2011 WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

Our seminar is designed for skilled writers who are approaching or renewing their goal of publication. We offer two enrollment groups—one for those with completed, polished manuscripts; another for writers who are well into their novels, but have not completed a first draft. (We refer to our enrollment options as Groups A and B, rather than as tracks, because generally all writers participate in the same activities.)

Enrollees are chosen through a manuscript-selection process which involves the workshop faculty. To maximize your benefits, you may critique peer manuscripts before the workshop, then observe faculty interacting with these authors.

Our in-depth, innovative program blends two traditional workshop formats: one-on-one faculty critiques and faculty-led manuscript discussions. These are combined in a lively master class (open clinic) setting, team-taught by our editor and agent. Additionally, we offer whole-novel faculty critiques—written, plus in-person consults which selected peer writers may observe.

In either scenario, you’ll find top-notch, supportive professionals eager to help you reach your publishing goals. To round out our program, articulate teen enrollees in a concurrent workshop provide target-age feedback for adult colleagues.

Every year, we fashion a novel-crafting theme that permeates the weekend. This theme is revisited in keynotes, focus sessions, and masterclass critiques—offering three days’ continuity as you build upon layers of understanding. With our integrated schedule, you’ll also benefit from close contact with all faculty, all day, usually on one track. That way, you won’t miss any of our valuable offerings!

For more information, read our profiles of faculty and the workshop’s founding director. See our in-depth current and past weekend themes, with exercises to apply to your novel. This self-paced, pre-workshop prep can maximize your benefits throughout our intensive weekend.

FACULTY

In 2011, our faculty will consist of Susan Van Metre, Abrams/Amulet Senior Vice President and Publisher, and instructor in The New School University's MFA Program in Writing for Children and Young Adults—as well as agent Joan Slattery of Pippin Properties, a former executive editor who has edited award-winning authors Jerry Spinelli and Philip Pullman. Check our Bios & Kudos for details!

CONTENT

Highlights

• Whole novel critique by editor or agent for selected writers; in-person consults open to a few peer observers.
  
  
• Team-taught manuscript clinics (we “authorize” respectful eavesdropping!). Faculty-led discussion of peers’ early/ later chapters and synopses, which attendees review in advance.
  
  
• Focus sessions include applied writing techniques, marketing tips. Plus keynotes and Q & A among congenial, savvy (and/or published) peers.
  

Our program is 90 percent interactive—come discover new avenues for your analytical and creative skills. Dig in! See our detailed Schedule and lively FAQs.

COSTS

Basic fee includes pre-workshop materials, lodging in our beachfront townhomes (Friday  Saturday night; Thursday night optional and free), all meals except Saturday dinner, all faculty-led sessions with the entire group, observation of selected whole-novel consults with faculty, and a critique if you’re submitting a partial manuscript. Total: $769 adults (add $30 after May 25); $499 teens (add $30 after June 25)

Additional manuscript fees include whole-novel manuscript critique with two consults (if selected), discounted at approximately $2.60 per page. Total: $399 to $599 (for 150 to 250 manuscript pages)

  Read more details about enrollment.

THE INSIDE STORY

• The Pacific Coast Children’s Writers Workshop is unique, inspiring, and fun. I recommend
  it highly. — Andrea Welch; Editor, Harcourt Children’s Books
  
  
• Well-organized, intimate; the level of talent, high. — Stephen Fraser; Literary Agent, Jennifer DeChiara Agency
  
  
• Excellent faculty, format, craft focus, and caliber of peer submissions. The most valuable feedback and best workshop instruction I’ve ever received. — Claudia Pearson, M.A. (Children’s Literature; Hollins University)
  
  
• Well-organized, interactive, informative, congenial. One of the best workshops I’ve attended. — Cece Meng, past winner of the national Writer’s Digest contest (Children’s Fiction category)
  
  
• This was the most valuable writing event I have ever attended. I learned so much I would not be surprised if this experience turns out to be a major turning point in my fiction-writing career. — Mary Cronk Farrell, author of the award-winning YA novel Fire in the Hole! (Clarion) and a new, agented novel

Watch your manuscript soar! JOIN US IN 2011 Opportunity Camaraderie Craft