WIFYR

As writers, we find story ideas everywhere! But few, if any of those brilliant ideas ever turn into a full manuscript. Why? Sometimes it feels like that step is more like a bottomless chasm. Learn how to take an idea and outline it into a story–and bridge that chasm! To learn more about Heidi Taylor Gordon, Managing Editor of Shadow Mountain Publishing, and her class go to www.wifyr.com and register today!

Want to know what a WIFYR writing workshop is like? Don't take our word for it. Here's what one attendee had to say about Writing and Illustrating for Young Reader's writing conference is like. Go to http://www.WIFYR.com to learn more and to register today!

Ever wonder what a typical day is like at a Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers writing conference? Let us ease your mind. Then go to http://www.WIFYR.com today to register for our June conference!

Ever wonder if WIFYR's writing conference is worth the investment? Here's a partial list of authors and agents who got their start at WIFYR.

Do you want to know what others think of Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers? Here's one person's response. Go to http://www.WIFYR.com to learn more and to register for classes today!

Workshop for Teens: J. Scott Savage M–F, June 14–18, 8:30 a.m–12:30 p.m. In this workshop we will critique the first 2,500-3,000 words, analyze story structure and plot building, and work together to make our story telling and writing more powerful. J. Scott’s Bio This class caps at 14. is for teens, grades 8 – 12 (graduated from 8th grade but NOT graduated from high school) includes Afternoon Sessions The total cost for this class is $625. All teens accepted will pay only $150; the balance will be paid by the Rick Walton Teen Scholarship. Note 1: All teens who sign up for this workshop MUST ALSO submit a scholarship application. Click here for the Rick Walton Teen Scholarship application. Note 2: Registration for this workshop does not include an agent/editor consultation. J. Scott Savage's Bio: J. Scott Savage is the author of the nineteen published novels including: The Lost Wonderland Diaries, Mysteries of Cove series, the Case File 13 series, the Farworld series, and others. His books have received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus, been named a Junior Library Guild selection, an Amazon book of the month, and a Barnes and Noble select book, and won several awards.

MG/YA Novel: Emily King M–F, June 14–18, 8:30 a.m–12:30 p.m. Please send in 5,000 words (or your first 1-3 chapters) so we can discuss the beginnings of stories. In doing so, we will rework major plot points, build characterization, solidify your world, and plant seeds for your ending. I suggest you know your ending before you come to class, or even have written it, because we will be developing a circular story that will be satisfying for readers. We’ll also look at each page down to paragraphing, sentence structure, and pacing, all to help you create opening chapters that readers will not want to put down. Be ready to work hard, laugh a lot, and grow as a writer. This claps at 14. Registration for this workshop includes: an agent/editor consultation the Afternoon Sessions Emily's Bio: Emily R. King is the author of the Hundredth Queen series, as well as Before the Broken Star, Into the Hourglass, and Everafter Song in the Evermore Chronicles and Wings of Fury. Born in Canada and raised in the United States, she is a shark advocate, a consumer of gummy bears, and an islander at heart, but her greatest interests are her children and their three cats. Go to http://www.WIFYR.com to learn more about Emily R. King's class and to register today!

Picture Book: Julie Olson M–F, June 14–18, 8:30 a.m–12:30 p.m. Julie will put her 20 plus years of experience in the picture book market to work for you over the five days of morning workshops. You will learn about picture book structure, genres, formats, age groups, and more, along with daily writing exercises to stir up the creative juices. In addition, Julie will cover business tips, discuss agents, and answer any questions the students have. Finally, each student will be required to bring a completed manuscript the first day of class and over the week, each one will be reviewed, critiqued and polished with the help of Julie and the class, leaving you with a story ready for submission. This class caps at 15. Registration for this workshop includes: an agent/editor consultation the Afternoon Sessions Julie's Bio: Julie Olson has been working in the children’s book industry for over 20 years now, first as an illustrator then adding author to her credentials, as well, with the debut of Tickle, Tickle! Itch, Twitch! in 2010. She followed that up a few years later with Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea and continues to write and illustrate as much as possible. She began the pursuit of an MFA degree this past fall and is enjoying the other forms of creative expression and academic growth that provides. When not in the studio, you can find Julie either on her bike, hiking in the mountains, or spending time with her husband and four kids. Go to http://www.WIFYR.com to learn more and to register today!

2-Day Novel Workshop: Elaine Vickers M–T, June 14–15, 8:30 a.m–12:30 p.m. In this workshop, we’ll dig deep into each participant’s writing, celebrating what works and discussing strategies to fix what doesn’t. Whether you’re writing chapter books, middle grade, or young adult (or have an interest in all of the above), this class will give you the tools, resources, and inspiration to take your writing to the next level–all packed into two days. Participants, please submit 5,000 words of your manuscript by May 8. (If you’d like to submit a one-page synopsis or query letter as part of your word count, feel free to do so!) This class caps at 15. Registration for this workshop includes the Afternoon Sessions on Monday and Tuesday. You can add the three remaining days of afternoon sessions for $99 at checkout. Note: Registration for this workshop does not include an agent/editor consultation. Elaine's Bio: Elaine/E.B. Vickers is an award-winning author of picture books, middle grade, and young adult novels that aim to help readers of all ages find connection and belonging. She grew up in a small town in the Utah desert, where she spent her time reading, playing basketball, and exploring. Several years and one PhD later, she found her way back to her hometown, where she now spends her time writing, teaching college chemistry, and exploring with her husband and three kids. Go to http://www.WIFYR.com to learn more and to register today!

Afternoon Nonfiction Picture Book Workshop: Annette Bay Pimentel M–Th, June 14–17, 3:00 p.m–5:30 p.m. Do you have a nonfiction idea that keeps nudging you? Intrigued by the beautiful kids’ nonfiction you see on the shelves today? In this 4-day afternoon workshop, you’ll get the chance to explore the elements of nonfiction, from idea, through research to writing techniques and revision strategies specific to nonfiction. It’s a great chance to devote energy to your nonfiction idea to see if it can become a book. Each day we’ll discuss nonfiction strategies and then put those strategies to work in writing. We’ll workshop that writing, giving you a chance to get feedback. This class caps at 15. Registration for this workshop includes: an agent/editor consultation 3 p.m. live plenaries, Monday–Friday, and Friday afternoon festivities the Online Afternoon Sessions Annette's Bio: Annette Bay Pimentel writes true stories about real people. She is the author of award-winning picture book biographies like Mountain Chef, Girl Running, and All the Way to the Top. Her newest book, Pura’s Cuentos, comes out in September 2021, and her middle-grade book Before Music, which explores the ways geography, culture, and science intersect as people build musical instruments, will be out in 2021. Annette is a library trustee for her public library and is the Assistant Regional Adviser for the Inland Northwest Region of SCBWI. She lives with her family in Moscow, Idaho. Check out' Annette's book oh HuffPost at: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/childrens-books-characters-disabilities_l_6014669dc5b6aa4bad33ea80 Want to learn more about this class? Go to http://www.WIFYR.com to find more details and to register today!

Advanced Novel: Kelsy Thompson M–F, June 14–18, 8:30 a.m–12:30 p.m. Are you an intermediate writer wanting to level up your craft and polish your manuscript to a shine? Then this class is for you. Through craft lectures, group critiques, and writing exercises, students should leave the class with specific revision strategies for their manuscripts and the knowledge to take their books to the next level. Additionally, the class will also cover crafting a query letter and elevator pitch, and submission tips and best practices. Prerequisite for registering for this workshop: Having previously attended one 5-day WIFYR workshop (not including the picture book or teen workshops). This requirement may be waived with WIFYR’s permission. Click the Contact Us link to consult with us. This class caps at 14. Registration for this workshop includes: an agent/editor consultation the Online Classes Kelsy Thompson's Bio: Kelsy Thompson is a freelance ghostwriter and editor from Ogden, Utah. She has served as managing editor at distinguished literary journal Weber—The Contemporary West, acquisition editor for North Star Editions and its children’s imprints, and is currently working with Erewhon Books as a production editor. As a freelancer, Kelsy works with publishers and indie authors alike, and her ghostwritten works have received millions of views. Kelsy has edited everything from award-winning books to passion projects, and loves working hand-in-hand with authors to make their manuscripts shine. Go to http://www.wifyr.com to learn more and to register today!

Join Kyra Leigh at WIFYR 2021's 2-day Workshop showing you exactly what you need to do to fix the murky middle of your novel. Do you love starting a new story, only to find that once you make your way into the middle of the book you’re stumped? THE DREADED MURKY MIDDLES! In this 2-day workshop, we’ll go through 2,000 words from your novel, plus find a way to not only get through the middle, but also make it shine. Please bring: 2,000 words from the middle of your novel the plots points of your book what your story is about, in 25 words or less how you would pitch your book to an agent Kyra’s Bio This class caps at 15. Registration for this workshop includes the Afternoon Sessions on Monday and Tuesday. You can add the three remaining days of afternoon sessions for $99 at checkout. Note: Registration for this workshop does not include an agent/editor consultation. Early Bird Price: $225 After March 1: $275 Go to WIFYR.com to register today!

Ann Dee Ellis, Author of YOU MAY ALREADY BE A WINNER, is presenting the Boot Camp 5-day morning workshop at Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers (WIFYR.com) 2021 writing conference! We’ll read and workshop fifty pages of your writing, paying particular attention to the shape and emotion of your story. We’ll spend time discussing best practices for all parts of the writing process with particular emphasis on revision. We’ll also read foundational craft essays and work to apply them to our writing. Also, I hope we get to laugh our faces off but you never know.

Join Sara B. Larson at WIFYR's 2021 writing workshop and learn how to write fantastic fantasy!

Author Veeda Bybee will be teaching at Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers (WIFYR) during their June 2021 conference about the First Chapter and Beyond. Go to WIFYR.com to learn more and to register

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers announces its literary agents and editors attending WIFYR's 2021 writing conference

Stephen Fraser, agent at Jennifer De Chiara Litary Agency, is teaching the Getting Ready for the Full Novel Workshop at Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers (WIFYR) on June 8-14, 2021. Go to WIFYR.com to learn more or to register

Carol Lynch Williams, award-winning author of more than 30 books, and director of Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers, will be teaching WIFYR's 20201 Full Novel Workshop June 8-14, 2021

Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is hosting it's January Kick-off on January 7, 2021 at 7:00 PM MST. Stephen Fraser of Jennifer De Chiara Literary Agency and Carol Lynch Williams will be among the speakers. Come for the speakers, but stay for the pitch parties, amazing break-out sessions, prizes and more! Go to https://wifyr.com/event/january-kick-off/ to register and learn more. Tickets are FREE but supplies are limited! Register today!

We thought it fitting to introduce a new website at the same time we joined a brand new platform! Check out WIFYR's new site at http://www.WIFYR.com