Fall 2010 Classes, Retreats & Workshops

Classes, conferences and workshops provide opportunities for professional contacts, manuscript critiques, networking and fellowship. Many an unpublished manuscript has been refocused, redefined, rewritten and published after its author attended a class or workshop. The information below was compiled by Oak Park author June Sengpiehl.

CLASSES

THE SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
37 South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603
Dept. of Continuing Studies and Special Programs

Multi-level  Children’s Book Illustration 
Thursdays, Sept. 30, to Dec. 9, 2010,6 to 9 pm (no class 11/25)
Instructor: Lisa Cinelli
Sullivan Center, 36 S. Wabash, Chicago, IL 

Beginning Children’s Book Illustration 
Tuesdays, Oct. 5 to Dec. 7, 2010,  6 to 9 pm
Instructor: Laura A. Montenegro

For more information, check the http://www.SAIC.EDU Continuing  Studies website or call Continuing Studies and Special Programs through the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Fall 2010:  The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Department of Continuing Studies and Special Programs, is beginning a Certificate in Children’s Book Illustration Program with Lisa Cinelli and Laura A. Montenegro as Instructors.

Materials and Techniques in Children’s Book Illustration 
440 Oakland Drive
Highland Park, Illinois 60035
Teaching Artist: Lisa Cinelli 

Work one on one or in small classes exploring drawing, painting and mixed media techniques used in children’s book illustration. Fine tune images in your picture book dummy and then experiment with materials to best tell the story visually.  Classes can also be arranged to focus on particular drawing or painting techniques such as pen and ink, watercolor or gouache (an opaque watercolor) or mixed media.

For more information about classes or one on one lessons, contact Lisa Cinelli atlisacinelli@gmail.com or call (847) 433-4287.  

MAYSLAKE PEABODY ESTATE
1717 W. 31st Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523

Craft & Critique: Writing Workshop for Children’s/Young Adult Writers
Tuesdays, Sept. 14-Oct. 26, 2010, 7 to 9:30 pm  (no class 10/5)
Instructor: Carmela Martino, author

In this newly expanded workshop, author Carmela Martino will help students hone their writing and revision skills via lectures and readings. Students will also receive a critique of their own work while learning how to critically study the work of other writers in a friendly, supportive environment.    You must bring copies of your manuscript--a picture book, short story,nonfiction piece  or novel excerpt -- to the first class.    Also, before enrolling, you must email Carmela (carmela@carmelamartino.com) for word count limits and manuscript guidelines.  Attendance on Monday, Sept. 14 is mandatory.  

Note: class is limited to 10 students, so register early.  
Cost $135. 
To  register, call Mayslake, at 630- 206-9566
For more information, see http://www.carmelamartino.com/events.htm 

THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
60 W. Walton St., Chicago

Picture This: Writing Picture Books For Children
Tuesdays, Sept. 28 to Nov. 2, 2010,   5:45 pm to 7:45  pm 
Instructor:   Esther Hershenhorn,children’s book author and writing coach

This workshop focuses on how to create and write a successful children’s picture book that connects with both young readers and today’s ever-changing marketplace.  Participants’ manuscripts will be shared and discussed  to highlight the variety of picture books and structures, craft, the writing process, and today’s children’s book publishing world.  Writers of all levels will be offered a supportive, challenging and encouraging environment.

For more information, visit http://www.newberry.org/programs/seminarsinfo.html  

Publishing Your Book for Children and Young Adults
Thursday, December 2, 2010    6 pm to 9 pm 
Instructor: Esther Hershenhorn, children’s book author and writing coach
Downtown Gleacher Center, Chicago

If you are thinking about writing a children’s book, either fiction or nonfiction, this seminar will ground you and point you in the right direction.  Bring a proposal or an idea, a character description, a synopsis or even a first chapter to help determine your story’s format possibilities, audience and marketability in today’s diverse children’s book world.  

For more information, visit: grahamschool.uchicago.edu/

The Nuts, Bolts & ABC’s of Writing For Kids
Mondays, Sept. 20 to Nov.29, 2010,7 pm  to 10 pm (no class Oct. 11) class #103-931 NT  (seniors $160), $200 
Tuesdays, Sept. 21 to  Nov. 23, 2010, 1 pm to 3 pm; class #103-931 NT (seniors $160), $200
New Trier West Extension Division, Northfield, (about 5 minutes off I-94), Lake Avenue exit in Wilmette
Instructor:   Pamela Dell, author of numerous children’s books, both fiction and nonfiction, as well as other content for kids. 

If you aspire to be a published children’s book author, this course will take you several steps further toward that goal. Weekly presentations will focus on the craft of writing and provide practical information on the publishing industry, such as best markets, what editors are looking for, and how to attract an agent.  In the workshop portions of the class, participants will improve their writing skills through exercises focusing on character, plot, dialog and other essential elements of  the writer’s craft, and receive valuable professional feedback on their work.  Expect to come away from this class with the increased confidence that leads to success.

For questions or to register,  call 847- 446-6000 or visit http://www.ed.2go.com.ntx/

The Intuitive Suitcase
Wednesdays, Oct. 6  to Dec. 15, 2010 (No class Nov. 24), 6 to 9 pm
Cost $400
Instructor: Laura Nyman Montenegro, author

The picture book art form is a rich and inviting world for story making and expression.  In this class, you will develop several picture book dummies using your own unique blend of story writing, illustration, and book design.  Shaping the book dummy generates exciting moments in a book’s creation.  Far surpassing the singular arts necessary in picture books:    illustration, story writing and book design, the book dummy invites the artist to combine all three.  Using cut-paper collage, tempera, gouache, pen and ink and other media, we will transform written word into visual poetry and create story through image.  

Class will encourage development of artistic and writing skills as well as draw students to a deeper, more personal artistic expression.   No art experience is necessary.

Classes will be held at:
1700 Crain Street 
Evanston, IL 60202
To register, call 847-328-4175

A Facilitated Critique Group For Children’s Book Writers 
Alternate  Tuesdays,  Sept. 21, Oct. 5,19, November 2, 16, 30,  2010,  6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
North Shore Writers Studio
1788 Second Street
Highland Park, IL
Instructors: Brenda Ferber and Jenny Meyerhoff, children’s book authors

Participants will submit five pages per week to all workshop members including Brenda and Jenny for critique. Participants will also receive pages from all other workshop members each week and will be expected to comment on the work of their peers.  Open to all children’s literature genres.  Class limited to six persons.  
Cost $240 
To register, send an email to northshorewriters@gmail.com by September 7, 2010
Refunds vary depending on when you cancel.  
For more information, see www.northshorewriters.com

The following classes are taught by  Michelle Kogan
Her website is:  http://www.michellekogan.com

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

Plein Air Watercolor: In the Greenhouse and Garden   
Thursdays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 18, 2010,  9:30 am to 12:30 pm
$290
To  register, email Michelle by clicking on the link below or call Michelle at
312-813-1176; mkogan@mdandmk.com  

Plein Air Watercolor Workshop In Lurie Garden
Mondays,Sept. 20 to Oct. 25, 2010, 9:30 am -12:30 pm
$229/$287

To register, click on the link below and search Kogan, or call  847-835-8261
Chicago Botanic Garden

The Art Center
1957 Sheridan Road
Highland Park,IL 60035

Plein Air Landscape Painting at Heller Nature Center (8223) 
Tuesdays, Sept. 14 to Dec. 7, 2010, 10:00 am  to 12:30 pm
$300/$320

For registration, call (847) 432-1888 or click on the link for The Art Center

Evanston Art Center
2603 Sheridan Road
Evanston, IL 60201

Creating Dynamic Figures   (0176)
Tuesdays,Sept.14 to Nov. 30, 2010, 7 pm to 10 pm  
$300/$220

Studio Drawing: Composition/Space/value (0282)
Wednesdays, Sept. 15 to  Dec. 8,  2010, 7  pm to 10  pm
$280/$300

Transparent  Watercolor (0261)
Fridays, Sept. 17 to Dec. 10,  2010,  9:30 am to 12:30 pm
$280/$300

To register, call (847) 475-5300 or click on the link for the Evanston Art Center

Emily Oaks Nature Center (Skokie)
4650 Brummel Street
Skokie, IL 60076
(847) 677-7001

Plein Air Watercolor Workshop (244451-01)
Saturday, Sept. 25  and Oct. 2, 2010 (Rain date Oct. 9) 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
$60/$75
Click on the link for Emily Oaks Nature Center for registration or call: 847-677-7001    

Poetry Writing Correspondence Course
What: The ABC’s of Children’s Poetry Correspondence Course
When & Where: At your convenience in your own home
Instructor: Heidi Bee Roemer

Details: Author of three poetry books and over 400 magazine sales, Heidi teaches students how to write poetry for children with an eye on publication.  Learn how to write a variety of poetry forms, basic meters, rhyme schemes, devices of sound and more.  Poetry assignments are exchanged via e-mail.  Detailed  critiques offered.  Includes instruction on how to find and target poetry publishers.  Materials you receive: 60 page ABC workbook, POETRY PLACE booklet, five CD’s sample magazines and market newsletters.  

Cost: $195 (includes shipping)

Do you want professional feedback on your story-in-rhyme, poetry collection, picture book or nonfiction? Heidi Bee Roemer, a children’s author and instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, offers detailed written critiques with an eye on publication--yours!      

For more information, please contact Heidi at HRoemer@hotmail.com 

Email Poetry Course
Beyond Jack and Jill: A study in Children’s Poetry
Instructor: Kim Hutmacher

This four week course covers rhyme, meter and scansion,  Students will read a variety of poetry and gain an understanding of poetry forms and the tools poets use in creating their works.  Students will read at least two children’s poetry collections per week.  They will submit two of their own poems for critique each week.  Instructor will share children’s poetry market information with students.  The class is designed for four weeks but it more time is needed it will be okay.

Cost $100

For more information or to register, please contact Kim Hutmacher at kiddos@warpnet.net

The following institutions also offer classes and workshops for writers and illustrators. Specific class information was not available at time of publication.

THE RAGDALE FOUNDATION
Lake Forest, IL
Phone (847) 234-1063 or visit www.ragdale.org.

THE WRITERS CENTER AT ELGIN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Elgin, IL
Regular writing workshop plus weekend special-topic workshops
Phone (847) 697-1000, Ext. 7578

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SCBWI REGIONALS
For more information on any of the programs listed below or for contact information, please visit the SCBWI organization for that state. Find regional chapters at the SCBWI website.

SCBWI ILLINOIS
November 13, 2010, 9 am to 6 pm
Prairie Writers Day VI:  How Does Your Garden Grow?
Harper College Wojcik Conference Center
1200 West Algonquin Road, 
Palatine, IL
Contact: Darcy Zoells

SCBWI MICHIGAN  
Fall Conference
October 8 to 10, 2010
Yarrow Golf resort
Augusta, Michigan
Contact: Leslie Helakoski

SCBWI OHIO
2nd Annual Scarlet and Gray Event
October 9, 2010  
Upper Arlington Senior Center
Contact: Susan Bradley

Critique Meet
October 16, 2010,  l0 am to 12 pm
Barnes and Noble
4015 Medina Road
Akron, Ohio 44333
Contact: Victoria Selvaggio

Publication Party 
November 13, 2010, 10  am to 12 pm
Courtyard by Marriott
100 Springdale Drive,
Akron, Ohio 44333
Contact: Victoria Selvaggio

Volunteer Appreciation Day
December 4, 2010
Holiday Inn Cleveland-South
6001 Rockside Road
Independence, Ohio 44131
Contact: Victoria Selvaggio

WISCONSIN SCBWI 
Annual Fall Retreat
October 15 to 17, 2010
Sienna Center 
Racine, WI
Contact: Pam Beres

SCBWI INTERNATIONAL
12th  Annual Winter Conference
January 28  to 30th, 2011
New York, New York

Visit http://SCBWI.org for faculty, registration and information.

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RETREATS, CONFERENCES, WORKSHOPS AND LECTURES


HIGHLIGHTS FOUNDATION FOUNDERS WORKSHOPS
FOR PROFESSIONAL AND ASPIRING WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS
Honesdale, PA
Conferences include seminars, small-group workshops, and one-on-one sessions with some of the most accomplished, prominent and supportive authors, illustrators, editors, critics and publishers of the world of children’s literature, all determined to help authors and illustrators meet their goals

October 7 to 10, 2010
Writing  Novels   For Young Adults
Workshop Leader: Rich Wallace

October 10 to 13, 2010
Starting  Your Novel
Workshop Leader: Patricia Lee Gauch

October 15 to 17, 2010
A Crash Course in the Business of  Children’s  Publishing
Workshop Leader: Clay Winters

October 17 to 10, 2010
Editing For Writers
Workshop Leader: Stephen Roxburgh

October 28 to 31, 2010
Nonfiction - It’s More Than Just the Facts!
Workshop Leader: Carolyn P. Yoder

October 31 to November 3, 2010
Picture This: Writing and Illustrating Picture Books
Workshop Leaders: Candace Fleming, Eric Rohmann

November 6 to 13, 2010
Whole Novel Workshop
Workshop Leaders: Carolyn Coman, Martine Leavitt

November 13 to 20, 2010
Whole Novel Workshop for Historical Fiction
Workshop Leaders: Liza Ketchum, Ellen Levine
For all workshops, phone (877) 512-8365 with questions. To register or to request more information, e-mail Jo Lloyd, Program Assistant, jalloyd@highlightsfoundation.org

27th  Annual Writers Workshop 
Chautauqua Institute, Chautauqua, NY
July 16 to 23, 2011
For more information,visit http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/pages/current/chautauqua_ top.html

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OFF CAMPUS WRITERS’ WORKSHOP (OCWW)
OCWW features author-led workshops on Thursdays from 9:30 to noon.  
Winnetka Community House
620 Lincoln, Winnetka

Admission $10 per session.  Members at $30 per year receive session discounts and may submit manuscripts for critique for $15.

Thursdays, Sept. 16,23,30 & October 7
Fred Shafer   “Fundamental Plots”
Using examples from children’s books, as well as adult literary fiction, Fred will share his insights into the fundamental plots which underlie all storytelling. Fred is a literary editor, writer, workshop leader and lecturer in creative writing at Northwestern University.  He will critique children’s fiction as well as adult.

Thursday, October 14, 2010
Esther Hershenhorn  “Getting Your Story Right:  A Children’s Book Writing Coach’s Two-For-One Checklist”
Esther will offer suggestions and short-cuts to help writers with both the children’s story they are telling and the writer’s story they’re living. Esther teaches Writing For Children at the University of Chicago’s Writer’s Studio and Newberry Library.  Her latest title is S is for Story: A Writer’s Alphabet, an A-to-Z journey through a writer’s life and process.  In lieu of manuscripts, writers may submit questions that address issues of craft, the writer’s life or the world of children’s books.  

For more information, visit http://www.ocww.bizland.com or contact Ellen McKnight  ELTMCK@gmail.com

Princeton Kidlit 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Princeton, Illinois  

This literary festival will be celebrated on South Main Steet in Princeton, IL  This community-wide literary festival will  feature two blocks of family  friendly games and activities on the street and sidewalks, in the storefronts, the movie theater, the little downtown park, even in the county courthouse. 

National  Guest of Honor Richard Peck will speak and sign copies of his books, including the Newberry Medal Book, A Year Down Yonder.  Mr. Peck’s newest book, Three Quarters Dead, will be available at the festival, in advance of its official publication date.  

Local Guest of Honor Fr. Dominic Garramone of St. Bede Academy in Peru, IL will speak and sign copies of his new children’s book, Brother Jerome and the Angels in the Bakery.

A number of Illinois children’s authors will present readings and signings throughout the day.

A meet and greet luncheon with all the authors has limited seating, reservations required. Authors will be available for conversation and autographs at a wine and cheese gathering later in the day. Tickets and directions are available at http://www.princetonkidlit.org

Illinois children’s authors may still sign up to come and read/sell/sign your books, but you need to respond quickly.  The program will be going to press soon.  Contact LuAnn Salz at lsalz@kidlitfoundation.org right away.

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RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

VERMONT COLLEGE BRIEF RESIDENCY
MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
Montpelier, VT
July, January
11-day intensive residencies in July and January on campus alternate with 5 month nonresident projects (4 semesters, 5 residencies) Faculty includes M. T. Anderson, Kathi Appelt, Marion Dane Bauer, Sharon Darrow, Ellen Levine and Norma Fox Mazer

Contact Melissa Fisher at (800) 336-6794, Ext. 8637 or e-mail melissa.fisher@tui.edu or visit the website at http://www.tui.edu/vermontcollege

SPALDING UNIVERSITY BRIEF-RESIDENCY

Master of Fine Arts in Writing Program
Louisville, KY
with a Concentration in Writing For Children

Semesters begin in May or October
Program is 4 semesters, 5 residencies
Contact Graduate Admissions at (800) 896-8941, Ext. 2423
or e-mail: mfa@spalding.edu or visit the website at http://www.spalding.edu


LESLEY UNIVERSITY LOW-RESIDENCY

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Cambridge, MA
Offering a concentration in Writing for Young People
Semesters begin in January and June

Program is 4 semesters, 5 residencies
Contact Jana M. Van der Veer,
Assistant Director, Advising and Student Services
email: jvanderv@lesley.edu
Or visit the website at http://lesley.edu/gsass/creative_writing/index.html

HAMLINE UNIVERSITY LOW-RESIDENCY
MASTER OF FINE ARTS IN WRITING FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS
1536 Hewitt Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55104

Semesters begin in January and July
Program is 4 semesters, 5 residencies
Office phone: (651) 523-2047, Fax: (651) 523-2490
For questions, call (651) 523-2900 or e-mail gradprog@hamline.edu
Or visit the website at http://www.hamline.edu/gls/academics/degree_programs/mfa_cl/index.html

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LEARNING ON-LINE OR BY CORRESPONDENCE

ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE