Ever dreamed of writing or illustrating children’s books? We’re inviting writers, illustrators, teachers and readers to spend a few days in the Hamptons to celebrate books, plays and television programs for children.
Think of the
synergy in bringing these groups together—writers and
illustrators will learn from teachers, editors and agents
what children want. Educators fascinated by the creative
process can take away wonderful new ways to teach writing.
WORKSHOPS
For Writers: The Children’s Writing Workshops will be led by
authors and editors of the first rank. Workshop size is limited.
Topics include: Chapter Books, Picture Books, Writing for
Children’s Television and Young Adult Novels. Some of the
distinguished faculty are: Tor Seidler, author of the award-winning
book The Wainscott Weasel; Mitchell Kriegman,
creator of TV’s Bear in the Big Blue House and Clarissa
Explains It All; accomplished editor and novelist Cindy Kane;
Emma Walton Hamilton, the author of the Dumpy, the
Dump Truck series, Raising Bookworms and Simeon’s Gift,
which was recently adapted into a stage musical.
For Illustrators: The marriage of text and
words is crucial in children's literature. New Yorker cartoonist
Gahan Wilson and other gifted illustrators
are leading workshops.
GUEST SPEAKERS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
In the afternoons, participants may choose
from a wide range of elective sessions with
distinguished authors, editors, publishers,
and agents. Evening events feature well-known
authors. The schedule of formal and informal social
gatherings is rich—from author receptions to an open-mic
night—with a few surprises, too. In the past we’ve heard
from Newbery Award-winning author Richard Peck, and
have enjoyed a theater evening featuring the Hamptons
premiere of “The Phantom Tollbooth,” a musical based on
Norton Juster’s acclaimed novel.
We’re pleased to offer three graduate credits to eligible students.
“Our leader was extraordinary, giving us each gentle guidance and encouragement. I am so happy that I had this opportunity to expand my horizons.”
“What an incredible experience. Memorable. It wasn’t just that I learned so much about writing a children’s book—though I did—it was the whole experience from start to finish. Meeting others who were searching and finding ways to unlock their own stories, people from different backgrounds and experiences, was so stimulating. There we were, strangers thrown together under brilliant, warm tutelage. How lucky can you be?”
“I learned more than I anticipated. Each of the sessions brought me closer to my dream of writing from the heart.”
“A wonderful balance of professional writers’ comments and lectures and the business end of the publishing field.”
“A wonderful, intellectually-challenging experience.”
“Our workshop leader was unbelievably generous with her time and knowledge (as was everyone), which was far different from other conferences I’ve attended. Excessively excellent!!”