April/May Conferences and Workshops

April/May Conferences and Workshops

There are usually many writing conferences and workshops in April and May. I enjoy attending as many as I can in Oklahoma. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators ( SCBWI) is always a great conference to attend. There are agents, art directors, and editors present who don't mind talking to you about your writing endeavors or illustrations. Many writers have found their agents at one of these conferences.
Another great thing about attending an SCBWI conference is that there are so many great speakers. Some give fantastic advice that you need before writing your books. Many agents share lists of manuscripts they'd like to find. These conferences are there to really help the writer and illustrator.
There's usually a Fall conference or workshop, and a bigger Spring Conference.

OWFI--Oklahoma Writer's Federation, Inc has a conference usually held on the first Friday and Saturday in May. They also have many agents, editors, and speakers ready to help the writer. Members can submit their poetry, writings, and published books for OWFI Awards. There is much competition and award presentations can be loud!  Although there is not as much children's information given out in their talks, there are a few awards to submit entries to for the contests. This conference usually has many workshops on social media which is a huge part of being an illustrator or writer.

I'd recommend both conferences to new and seasoned writers. I learn something new each time I attend. And, occasionally, I'll end up with some kind of award at the Awards Banquet on Saturday night.

You can find additional information about both groups below.

https://oklahoma.scbwi.org

www.owfi.org

Doodle and Peck Publisher, Marla Jones, with four Doodle and Peck authors who received awards at the OWFI Conference.  Pictured are Una Belle Townsend, Sandi Lawson, Sharon Martin, and Barbara Shepherd.

I'm pictured with my friend, Mariana Llanos. She spoke at two sessions during the OWFI conference.

On Friday night at the OWFI conference, which is the night for Famous Authors, they introduce the newest books published by OWFI members. Here's a display or picture of Clancy's cover and a blurb about the book.