Children’s Picture Book Writers & Illustrators Conference

Sat., Jan. 23 • 9:00 am – 7:00 pm & Sun., Jan. 24 • 9:00 am – 4:30 pm

I have wanted to attend this conference for years.  But it’s a bit pricey and it wasn’t until this year that I decided that I could actually do it.  And I am very glad I did!

Open to new, established and aspiring writers and illustrators, the conference takes place in beautiful Marin County, just across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco and adjacent to Northern California’s wine country.  When participants are not writing and critiquing their work, they will participate in panels and discussions about a variety of key topics for authors. The topics will include:
• How to find an agent       
• Query letters and pitches
• Trends in the Picture Book market  
• Working with an editor
• Creativity and inspiration        
• Working with a writing group    
• Developing empathetic characters
In addition to these structured sessions, participants will have plenty of time to network and interact. The Weekend Workshop will include lunch on both days and a dinner on Saturday, during which the faculty and participants are encouraged to mingle.

I enjoyed this immensely.  It was highly motivational, interesting, educational and inspiring.  I learned more at this conference than I have anywhere else.  And, most important to me, I learned when I met with an agent in consultation about my work, that my art and writing is, in fact, pretty darn good.  And all that remains is for me to get it in ship-shape form and get it out there.  And this I intend to do.  Edit, edit, edit!