Writing for the Ages
CONFERENCE OVERVIEW
This conference has two separate parts or "tracks:" The first track is for adults writing for youth audiences and the other track is for teens who are aspiring to be authors themselves.
This unique, first-of-its-kind conference is open to anyone interested in writing for young children (pre-school to age 7), tweens (ages 8 to 12), or young adults (13-16), as well as teen writers with serious interest in their craft. The emphasis of this conference is on developing writers who have a passion for the youngest—and most important—audience in the CBA (and in the general market, for that matter). As the number of oppotunities for publishing for kids dwindles, and with it the amount of quality product available to our young people, our only authentic choice is, in the words of editor Kathleen Kerr, to become excellent at what we do and create a revival in CBA children’s literature for all ages.
This is not a “Job market” conference, but one devoted to the art of writing for
the young, to include our continued spiritual formation as well as the honing of our craft. While participants will be able to take advantage of the expertise of several editors, the focus will not be on “how to get published.” Participants will be able to concentrate on the craft of writing, including time to simply write—without the distraction of having to pitch ideas or vie for time with agents and publishers. The no-pressure atmosphere will foster both attention to craft and freedom to play, dream, and allow God’s creativity to flow through us.
Our faculty includes a full range of professionals in children’s and Y.A. literature.
Author Rhonda Gowler Greene will teach the picture book track for those interested in writing for young children. Tween specialist Nancy Rue will work with writers drawn to the 8 to 12 audience. Editor Kathleen Kerr will share her expertise with Y.A. authors. And long-time author Bill Myers will instruct teen participants with aspirations for a writing career. In addition, several other respected folks will join us to share keynotes or provide one-time workshops. Those include Jesse Florea, editor of Clubhouse Magazine; Susie Shellenberger, creator and editor of SusieMag; Suzanne Gosselin, editor of Clubhouse Junior; and Kerry Krycho, curriculum for David C. Cook. Probably our most important "Teaching Staff' members will be the Kid Critics who will be available to give valuable (and brutally honest!) feedback on our work.
Each conference day will include a keynote address, intensive, hands-on work in a chosen track, free writing time with accessibility to one-on-one mentoring, a celebration of kids at dinner, and an evening session that is pure play. Glen Eyrie provides the perfect setting for prayer, daydreaming, and befriending like-minded, nuts-about-kids fellow authors.
At the end of the conference, each participant can leave Glen Eyrie with practical knowledge, fresh ideas, new inspiration, and both the tools and the confidence to apply all three. Every writer will also have an opportunity to be part of the continuing Campaign for the Kids in the CBA—a new movement for bringing the attention of publishers to the importance of serving our youngest audience with the best we have to offer.
Experience what retreats at Glen Eyrie have to offer:
- Self-guided prayer journey
- Professional worship with our resident worship leader
- Practical life application
- Serenity and beauty of God's creation
INSTRUCTORS
 Inspired by Nancy Drew mysteries as a child, Nancy Rue knew she would someday be a writer by age 10. While teaching high school English after college, she felt God calling her back to her dream of writing. For 14 years, Nancy was a teacher and a writer—often waking up at 4 AM to write before work! Today, she is a full-time writer who still loves to teach at workshops around the country. Her books include the Lilyseries and Christian Heritage series for kids and young adults, as well as the adult novels Pascal’s Wager and Antonia’s Choice. She and her husband, Jim, live in Tennessee. They have one daughter, Marijean. For more information about Nancy, visit her website www.nancyrue.com.
 Kathleen Kerr spent most of her childhood haunting the shelves at her local children’s bookstore. When she turned sixteen she started working there, and once she grew up she decided to try her hand at making books instead of just reading them. Beginning in 2008 she acquired middle grade titles at Zondervan Publishing House, and in 2011 moved to Harvest House Publishers. She has a passion for finding new voices to reach children and for helping writers discover their true vocation. When she’s not cooing over her favorite new manuscript, she can often be found hiking in the mountains with her husband or creating chaos in the kitchen.
 Rhonda Gowler Greene is the author of over twenty picture books. Her books have received several honors, including— School Library Journal Best Book, International Reading Association Children’s Choice Book, American Booksellers “Pick of the List,” Children’s Book Council Showcase Book, Bank Street College Best Book, Junior Library Guild selection, Michigan Reads One State One Preschool Book Award, and also starred reviews.
Rhonda is a dynamic speaker. She’s been presenting at schools and conferences for the past 15 years. She especially loves talking about what makes good writing and what she believes are the three P’s to publication.
A former elementary learning disabilities teacher, Rhonda earned her B.A. in Elementary and Special Education from Northern Kentucky University and received her Master’s in Educational Media from Xavier University, Cincinnati, Ohio. Rhonda is married to Gary Greene. They have four grown children. She and Gary live in West Bloomfield, Michigan, in a house overflowing with books.
For more information about Rhonda and her books, visit her on the web at—
www.rhondagowlergreene.com.
 As an author/director/producer Bill Myers’ work has won over 70 sales and creative awards including two New York Film Festivals. His books and videos have sold over 8 million copies. His McGee and Me book and video series which he co-created/co-wrote/co-produced has aired on 80 national and international networks including the BBC and ABC. He has authored over 100 books for adults and children. His 12 part Forbidden Doors book series for teens won the C.S. Lewis Honor Award and his children’s book series, “My Life as . . .” has sold 2.1 million copies. Nearly all of his adult novels have made CBA’s best selling list. His latest novel The God Hater is enjoying both critical and popular success.
He has a degree in stage directing from the University of Washington, was trained as a film director at the Italian State Institute of Cinema and Television, and has an honorary doctorate from Nimes Theological Institute in France where he taught. When he’s not working on projects he lectures nationally and internationally and serves as lay college pastor to his local church. For more on Bill, visit his website www.billmyers.com.
SCHEDULE
Click here to view the Conference Schedule
PRICING AND REGISTRATION
September 11–14, 2011
Conference Commuter Rate
(price includes nine meals and all conference materials)
- Commuter rate: $288 per person plus tax
Conference Fees
(price includes three nights lodging, nine meals, and all conference materials)
- Premier room: $618 per person plus tax
- Deluxe room: $573 per person plus tax
- Standard room: $498 per person plus tax
Call 1-877-488-8787 to register by phone!
View our cancellation policy. |
