HIGHLIGHTS WRITER'S WORKSHOP AT CHAUTAUQUA

While reviewing my publishing journey for a presentation I'm working on, I happened on this video clip of the amazing conference where I met my editor, Carolyn Yoder. You too, might want to consider spending a July week in an idyllic community with literary giants and fellow writers.  You never know who you could meet there. 

Did you recognize Jerry Spinelli, Patti Gauch, Suzanne Bloom, Carolyn Yoder or someone else you admire in that fun clip?

This is a magnificent conference for someone who has been writing for awhile, has learned to revise, and is ready to move into publication.  This year the conference is July 16 - 23.  More info at Writer's Workshop at Chautauqua.

THINKING OF WRITING A CHILDREN'S BOOK?

From Highlights Foundation and the event that introduced me to my editor -

Established in 1985, the Highlights Foundation is a nonprofit organization which helps authors and illustrators who write and illustrate for children of all ages. We have genre specific workshops and working retreats year round.

There is also a scholarship program available for our flagship workshop, the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, and the deadline is quickly approaching.

Applications must be postmarked no later than February 12, 2010. Please visit www.HighlightsFoundation.org or e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org for more information. Cordially, thanks!

Jo Lloyd Program Assistant Highlights Foundation,
814 Court Street,
Honesdale, PA 18431
Phone: (877) 512-8365
(toll-free) or (570) 251-4557
Fax: (570) 253-0179
jalloyd@highlightsfoundation.org http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/

THANKFUL THURSDAY: Chautauqua Edition

Carol Baldwin with Carolyn Yoder at Chautauqua

My friend and colleague (we present writing workshops together) Carol Baldwin sent me this pic the other night! When I opened it I felt both joy and jealousy. She's with my editor, Carolyn Yoder. You'd think after working with Carolyn for 7 years (Has it really been that long?) I would have a decent picture of the two of us together. But I don't : (

Carol is at the Highlights Foundation Writer's Workshop at Chautauqua, NY. Every year this time, I sigh and long to be there. And dream of going again some day. But mostly I'm just grateful that I was able to go once. And that I met Carolyn Yoder there and realized she was the editor of my dreams. And that she might even like my writing.

Apparently she did. We've published 3 books together. (Blue, Healing Water, & Comfort)

I now think of my writing life as “pre-Chautauqua and after”. Before Chautauqua, I was stabbing in the dark, exploring countless writing opportunities but not owning any of them. At Chautauqua I discovered for sure that I am a history writer and that Carolyn Yoder could help me become a really good one!

That's why I'm going to her writing retreat in August. To get some intensive input on my work-in-progress. And while I'm there I'm going to get a good photo of the two of us together.

PS: Carol Baldwin is the author of TEACHING THE STORY: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8. Now she's writing her own historical novel!