINE WORKSHOPS
• “Fundamentals of Writing for Children” (12-week beginning course)
• “Focus Course in Writing for Children” (14-week intermediate course)
For details and starting dates on these workshops and other Writer’s Digest Online courses, visit www.writersonlineworkshops.com

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