I just wanted to make you all aware of a GREAT conference for you or anyone you know who is interested in writing or illustrating for the Young Adult or Picture Book Market. This conference has traditionally been held at BYU for years and years. However, because of the growing nature of the conference, it had to be moved to another facility. It's still run by the same great organizers and still has an amazing list of presenters.

Here's the information on the conference. I just want to encourage you to spread the word to those that may be interested. It's an AMAZING opportunity. Now, I'm especially talking to you illustrators on this list: You've got to sign up for Kevin Hawke's morning workshop classes. He's an amazing illustrator and is ready to teach us all so much. And all you writers, just look at the list of faculty you have to choose from!

Hope to see you there!

Read on...

www.foryoungreaders.com

The For Young Readers annual writing and Illustrating workshop brings together writers, illustrators, agents, and editors to explore craft, genre, and current publishing practices.
Full-day participants spend their mornings in small workshops led by award-winning faculty (see the list below or go to the website for full bios). Both full- and half-day participants enjoy afternoon plenary sessions by national children's book editors and an agent, as well as breakout sessions by our workshop faculty and guest presenters. The keynote address and book signing are open to all conference attendees.

Join us June 14 - 18 at the Waterford School in Sandy, Utah for a better than ever conference experience. Register online! www.foryoungreaders.com

Mary E. Pearson, Author - Keynote speech presenter

Kate Angelella, Assistant Editor at Simon and Schuster

Jennifer Hunt, Editorial Director at Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Mary Kole, Associate Agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency, Inc.

Bonny Becker, Author - picture book workshop

Kristyn Crow, Author - picture book workshop

Cheri Pray Earl beginning writing class

Ann Dee Ellis, Author - contemporary novel workshop

Alane Ferguson, Author - novel workshop for intermediate/advanced writers

Kevin Hawkes, Illustrator and Author - illustration workshop

Mike Knudson, Author - chapter book workshop

Brandon Mull, Author- fantasy/sci fi workshop

Emily Wing Smith, Author - beginning novel workshop

Rick Walton, Author - beginning writing class

Dave Wolverton, Author - fantasy/sci fi workshop

Sara Zarr, Author - novel workshop for intermediate/advanced writers

Ally Condie writer

Heather Dixon writer

Guy Francis illustrator

Matthew Kirby writer

Sydney Salter writer

Kirk L. Shaw editor

Will Terry illustrator

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Local School Presentation

I just thought I'd let you all know, I'll be presenting at Timberline Middle School in Alpine, UT tomorrow morning along with author Brandon Sanderson. I definitely don't have the following that this amazing fantasy author has, but I'm happy to share my knowledge about picture books at the school's writing conference. I love going to schools and sharing my love of books and illustration with the kids. Hopefully I can inspire some future writers and illustrators.

Someday, I'll post a video of my presentation so you can all see what I do. I just need to get someone to come along and tape it for me. Any volunteers?

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Local Newspaper Article

I was asked to give an interview to our local newspaper by journalist, Marilyn Nielson. Here's what she wrote up about me. It's all about my job, how I got started, and what I do now. The photo was actually taken by my husband, photographer Rhett Olson (see his website) at a book signing. Click on the image to see it full size and read the article.

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Entering Contests

Another great way to promote yourself is to enter contests. Today I just submitted my entries for the 3x3 Children’s Show Here's a little description from their website...

"The 3x3 Children’s Show is the only truly international competition for illustration. No other show is as completely international as ours. While many shows showcase the work of their own country’s illustrators, 3x3 features the best work from all over the world."

Even if I don't "win" or even make it in, my work gets seen by editors from some great publishing houses. So wish me luck. I entered in the Book category...you submit the cover and up to 4 interiors. The work had to be published or produced in 2009. So I submitted work from the book I wrote and the chapter book I illustrated (both produced last year, hitting shelves this year.

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DAY SIXTEEN: WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING A PICTURE BOOK

THE END or THE BEGINNING?

So after reading all that or DOING all that (which of course usually can't be done well in only 15 days), you have to decide for yourself whether or not this is the thing for you. It's a tough road but it's so exciting too. You won't become rich or necessarily famous by doing picture books...they are probably the least appreciated form of literature out there. But you can gain a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment from creating wholesome, fun, inspiring products to put out into the world. GOOD LUCK!

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DAY FIFTEEN: WRITING AND ILLUSTRATING A PICTURE BOOK

PHASE FOUR: Step 4

4. BEGIN AGAIN, WHILE YOU WAIT: during those months of waiting and possible rejection, get started on another book. Then you won't be obsessed and frustrated with the long process. Just know, most of the time, a picture book takes YEARS to create, to get to a publisher, to get through a publisher, and out on shelves. It's usually at the least a 3 year process (and that's fast).

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