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| Leslie Helakoski, Darcy Pattison, Kelly Bennett |
INSTRUCTORS & AUTHORS:
DarcyPattison & Leslie Helakoski
SPECIAL GUESTS:
Our
group of about twenty writers toured Highlights Magazine which is celebrating its 70th
year! We learned how to make submissions, and were encouraged to do so. Then we walked
across the parking lot to Boyds Mills Press. There, Cherie Matthews, Assistant
Editor, gave us priceless information about their inner workings.
I
became teary-eyed grateful for this opportunity as we weaved through the
Pennsylvania countryside towards the Highlights Foundation’s campus. When we
pulled into the driveway, I felt as though this was where I was meant to be.
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| The Barn. |
Darcy
and Leslie made us feel welcomed. We ate dinner. And
then we dove right into writing lessons. A mere two hours later,
I sat down in my comfy, cozy room, took out my manuscripts and eww, eww, ewwed
all the way through. Which did not feel so comfy and cozy, but made me realize that
this was exactly where I needed to be.
Over
the next few days we learned how to generate valid story ideas. We learned how to harvest words and place them properly
into stories. To create pitches for agents or editors, and keep our focus while
writing. We learned about structure, voice, rhythm, and editing. And so much more.
My
brain operated at full speed. Learning and writing was all I wanted to do. I hardly slept. And I LOVE my sleep. One morning I awoke with a jolt at 4:17 with an idea bred from a newly learned
technique. I grabbed paper and pen, and feverishly wrote.
I
treasured being immersed in writing, elbow to elbow with peers sharing the same
passion. We celebrated accomplishments. We supported each other through the
joys and pains of becoming better writers.
Back
at home, I missed that camaraderie. But not for long. Lindsey, one of the other
attendees, started a private Facebook group where we continue to share in one
another’s journey.
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| Jazzed Jeanne |
Thanks
to PB&J, I am equipped with valuable knowledge, an even stronger desire to write,
and have a support group. JAZZED. My only regret is not taking this workshop
sooner!
OTHER WORKSHOP BONUSES:
·
FOUR
priceless critiques!
· Getting
to know our intelligent, patient, and kind instructors.
· Meeting
and listening to Kelly Bennett, Kelsey Murphy, and Tim Gillner.
·
Distractions
were at a minimum.
·
The
gracious and generous staff.
· And
oh, the food! I’m still savoring the apple chutney pork chops and that wild
rice dish, and the specially made gluten-free peanut butter and chocolate chip
cookies! Mmmm . . .
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Everyone interested in writing picture books. All levels.
HOW TO PREPARE?
Read, read, read classics and newly published picture books.
WHAT TO BRING? A laptop, one or two of your favorite picture books, imagination, and your
passion for writing. Of course clothing and toiletries are helpful, too.
#Workshop #Highlights #PictureBooks #WritersLife #Author #GetBrave #LiveLife
