April Opportunities: Calls for Presenters, Classes, Meet Ups, and More!

The SCBWI WWA Island Network would like you to join us at these upcoming Whidbey Island events:


Twitter Talk & Tweet
Tuesday, March 27
3:00 - 4:30 WiFire, Freeland WA
Can’t join us on Whidbey? Tweet your Twitter Tips! #whidbeykidlit


Saturday, April 7, 2:30-5:00
Anne Belov Open Studio Tour
With Island Bohemians
5030 Blacktail Lane
Langley WA

April 7, 4:30
First Saturday Kidlit Happy Hour (ongoing)
Double Bluff Brewing Co.
Langley WA
Followed by Langley Art Walk


Call for Proposals: 

Washington Library Association annual conference

Here’s your chance to present directly to school and public librarians from across the state! The WLA annual conference is in Yakima Oct. 17 through 20. This year’s conference theme, “Cultivating Communities, Harvesting Ideas,” honors the bridge-building and innovation happening in and outside of libraries, as well as giving a nod to Yakima’s autumnal agriculture. You’ll be surrounded by school and public librarians who are passionate about books and reading. Bonus: Yakima is stunning in October. The WLA conference is bigger and better than ever, and includes the school library division (formerly Washington Library Media Association, or WLMA). Deadline for proposals is Monday, April 16, 2018.
Details on the conference


Looking for an author for library conference presentation:
A panel of librarians are putting together a presentation on Intellectual Freedom to present at the fall Washington Library Association (WLA) annual conference in Yakima (Oct. 17-20). If you already have plans to attend WLA, or if you’d like to, and you’d like to be a panelist for this presentation, please contact Rosalie Olds, rolds@kcls.org.
Details on the conference

(Thanks to Linda Johns for the information!)

Humanities Washington is currently recruiting a cadre of speakers to be part of their “Speakers Bureau.”  These folks develop a talk on a humanities topic they have expertise in (see variety of topics below!) and sign up for a two-year period to deliver their talk at mutually agreeable times around the state.  Speakers receive compensation for each talk, but talks are free to the public.  The goal is to provide communities with a roster of cultural experts and scholars who can provide public humanities presentations.

Here is a sampling of current Speakers’ topics: 

Not Just for Kids: How Children’s Literature Inspires Bold Conversations

When Artists Get Together They Talk About Real Estate

Feminism and Popular Culture

Sasquatch: Man, Ape or Myth?

Tourism, Culture and the Politics of Conservation

Pine and Cherry: Japanese Americans in Washington

Writing in the Margins: Transforming the Stories We Tell About Race

The Ancient Fruitcake: What Really, Really Old Food Tells Us About History, Culture, Love & Memory

Coming Home: How the Humanities Help Soldiers Find Meaning After War

As you can see, it runs the gamut.  If you - or a scholar or interesting person you know - would like to develop a talk and audition this spring, the application deadline is April 23, and more info is here.

And if you would enjoy hearing a current speaker, check out the calendar here.

(Thanks to Emily Russin for the information!)



May Classes


Get Your Foot in the Door -- Proposals, Query, and Submission Letters with Lois Harris, including a critique of your correspondence at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon campus, May 3 & 10, 2018, 6:30 to 8 PM. Details here, register for 6104 CENGL, $49.


Spring classes with Katherine Grace Bond are now open for registration. They include:
Writing on Location (Bellevue)
The Magic of Writing for Children (Bellevue)
Writing for Children and Young Adult Audiences (Seattle)
WIP Smart (Kirkland)

2. Two retreats are coming; one is free!
Secret Thoughts: An Inside View of Character (Lake Beverly, Everett) is free for anyone who signs up for a spring class or summer retreat (limit 15)
The Full-Bodied Writer (Hood Canal) June 29-July 1. Includes workshops, tons of writing time, manuscript critique, gourmet meals and a massage!

3. Discount Codes are available for summer retreat and for WIP if you register by March 31. The codes are:
MAR31 for $100 off The Full-Bodied Writer Retreat in June
WIP10 for $10 off WIP Smart


And the UW Writing Children's Literature series returns with Picture Books on April 3! Contact the instructor, Jolie Stekly, with any questions.


Plus a few reminders...

Settings Webinar via Montana SCBWI 
Building Worlds: A Setting Toolbox for Fantasy, Contemporary, and Everything In Between, Wednesday, April 4  -  6:30 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (Webinar will be recorded if you can't attend it live)
$15 Members, $35 Non-members

Join P&L author Kent Davis (A Riddle in Ruby trilogy, Harper/Greenwillow) for a fun, fast-paced, interactive, idea-packed exploration of crafting a singular, authentic, vibrant world for your story. Participants will investigate concepts and exercises designed to discover and hone in on the essential qualities of your setting, equally viable for the most magical of throne rooms or the most realistic of lunch rooms. 
Here's the link for more details and to register.

Picture Book Webinars, hosted by the SCBWI Dakotas region (Members outside of the Dakotas welcome).

The Heart In Your Art

Join picture book illustrator/author and graphic novelist Matt Faulkner for an illustration webinar. He will address the core issues in developing an illustrative style that catches the eye and captures the heart! He’ll share information on designing dynamic characters and environments, developing a sketch process that yields an underlying structure for final art, creating a dummy layout that expresses the written narrative, and understanding and applying the essential qualities of color.

DATE: April 9, 2018, 7:30PM-9PM Central

Cost: $15

More information and registration.

The Stories Behind Your Story

In this webinar, picture book author/illustrator Matt Faulkner will focus on constructing the three core avenues to crafting your story: weaving enticing plots, breathing life into believable characters and developing compelling settings. 

 DATE: April 16, 2018, 7:30PM-9PM Central

Cost: $15

More information and registration.

Writing Children's Books

with Rebecca Van Slyke through Whatcom Community College

Code:	18S8807057VA
Dates:	April 17 - May 8, 2018
Meets:	Tuesdays : 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Hours:	6.00 (Clock hours available!)
Location:	Village Books & Paper Dreams in Lynden
Instructor:	Rebecca Van Slyke
Fee:	$89

Register online, by mail, or by phone:
Whatcom Community College
Attn: Business Office
237 W. Kellogg Road
Bellingham, WA, 98226
360.383.3200

Have you ever wanted to write a children's book, but weren't sure where to start? We'll look at requirements for children's books, the process of publication, share our work in a friendly critique-group style, and talk about revision. Come find out what it takes to be a successful children's writer. Feel free to bring a current manuscript. Rebecca Van Slyke is an author and illustrator with an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Writing Children's Picture Books

with Jennifer Mann

at Barn on Bainbridge Island, Wednesday nights, May 2-23

In this 4 session class, you will explore the genre of picture books via classic and contemporary examples, with a focus on current publishing preferences and practices. 

Your look at this unique literary form will cover topics such as narrative structure, character development, word choice, the relationship between words and images, developing a story, thumbnails and book dummies, steps to finding an agent and publication, joining critique groups and professional organizations. A portion of each class, except the first, will be devoted to sharing and critiquing student projects. 

More information and registration here. 

Hugo House Spring Courses

And registration is open for workshops on a variety of writing topics at Hugo House throughout the spring. Check it out. 

Double check times and dates before setting out. If you have a class or event you'd like to share with the community, let us know with at least a week's notice at news.scbwiwwa@gmail.com. 

New Write for Children Class with Jolie Stekly

Disappointed that the UW Writing for Children's class is canceled? Instructor Jolie Stekly has set up a new course! It starts in less than two weeks, and there's a registration discount until Saturday! 

How long have you been involved with the local children’s and YA book community?
I started by taking a course with the beloved Peggy King Anderson fifteen years ago, not knowing a thing and then realizing how much there was to learn. Peggy’s class introduced me to the SCBWI and the SCBWI opened up a talented and generous community. 

How will this series be different from the UW Continuing Education program?
Other than the location and offering it at nearly half the cost, not much will be different. I won’t be able to offer continuing education credits or clock hours, but the course content will be the same, and I still plan to bring in guest speakers, which students really love. 

Do attendees share their work? Is it optional?
They do share their work. Sharing starts in small groups. I don’t require anyone to do anything, but I’ve never had anyone not want to participate. Peer critique is so valuable. This class is a safe place to share. Writers gain so much by learning to give feedback to others, and the feedback received is invaluable to writers. 

How has teaching affected your own writing process?
I often feel I’m the lucky one. You’ve probably heard the expression, “If you want to master something, teach it.” I can’t say I’ve mastered anything, but I have learned immensely from every person who’s been in one of my classes and from teaching each and every session.  

What has been the highlight of your teaching path so far?
The people! Teaching in this industry, particularly this series of classes, has brought the most amazing people into my world. Each year when the course ends, my connection with the students does not. We remain peers and friends, staying in touch. With many, I get to continue to act as coach and/or instructor. I’ve also had the good fortune of offering classes to those who’ve completed the course and still want to continue to learn, grow, and meet goals. This creates new relationships between the different class years. And now, six years in, I’m starting to attend book launches to celebrate students’ books. How cool is that? And there’s many other success to cheer on, as well: completing projects, signing with agents, receiving manuscript requests, awards, etc. 

I’m most proud of the strong peer relationships that develop out of this series of classes. They are some of the strongest I’ve ever seen. I could gush on and on about they ways in which these groups support each member and continue to work toward their goals. Fostering those peer connections is important to me.

Testimonials and more registration details for the Writing for Children class available on Jolie's website. 

46 Free Writing Classes at Sno-Isle Libraries

SNO-ISLE LIBRARIES NEWS RELEASE: New classes at Sno-Isle Libraries have the write stuff

For the second year in a row, local writing and publishing experts are teaching dozens of classes on how to write, revise and publish that book that’s bottled up inside your head.

“In 2016, we presented 31 classes in our first ‘Write Now,’ series,” said Jackie Parker, Lead Librarian for Reader’s Services at Sno-Isle Libraries, which is sponsoring the classes. “The participants said they loved it; 95 percent said they learned helpful new stuff and 8 out of 10 said they were more confident about becoming involved in the writing community.”

“This year, we’ve lined up 46 classes that will run from July 11 to Dec. 4,” Parker said. All the classes are free and subjects range from choosing the right words to choosing the right agent. “We wanted classes that would help aspiring authors get started and accomplished authors get better,” she said. 

Camille Griep is scheduled to kick-off the series with “Breaking the Rules of Writing 101” at 6 p.m., July 11 at the Granite Falls Library. “I start by talking about all things you hear from agents; what authors should do and shouldn’t ever do,” said Griep, a published author and editor of “Easy Street,” a literary magazine. “Then we discuss why authors break the rules, why it works and doesn’t drive readers crazy. We use real world examples.”

Some attendees will come with their manuscript and a problem, Griep said, adding, “It can become a collaborative brainstorming session.”

A number of the classes are focused on what it takes to get published with tips coming from the likes of Beth Jusino and Terry Persun. Jusino is a publishing consultant for both traditional and self-publishing authors and author of The Author's Guide to Marketing. She is a member of the Northwest Independent Editors Guild and has taught at writers’ conferences across the country. Jusino’s class, “You Wrote a Book - Now What? Understanding Today’s Publishing Choices ,” will take a look at a modern writer’s publishing options, from “Big 5” traditional publishers to small presses to self-publishing to hybrid and other emerging models.  Jusino is also presenting a second class, “Self-Editing Tips for Self-Publishing Writers,” where attendees will walk through a 46-point checklist of things to look for in their own work, from first draft to final layout.

Persun will teach “Get Published, Stay Published.” A prolific author and presence on Amazon, Persun’s class will cover everything from organization through how to contact editors and how to maintain a steady flow of content for publication. “Writing, like any other art, requires skill and creativity,” Persun says and attendees will hear the five specific things that can help writers get into the game and stay there.

Parker said she is excited about the opportunities for writers in the range of subjects and the expertise of presenters in this year’s “Write Now” series. “We know that writers almost always start out as big readers and that readers often want to be writers,” Parker said. “Whether you’re struggling with page one or you have a full manuscript in your hands, be it fiction, children’s, nonfiction, or if you just want to write your family’s history, there’s a session for you.” 

Due to space limitations, some events require registration and are underlined in the online events calendar.

FREE Deb Lund workshop THIS SATURDAY!

From Stasia Ward Kehoe's blog. For more information about Deb, click here.

Give the gift of writing!

Has your family started asking you what you want for the holidays?

Maybe you should start hinting about a novel revision class.

Lois Brandt’s novel revision class starts January 20^th at Bellevue College (North Campus). 

Novel Re-Vision: Editing Your Manuscript for Story   

Tuesdays, January 11^th – March 1st

6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Do you have a completed draft novel? Wondering what to do next? This class walks writers through the novel revision process. In-class exercises and critiques help students recognize the sections of their manuscripts that convey story and those that don’t. During the course students will compile a list of edits necessary to revise their novel. Prerequisite: a completed draft novel. Fee: $195.00

For more information, please follow this link to the Bellevue College website: http://www.campusce.net/bc/course/course.aspx?C=12122

If you have any questions about whether this is the right class for you, please feel free to email Lois (Lois@LoisBrandt.com).

Royce Buckingham's writing class

Royce Buckingham is teaching a one-day children's writing class in Bellingham through Whatcom Community College!

Children's Writing--A Plan for Success

Before spending a year of your life writing that children's book, be sure you have a plan for success. Instructor Royce Buckingham invites all aspiring children's writers to learn to create concepts, choose which are viable, develop them into usable synopses, and organize yourself before sitting down to write. Royce Buckingham is an award-winning and bestselling author of ten novels, including middle grade, young adult, and even a grown-up book. Lunch break from 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM. Class size is limited--register early!  

Code:	15F8111056OA
Dates:	October 16, 2015 Check for other dates
Meets:	F : 9:00 AM - 1:45 PM
Hours:	4.00
Location:	Fairhaven Village Inn - Conference Room
Instructor:	Royce Buckingham
Fee:	$59
Notes:	Lunch break from 11:45 AM - 12:15 PM.

TO ENROLL, CLICK HERE.

Novel class with Lois Brandt

Lois Brandt is teaching her “Write a Novel in a Month” class at Bellevue College North Campus starting October 6th. Details about the class are below. 

 

Write Your Novel in a Month  

Tuesday evenings, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

October 6^th to December 1st

 

Is writing a novel one of your life-long dreams? Join this 8  week Bellevue College class as it hooks up with 100,000 writers worldwide for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). The first classes prepare you for the noveling process, with practice in characterization, setting, plot, voice, and dialogue. Then we're off and writing our 50,000 word manuscripts. During the last class we plan for revision. This is a great way to write your novel in a supportive environment.  Cost $195.

 

Questions?  Contact Lois@LoisBrandt.com. 

Jolie + UW Writing for Children program = WOW!!

UW Writing for Children Info Meeting!

If you have ever considered applying for, or want to know more about, the University of Washington's Professional & Continuing Education/Writing for Children program, you're invited to attend an informational meeting on Monday, September 14 from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

Learn more about the Writing for Children certificate program and chat with instructor Jolie Stekly. Registration is not required but appreciated, using this link.

The UW Writing for Children program is meant for writers of all levels who are interested in writing for kids of all ages. The program has helped writers get started on their journeys, as well as launched them to the next level, and many graduates have found great success. The year-long (3- quarter) program provides in-depth lessons, many inspiring and knowledgeable guest speakers, plus dedicated time and focus on writing and reaching your goals. 

If you have further questions, feel free to contact the UW Professional & Continuing Education, or instructor Jolie Stekly: cuppajolie@gmail.com

Writing for Children Info Meeting

University of Washington

September 14, 2015

6:00 to 7:00 PM

Savery Hall (SAV) 264

       

Lois Harris class

WHAT: Lois V. Harris' class,“Writing for Children: Preparing for a Successful Submission" 

WHEN: October 8 and October 15, 6:30PM to 8PM

WHERE: Mount Vernon campus, cost: $49

HOW: Register for 6096 CENGL 056 by calling Skagit Valley College, 360-416-7638

 

Description:

Do you have a rough draft of a fiction or nonfiction manuscript? Improve, polish, and revise it for submission. Topics covered are self-editing tips, the correct format, etc., researching and choosing the right magazine or book publisher for your work, keeping track of submissions, and understanding rejections. You will learn how to write an effective cover and query letter for fiction and nonfiction, and a nonfiction proposal. Sample letters will be provided. Share your letters or proposal with other classmates and receive feedback.

Best wishes,

Lois V. Harris

lvharris@fidalgo.net

http://www.loisharris.net

Lois Harris has a class for YOU!

Lois V. Harris will be offering a class at Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon campus, titled "Writing for Children: Nail Your Work of Fiction/Nonfiction on a Strong Structure."

The course takes place on April 30, 2015 and May 7, 2015, 6:30 PM—8:00 PM. Learn about key organizational elements: the Introduction, Conflict, and Resolution. Discover the importance of the Inciting Incident, Plot Points, and the tension-filled Climax. Follow a simple outline, plug in your manuscript's info, and breeze your way through the revision process!

Class fee: $49

There are two ways to register:

Go to Skagit Valley College and plug in Course 6107 CENG or by calling the college, 360-416-7638.

Lois Harris writing class

Writing for Children: Polishing for a Successful Submission 

Do you have a rough draft of a children's article or story? Improve and revise your manuscript for submission by learning self-editing tips, the correct format, structural elements, and important first-page essentials. Learn how to research and choose the right magazine or book publisher for your particular work, create an effective cover, proposal or query letter and what to include, and how to keep track of your submissions. Taught by Lois Harris, author of Maxfield Parrish: Painter of Magical Make-Believe.

 

Location: Skagit Valley College, Mount Vernon Campus. 

Dates: October 9, 2014 and October 16, 2014 (Thursdays) 6:30 PM to 8 PM

Cost: $49 

 

Register for 6089 CENGL 056.

YA novel class at Hugo House

Want to really invest in writing or completing that YA manuscript idea that has been knocking around in your brain? SCBWI member and YA novelist Stephanie Kuehnert is teaching a year-long YA novel writing class at the Hugo House in Seattle.

It starts next Wednesday, September 17 and runs until the end of May, providing an intensive path toward finishing a publishable draft of a manuscript. The first third will focus on generative, craft activities designed to get your novel moving. The rest of the class will be comprised of workshops and small group activities to help you meet your goals. It will conclude with a weekend intensive on publishing including a visit from a kidlit agent.

There are still a couple of seats remaining!

You can find out more about Stephanie and the class and register by clicking here.

Stephanie is the author of the novels I Wanna Be Your Joey Ramone and Ballads of Suburbia.

Perfect your kidlit craft!

 What better way to structure your year, and master your craft!

A UW Continuing Education certificate course, Writing for Children, is taught by our former Regional Advisor and esteemed retreat director emerita Jolie Stekly. She can be reached via email at cuppajolie@gmail.com if you have any questions.

The course has led to many publications in our field, and is an excellent and strong foundation for finding your voice. Beginners, intermediate, and experienced writers are all welcome!

The UW Writing for Kids program is meant for writers of all levels who are interested in writing for kids of all ages. The program has both helped writers get started on their journeys, as well as launched them to the next level, and many graduates have found great success. The year-long (3- quarter) program provides in-depth lessons, many inspiring and knowledgeable guest speakers, and dedicated time and focus on writing and reaching your goals.

The course starts September 30. To learn more or to register, click here.

Children's book class at Hugo House

Do you have a story in progress or a finished draft that needs revising? 

Clare Hodgson Meeker will be teaching a six-week writing class called Polishing your Children’s Book Manuscript on Thursday nights from 7-9pm at Hugo House in Seattle starting September 18.

Make a promise to yourself to submit your story to a publisher this year and she will help you get there. In this class, you’ll focus on strengthening story structure, dramatic tension, voice, and character development. Discover the right amount of detail and description to include for your target age group and the themes that will deepen your story and give it broader appeal. 

Students will submit one story in progress to the class and receive constructive feedback on their work from the instructor and classmates. For more information or to register, please contact Hugo House at 206-322-7030 or click here.

Clare Hodgson Meeker is an award-winning author of 10 books for children, including the Smithsonian Notable Book Lootas Little Wave Eater and Soccer Dreams: Playing the Seattle Sounders FC Way. 

UW's Writing for Kids webinar on WEDNESDAY

If you have ever considered applying for, or want to know more about, the University of Washington's Professional & Continuing Education/Writing for Kids program, you're invited to register for a webinar taking  place this Wednesday, August 13 at 6pm. 

Learn more about the Writing for Kids certificate program and chat with instructor Jolie Stekly, as well as the program director. You must register by using this link to participate. 

The UW Writing for Kids program is meant for writers of all levels who are interested in writing for kids of all ages. The program has both helped writers get started on their journeys, as well as launched them to the next level, and many graduates have found great success. The year-long (3- quarter) program provides in-depth lessons, many inspiring and knowledgeable guest speakers, and dedicated time and focus on writing and reaching your goals. 

If you have further questions, feel free to contact the UW Professional & Continuing Education, or instructor Jolie Stekly: cuppajolie@gmail.com

UW Writing for Kids class open house

If a class description went like this––


"Investigate the world of children's fiction and nonfiction, including picture books, chapter books and novels. Learn to bring your own tales to life and captivate children's imaginations. Discover how to transform the idea of a story into an enthralling narrative. Explore how to use your own inner resources to strengthen your creative voice and prepare for the long, quiet phase of writing and rewriting on your own."


–––does it sound too good to be true?


Thankfully it's real, and it's happening at the UW Professional and Continuing Education program. Join the always-marvelous Jolie Stekly on Tuesday, May 13 at 6pm. She will be on hand to answer questions about the Writing for Kids course that she teaches.


Click here to register for the open house event or for more information.

Writing for Children Class still open

There are just a few spots left in Clare Hodgson Meeker's late spring class, "Writing For Children: Intro to Story Structure," beginning May 3 for six consecutive Saturdays. Each session runs from 10–noon at Richard Hugo House in Seattle starting May 3. 

 

Through discussion and weekly writing exercises, the course will explore narrative structure in all genres, from picture book to young adult, and discover how great stories in each genre are created. Special guest and bestselling mystery author Elizabeth George will join us for one class to talk about her approach to plotting in her new YA novel series. Bring your story idea or work in progress and take the next concrete step toward publication.  

 

Click here  for more info or to register. 

  

Writing class at UW Experimental College

Writers Wanted!

Yes, you!


Are you:  
currently writing a novel, movie, play, screenplay? Or do you just want to hone your writing skills?

Award-winning actress/writer/director/teacher Denise Frisino (Whiskey Cove) will be teaching a course at UW's Experimental College titled, "Creating Memorable Characters." In it, you'll learn how to develop characters and dialogue that will strengthen your plot and story arc.

To register for the course, which runs January 21–February 4 (and it's only offered in the winter), please click here.

UW Writing for Children class

Calling all children's writers:

Registration is now open for Intermediate Writing for Children at the University of Washington, part of the UW Writing for Children Certificate program. (You can jump in mid-year to the certificate program if space is available, and this year, it is!) If you are a writer with basic knowledge about children's books, and the beginnings of a manuscript, but you've always wanted to delve deeper into your craft, this is the class for you! 

We'll study the work of accomplished children's writers and have visits from three local picture book and YA authors, as well as the acquiring editor for the new Sasquatch children's book line. Each session in this 10-week course focuses on a different craft topic, from plot, to character development to setting, to dialogue, offering a mini-workshop chock full of writing exercises. You'll also work on your own manuscripts and get lots of constructive feedback through weekly critique groups and the chance to turn your draft in for a critique from me. 

Class starts January 7. Register now before it fills up!  

Lois Brandt's NaNoWriMo class

Hello, NaNoWriMo! Lois Brandt is teaching her “Write a Novel in a Month” class at Bellevue College North Campus starting in October. See details below. 

 

Write Your Novel in a Month  

Saturdays, October 12^th – December 7th

10:00 a.m. – 12 noon

(No class 11/30)

 

Is writing a novel one of your life-long dreams? Join this eight-week Bellevue College class as it hooks up with 100,000 writers worldwide for National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). The first classes prepare you for the novel-writing process, with practice in characterization, setting, plot, voice, and dialogue. Then we're off and writing our 50,000 word manuscripts. During the last class we plan for revision. This is a great way to write your novel in a supportive environment.  Cost: $189.  

 

Contact Lois for more information.