Download Conference Registration
with Speaker Bios.

Conference Agenda

9:00-9:15 
- Welcome and Announcements

9:15-10:45 
- Diane Curtis Regan, author of over 50 books for young people, instructs us about the difference between chapter books and middle grade novels and inspires us to be better writers.

11:00-12:00 
- A panel of our speakers critique the first 150 words of manuscripts sent in by our members. *See Manuscript Note

12:00-1:00 Lunch. 
- Illustrators will eat together to discuss what the chapter can do to help them and to learn about an upcoming contest for our illustrator members.

1:00-1:45 
- Break out sessions. Choose one of the following:

• Darleen Bailey Beard: Rejection Letter Boot Camp 
  -- Are you ready togive the boot to those dirty, rotten rejection letters? Then come hear DBB as she shares some of her own personal rejection letter stories, both tearful and funny, and discusses how she is continually learning to turn those dirty, rotten rejections into sweet, savvy sales. Darleen has five published books which were all previously rejected but have gone on to be nominated and to win awards, received 'starred' and 'boxed' reviews, been turned into plays, and chosen as a 'Best Book of the Year'. Her newest chapter book will be out in the fall of 2009 and was also rejected the first time around. 
  
• Gwendolyn Hooks: Are You Leery About Writing a Query?
  In today's publishing world of closed houses, sometimes a query is the only way to get your manuscript in the door. Learn how to grab an editor's attention with a well written query and boost your chances of publication.
  
• Amy Stephens: Nature Writing--a Sensory Experience
  This is not a journaling session! Poignant nature descriptions can be infused into any type of writing. In fact, unless your entire story takes place inside four sterile walls, it's crucial. Learn techniques that make your nature writing vivid, accurate and sense-sational. 

2:00-4:00 
- Kelly Bennett, Houston, Texas: "Picture Books are Like Icebergs--It's What You Don't See That Counts" Sometimes, it's what is not written that makes a successful picture book. During the first part of this hands-on workshop we will dive below the surface of popular picture books to see what makes them stand out. Afterwards, we will apply what we have discovered to our manuscripts. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picture book manuscript of their own to work from. 

If you are an SCBWI member attending this event, and your books can be order by Best of Books in Edmond, we would like to sell your books. You must call them by August 10th. Their number is 405-340-9202. If your books cannot be ordered through Best of Book, you may bring your own, but you must sell them yourself. 

The conference will be held at First Baptist Church in Chandler, 912 West 1st. This is the same church we used last year. After leaving the I 44 turnpike, turn right and travel ½ mile to turn right on 1st Street. This is the second possible right turn, counting the immediate one after the turnpike. On First Street, drive about ½ mile. The church is on the right. Click for Map

For more information contact:
Anna Myers 405-258-9992, Email: amyers_author@yahoo.com
Or Download Conference Registration with Speaker Bios

* Manuscript Note
If you would like to email the first 150 words of your manuscript to our assistant regional advisor, Darlina Eichman, be sure to do so before August 20th . Put the kind of manuscript; picture book, chapter book, middle grade novel, young adult novel, teen novel, non fiction book in one corner. You may put your name on the manuscript or not.
No names will be used and manuscripts will not be returned. Manuscripts for reading will be chosen at random.