Two Great Events

Two great Children's Literature events are taking place on Saturday, September 12, 2009. The focus of one is meeting Minnesota children's authors and illustrators. The focus of the other is learning about writing and illustrating children's books. Both are great events that will leave you feeling inspired.

Event #1: The 10th Annual Celebration of Minnesota Children's Authors and Illustrators

This fun, free event takes place at the Anderson Center in Red Wing, Minnesota. It's held from 12:30 - 5:00 pm and is geared for children, families, and children's book enthusiasts. There will be readings by Minnesota authors and illustrators, book sales and signings, story telling, book making, face painting, ice cream and more. To learn more about this event visit http://www.andersoncenter.org/events.htm.

Event #2: MN SCBWI Fall Conference - "Chaos to Creation: The Art of Self Expression"

This event, for people interested in writing or illustrating children's books, takes place from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm at the University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center in St. Paul. The day includes a variety of workshops, keynote speakers and a luncheon. Featured speakers include Donna Jo Napoli, children's author; Priscilla Burris, illustrator; Jill Dembowski, Editor at Little Brown; and two agents, Mark McVeigh and Deborah Warren. The cost is $100 for SCBWI members and $125 for nonmembers. There are also optional manuscript and illustration reviews for an additional fee. (I will be one of the people doing manuscript reviews.) Visit http://www.minnesotascbwi.org for more information.

Both these events are wonderful opportunities to learn more about children's literature and meet some great authors and illustrators. The only problem is they are offered on the same day. So choose which one fits what you are looking for and save the date!