Saturday, January 22, 2011

Conferences & Classes to Check Out

The Western Washington University Children’s Literature Conference is now in its eighth year! This event is where teachers and librarians, readers and writers gather to celebrate and learn about children’s literature. At the end of last year's conference the creator and director, Nancy Johnson, announced that she had accepted a two-year appointment at the Singapore American School.

Because of the overwhelming response from attendees to keep the conference going, the conference committee is presenting The Children's Literature Alternative Conference! The conference is March 5, from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at WWU. CLAC. Caldecott winner Chris Raschka and Newbery honoree Kirby Larson will keynote the event. Early bird registration (before February 11) is only $40. For more information, and to register visit their webpage.

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The Whidbey Writer's Conference is April 1-3, in Coupeville, WA. Registration is limited to 250 lucky folks. Keynoter Garth Stein will be joined by 30 other authors, editors and agents at this conference. The conference is well known for its warm atmosphere and solid information. To sign up or for more information go to their website.
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Margaret Nevinski is teaching a writing course for young writers. For more information about her classes visit her website.

Creative Writing Workshop (Ages 8-12)


Do you like to write stories and have fun with words? Margaret Nevinski helps young writers get started, create characters, and develop story plots
. We'll learn how to move from ideas in our heads to words on the page, and we'll share our work out loud to give each other helpful feedback. Small class size ensures individual attention. Bring a notebook, a pencil, and your imagination!

The class is on Thursdays, February 3- March 24. 4-6 p.m, at the Strawberry Hill Center, 7666 High School Road NE, Bainbridge Island, WA. Class cost is $85. To register, visit Bainbridge Island Metro Park & Recreation District or call 206-842-2306 (ext 116).

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Local illustrator Craig Orback has some new Children's Book Illustration classes starting soon in Bellevue and Bellingham. Craig Orback is a freelance children’s book illustrator living in Bellingham and received his B.F.A. in illustration from Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle in 1998. For more information on Craig, and his work, visit him at his website.


Children's Book Illustration I

Immerse yourself in the world of children’s book illustration with this introductory course. Through in-class assignments using a variety of media, you'll learn basic techniques to complete illustrations for young readers. Also learn the business side of children’s book illustration, including what it takes to get your work seen by the right people. Character consistency, portfolios, contracts, and other topics are also covered. Craig Orback is an award-winning illustrator of over 15 children's books. Basic drawing skills are helpful but not required. Some homework is required.


Locations:

Bellevue Community College, on Saturdays, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., and runs February 5- March 19 (Seven classes in all). Cost is $145 Call 206-527-3705 or visit the course page.


Whatcom Community College, on Thursdays, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and runs February 3-March 24 (Seven classes in all). Cost is $175. Visit the course page.


Childrens Book Illustration II

Explore in greater depth your passion for children's book illustration. In this intermediate course, you will learn, step-by-step, how to create a children's picture book dummy that, when finished, can be submitted to publishers for possible publication. From developing an initial story board to completing full page sketches, this is the perfect course if you have a children's story you have longed to illustrate and potentially publish!


Locations:

Bellevue Community College, on Saturdays, from 1:30-4:30 p.m., and runs from February 5-March 19 (Seven classes in all). Cost is $145. Call 425-564-2263 or visit the course page.


Whatcom Community College, on Wednesdays, from 6-8:30 p.m., and run from February 2-March 23 (Eight classes in all). Cost is $199. Visit the course page.

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