N. Ohio SCBWI 2009 Conference, "...Cultivating New Skills, Reaping Benefits"
CLEVELAND, OHIO…“Fun, enlightening, and rich with valuable information, contacts, and friendship”—that’
Chima’s Heir Chronicles—The Warrior Heir, The Wizard Heir, and The Dragon Heir—is a New York Times bestselling fantasy series about teenage wizards wreaking havoc in Northern Ohio. The Dragon Heir was also a USA Today bestseller. Chima’s latest book, The Demon King, just launched overseas and hits U.S. bookshelves in October. The author says she’s anticipating the homegrown creative recharge that’s a hallmark of NOH SCBWI conferences.
Bestselling Author of Teen Books Praises and Presents at Conference
“[The NOH SCBWI conference] has a take-away for beginners to pros,” says Chima, “including contact with editors, sessions focused on craft, publishing industry updates, and networking with writers and illustrators from all over the state.” To network with Chima, attend her conference workshop: “Ensnaring the Wary—Engaging the Middle Grade & Young Adult Reader.”
Offerings for Non-Fiction and Picture Book Writers and Illustrators
At the conference, along with middle grade and young adult writers and illustrators, those who specialize in non-fiction or picture books can participate in workshops by these other award-winning Ohio authors: Bonnie Pryor, author of Dream Jar, which made the Smithsonian Institute Outstanding Book list; Andrea Cheng, a featured author on Reading Rainbow (Grandfather Counts); and Kathiann Kowalski. Her National Health Care was recently published as part of the Open for Debate book series. Kowalski’s workshop, “Expert Interviews,”
The NOH SCBWI conference offerings aren’t limited to writers—illustrators have plenty of reasons to attend. Tim Gilner, Art Director of award-winning publisher Boyds Mills Press, presents a hands-on artists’ workshop; illustrators can display their portfolios; and conference attendees can have their work critiqued one-on-one by either Gilner or the featured editors. (Both illustrator and writer critique spots fill early. So if you want one, register early.)
Participants Rave about NOH SCBWI Conferences
Participants of previous NOH SCBWI conference have this to say:
“Conference attendees move to the top of the editor’s ‘slush pile’ when they submit work. According to one editor, at [her leading New York publishing house], there is an entirely ‘different’
“I was contracted to do educational illustration through an agent I met at the conference.”
“As a newbie, I felt completely welcome [at last year’s conference] …It was a great place for learning and networking.”
“I gained skills through the workshops and the personal contact with my manuscript reviewer.” -Nate Meirs
“[After attending] SCBWI’s national winter conference in New York…I was pleasantly surprised by the broad range of informative workshops and quality speakers offered by our Northern Ohio chapter.” -Michael Toth
For 7th Year, Conference Donates Books to a Northern Ohio School Children
As with previous conferences, highlights of the 2009 event include participants and featured authors donating books for school-age children. This year’s donation to the Hartville Migrant Center adds to the over 1,000 books NOH SCBWI has provided children since the organization’
Registration
Registration is now open for SCBWI members and opens July 26 for non-members. Total cost ranges from $100 – $200. Critique Items Due – August 4; Late Registration Begins – August 16, a $15 late fee is assessed after that; Registration Ends – August 29; No refunds after August 29.
To pay a discounted SCBWI member fee, purchase an SCBWI annual membership at SCBWI.org or by phone to 1-323-782-1010. Then register for the Northern Ohio conference at NOHSCBWI.org. For more information email nohscbwi@gmail.com.
Date, Time, Location
Friday September 11, 6-10pm (Dinner); Saturday September 12, 7:45-5:30pm (Light Breakfast, Lunch); Cleveland Airport Sheraton, 5300 Riverside Dr., Cleve., OH 44135; PH: 216-267-1500
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
