Clarksville Writers Conference 2016 – Annnnd That's a Wrap!

 We attended the Clarksville Montgomery County Arts and Heritage Development Council's annual Clarksville Writer's Conference yesterday, where I gave two workshops.

They were: Making of a Picture Book from Manuscript to Book Shelf-

Learn a bit about the children's book publishing industry and how you as a writer or illustrator can start your journey. Whether it's traditional publishing or self-publishing, the steps to a successful children's picture book are the same. Learn how writers, illustrators and publishers work to make a manuscript the best picture book it can be.

How to Think Like an Illustrator or the Art of the Dummy-

We'll discuss how an illustrator takes your picture book manuscript and breaks it down into page size bites, and what you, as the author, can do to make your manuscript “illustrator ready”. We will look at original manuscripts vs the finished book, and dissect how it was done. We will talk about a picture book dummy (mock up of a real book) and why you should do one.

I had a fantastic time, and so enjoyed talking to all the fine folks who showed up for the talks.

I had a couple of handouts that I wanted to post, in case someone didn't get a copy.

Resource list for good info for your writing journey:

Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators http://www.scbwi.org/

Midsouth chapter of SCBWI http://midsouth.scbwi.org/

Predator and Editors website to find out about companies http://pred-ed.com/

Articles about the business of writing/illustrating http://www.underdown.org/

You can find these books and magazines at bookstores or online:

For Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market books http://www.writersdigest.com/

For the Writer Magazine http://www.writermag.com/

For Highlights Magazine info https://www.highlights.com/

And a copy of the handy dandy all purpose book chart:

 

Thanks SO much to the Council, the kind sponsers, APSU, and the lovely volunteers!

And thanks to all y'all who showed up for my talks. It's wonderful to give a (writer's) party.....and have such lovely folks show up.