Aspiring Writers Can Learn from the Experts

Write On, Door County presents a two-and-a-half day conference for adults who want to write books for children and teens. The Writing on the Door: Children’s Literature Conference takes place April 6 –7 in Sturgeon Bay and features some of the finest writers, illustrators, editors and publishers in the field. The Wisconsin chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) will hold their annual luncheon on April 8, at Stone Harbor, in conjunction with the conference.

“I am so pleased with the diverse talent that we have taking part in our first-ever conference,” said Write On Executive Director Jerod Santek. “We have award-winning authors from here in Door County as well as from throughout Wisconsin and the upper Midwest. There are illustrators, editors, and publishers taking part, giving participants a great overview of the breadth of children’s and young adult publishing today.”

Friday’s presenters include picture book authors Jill Harding and Ann Heyse; illustrator Michael Kress-Russick; authors John Coy, Kathleen Ernst, Melissa Gorzelanczyk, Mary Losure, and James Mihaley; and editors and publishers Ann Heyse, Carol Hinz, Andrew Karre, and Reji Laberje.

Saturday’s line-up includes a panel comprised of Door County parents and students talking about what they like to see when selecting books for themselves or their children. Other presenters Saturday include authors Swati Avasthi, M. Molly Backes, John Coy, Lora Hyler, Michael Kress-Russick, Miranda Paul, and Baptiste Paul; and editors Carol Hinz and Andrew Karre, award-winning editors of middle grade and young adult books.

Registration for the conference is $150. There is a special Saturday only registration of $60. There is also a special rate for Door County educators. All Door County educators are also invited to a special event Friday evening, the second annual Educators Appreciation Night. Educators will be able to meet conference presenters, enjoy free appetizers, and be eligible to win a library of books by conference presenters.

For more information and to register, visit writeondoorcounty.org or call 920.868.1457.

SCBWI’s luncheon will be held April 10, 10:30 am – 3 pm. Featured presenter at the luncheon is Catherine Laudone, assistant editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Registration for the luncheon is $50 for members, $80 for non-members. To register, visit wisconsin.scbwi.org/events/spring-luncheon-2018/.