To Purgatory and Back: The Historical Novel: Mary Peace Finley
How do you research and write an historical novel? Where do you begin? How much historical information is too much? Are your historical references well integrated into story and character? How can you enhance positive responses from educators, increase your readership, and open doors for school visits? Have you considered a glossary or Author's Notes? And what about a Teachers' Guide? Come hear Mary's answers to these and other questions.
NOTE: If you would like to receive feedback from Mary on a manuscript of historical fiction you are currently working on, please follow the submission guidelines in “Instructions for Optional Sessions.”

Taking the Mystery Out of Writing Mysteries: Alane Ferguson
You have the idea for a perfect murder for your book, but now what? In this session you'll learn how to construct a plot, flesh out characters and mine real-life news stories for limitless plot twists! You'll also learn secrets on conducting research with the professionals, including interview techniques, legal considerations and more. Mysteries are selling – come find out how to turn your idea into publishing gold!

Write the Light Fantastic: Victoria Hanley
Do you feel drawn to write fantasy? Perhaps your mind takes you on excursions to extraordinary worlds of your own creation while you’re supposed to be thinking about practical daily life. Maybe you dream of living in those worlds and bringing others with you through the magic of words. How can you make that dream happen? This workshop will focus on writing techniques to help you establish a sense of reality within your fantasy worlds. Although fiction writers in every genre must successfully suspend disbelief in the reader, fantasy writers have an added challenge because readers must believe in a world they’ve never seen and never will see. Come enjoy the craft of creation, and if you have questions you’ve been itching to ask, bring them along.

When the Door Closes, Pry Open a Window! The Pros and Cons of Illustrating for the Independent Publishing Industry: Lori Kiplinger Pandy and Joyce Turley
“You can’t get published until you’ve been published.” It often seems as if that oxymoron is true. Breaking into the publishing market in 2003 is a tough job. Many artists lose confidence when the big publishers continually close the door in their faces. Well, we say, don’t lose faith! When the door closes, pry open a window! You CAN get published, get paid, and create some terrific books for independent publishers (a.k.a. writers who are publishing and promoting their own works).  Armed with newly-won experience and printed examples of your work, you may find those publishing doors begin to open for you. Explore the world of creating for self-publishing authors with Lori and Joyce as they share their experiences in drafting contracts, bidding and quoting projects, dealing directly with authors and working out the kinks of publishing with small presses.

Writing a Middle Grade History/Mystery: Barbara Steiner
Middle grade fiction seems to hold its own through all the ups and downs of New York publishing woes.  This workshop will discuss how to go about planning and writing a historical novel with or without a mystery for the 8-12 year-old reader.

Get Real!  Putting a Face on the Facts with Creative Nonfiction: Donna Jackson
People and their compelling stories make children's nonfiction books come alive – no matter what the topic.  In this session we'll review the nonfiction writing process, including everything from choosing an idea to collecting information and deciding how best to present it.  We'll also explore some of the key ways to round up real stories, descriptions and dialogue to ensure that your nonfiction work not only touches readers' minds, but their hearts as well.

Science-inspired Futures: Using Science Fact to Structure Your Fiction: Gary Raham
Discover what skills and special knowledge are needed to write science fiction and how to approach the task of creating believable worlds and the aliens that inhabit them. Learn the difference between “hard” and “soft” SF and how, historically, science fiction has explored the consequences of scientific discoveries and the technologies they spawn. You will also learn how to make connections with the local SF community of writers, illustrators, and fans.

Secrets of Successful Critique Groups: Mary Peace Finley
How can critique groups be helpful, creative, career-enhancing, ego-boosting, encouraging, and fair? How can a new group start? Learn mechanics and secrets from several successful critique groups in RMC-SCBWI, and come with questions and suggestions to share.

Are You Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Group Portfolio Review and Critique: Cyd Moore, Emma Dryden, Lisa Findlay
The Truth and nothing but the Truth – that’s what this critique is all about. Artists know how expensive it is to produce, then promote their work. We’ve designed this critique to see if you’re barking up the wrong tree. Is your work better suited to educational publishing rather than trade books? Does your portfolio scream “greeting cards” instead of “children’s books”? Find out now before you spend any more money promoting the wrong work to the wrong clients!
NOTE: Each artist should prepare a 3-5 sentence summary of their strengths and which markets they are targeting. The reviewers will agree or disagree with the statement – with reasons why – and offer any critique remarks they think will benefit the illustrator.

First Pages Manuscript Critique: Emma Dryden
First Pages Manuscript Critique: Lisa Findlay
Wouldn't you love to be a fly on the wall as an editor reads that crucial first page of your manuscript? Choose one of these two sessions to see and hear an editor's initial reaction to actual first pages submitted by conference attendees.

One Writer’s Approach to Writing Nonfiction: Julie Danneberg
Come and learn from Julie’s past successes and past mistakes. She will share her own process of researching and writing nonfiction, plus a few tips that make the whole process a little easier and a whole lot more fun.

Can You Really Make a Living as a Children’s Book Illustrator?: Cyd Moore
Stock illustration and computer technology have changed the world of illustration. Commercial and editorial illustrators are flocking to the children’s book market. Advances against royalties seem too low, and publishers sometimes don’t get behind a book long enough to make it a success. How can you be successful in this extremely competitive field? Join Cyd Moore and find out how she has been able to happily work as an illustrator for over 25 years. Cyd will share her insights into today’s publishing industry and the best ways of promoting your work and getting noticed. She’ll reveal the real challenges facing illustrators and offer solutions to overcome them. Cyd will breathe life, humor and hope into the hard realities of the business behind the books.

Illustrator’s Day: “It’s Show and Tell Time with Cyd!”

Sunday we’ll have a fun, informative, and informal day with Cyd Moore as we learn about her long, hard road from college to established, successful illustrator. How did she get where she is today and how does she do it all? Join us as she shows us her sketches, roughs, and finished work. Additionally, Cyd is fresh from the Illustrator’s Conference held recently in Pittsburgh, and she'll tell us all about what she learned there! We’ll have plenty of time for round table discussions to bring up the subjects you most want to talk about. Bring your questions with you, because Cyd is open and friendly and willing to try to answer them all!