The first AACBWI conference was a true success. I met so many talented writers and illustrators. The only bad thing about the conference is that it was just only one day!
Author Eleanora E. Tate was wonderful in her keynote speech where she shared her Tate Tips. My favorite was “Write What You Care About.” She shared her knowledge on writing and how she developed her characters for her novels.
F1rst Pages CEO Eileen Robinson asked conference attendees to think about their writing including questions such as “Why do you write or illustrate?” and “Who’s Your Target Audience?” Some of attendees shared their answers and ignited an illuminating conversation.
Candlewick Senior Editor Sarah Ketchersid shared her expertise with her Spotlight Session, “Anatomy of a Picture Book.” She talked about picture book elements including the 32-page structure. She also shared with the attendees examples of successful picture books.
Illustrator Don E. Tate shared his evolution of his art including samples from the early years until the present. Using slides of his work, it was a teaching experience to see the artist’s work and how it evolved.
After a delicious lunch buffet, the attendees headed out to the workshops. Author Kelly Starling Lyons workshop, “Mine Your Life for Story Gold” was a hands-on exercise exploring how your life can uncover many story ideas.
Author Christine Taylor Butler’s workshop, “Editing Your Manuscript” discussed the importance of revision including eliminating grammar and technical mistakes.
Author Christine Young Robinson’s workshop “Picture Book: From Idea to Text” was another hands-on exercise of how to cultivate your story ideas and move them into text. Conference attendees also received a parting gift—a dictionary and an adorable bear.
My workshop, “How to Land an Agent: Step by Step” discussed the seven steps that you can take to get a literary agent and I also shared agent myths and red flags. I’ll be posting my workshop notes so check back to find out more about the seven steps.
The conference faculty also held manuscript and art portfolio critiques with attendees to give feedback on the work.
I really enjoyed being a part of the AACBWI Conference. It was really a wonderful experience!
Sounds like it was a good conference and that it went off without a hitch. I am glad it went well!
Thanks for the conference recap, Karen! Sounds like everyone has a FANTASTIC time! Sigh. I really wish I could have gone, but I’m in NJ so the distance (and expense) was a little far for me. But, hopefully, if there’s one next year . . .