You’re invited to come to Montana for our Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators “Writing Forward Progress” Conference on October 13 – 15 in Billings, Montana! It’s a beautiful time of year here in the mountains – October is my favorite month. Billings is a short drive away from Yellowstone Park, and the airport has great connections from everywhere. You won’t want to miss this intimate and instructive gathering, with a chance to get a professional critique (a few spots left!) and vie for our new mentorship program.

We’re bringing in Agent Linda Camacho from Prospect Agency, Editor Kait Feldmann from Scholastic, and Creative Director Heather Kindseth Wutschke from Capstone. They will be presenting, and leading one-on-one critiques. We also have fun Field Trips to choose from, intensive craft workshops with me and Kent Davis, the kickoff of our new mentorship program, time to make connections, and a book signing party. Come join us for a wonderful weekend of Writing Forward Progress!

Here is the link for LOTS more details, and to register:

https://montana.scbwi.org/events/writing-forward-progress-conference/

Writing Forward Progress Conference

October 13-15, 2017  –  Billings, MT  –  Northern Hotel

Friday, October 13

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  –  Registration, Book Sale, and Silent Auction open

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.  –  Connections Party with hors d’oeuvres – Come meet the team for the conference, learn about programs, and mingle for connections

Saturday, October 14

8:00 – 8:40  –  Breakfast provided

8:40 – 9:00  –  Welcome and Announcements

9:00 – 9:50  –  Keynote by Agent Linda Camcho – Persistence: How to Keep Going in This Tough Business

9:50 – 10:10 – Break

10:10 – 11:00  –  Keynote by Editor Kate Feldmann

11:00 – 11:20  –  Break

11:20 – 12:10  –  Keynote by Creative Director Heather Kindseth Wutschke

12:10 – 12:30  –  Presentation of Crystal Kite Award

12:30 – 2:00  –  Lunch on your own

2:00 – 4:00  –  Field Trips  –  Meet at your selected location  –  Zoo Montana, Moss Mansion, or Yellowstone Art Museum

4:30 – 5:30  –  Field Trip Wrap-Up  –  Gather back at The Northern Hotel, Close of Book Sale

5:30 – 7:00  –  Dinner on your own

7:00 – 9:00  –  Tea and Dessert Reception for us and the community, at This House of Books. Book Signings with featured authors

Sunday, October 15

8:00 – 8:40  –  Breakfast provided

8:40 – 9:00  –  Announcements – close out of Silent Auction

9:00 – 12:30  –  Character Intensive Workshops with Janet Fox and Kent Davis

9:00 – 12:30  –  Individual Critiques with Agent/Editors

12:30 – 1:00  –  Final Wrap Up and Announcement of Mentorship Program Finalists

I really hope you can join us!