Calling all authors, illustrators, and storytellers! Unlock your writing potential at the annual Lilac City Book Festival for Writers and Illustrators of Children’s Books on Saturday, March 8th at Shadle Park Library, where Spokane’s local authors and illustrators of books for children and teens come together to share their expertise.
Whether you are an aspiring writer, an illustrator, or a seasoned author looking to hone your craft, this festival offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow creators, develop valuable skills, and fuel your passion for storytelling. Organized by the Spokane Public Library and presented in partnership with Wishing Tree Books and the local chapter for the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the festival features a full day of workshops, panel discussions, and creative insights from local experts designed to inspire and guide you to take the next step in your writing journey.
12:00pm – 12:50pm
Strategies for Editing a Novel | Local author Kris Dinnison shares strategies for the writing and editing of a novel-length manuscript
Writing and Illustrative Graphic Novels | Authors and Artists H.F Brownfield and Kayla Coombs, collaborators on the graphic novel series Quinnelope, discuss their writing and illustrating process
1:00pm – 1:50pm
Writing & Indie-Publishing Your Picture Book | Celebrated authors Donell Barlow, Stephaine Courtney, April Rivers Eberhardt, and Jaime Stacy discuss their picture books and their writing, editing, and publishing processes.
Worldbuilding is for Everyone! | Develop a solid sense of place in your writing with award-winning writer Stephanie Oakes
Breathing Life into Children’s Books with Erin Pringle | Learn tips for enhancing the reading experience – an opportunity to practice writing for the ear as well as for the eye
2:00pm – 2:50pm
Let’s Talk Picture Books! | Published picture book writers and illustrators Jessica Linn Evans, Annette Bay Pimentel, Eija Sumner, and Diane Worthey discuss the art of creating picture books
Writing Non-Fiction for Children | Learn how to approach writing non-fiction for young readers with local author and expert Kelly Milner Halls
3:00pm – 3:50pm
Picture Book Illustration Featuring Jiemei Lin | Award winning artist presents and discusses the illustrations in her recent books
Writing Spooky Books for Children with Lora Senf | Learn how to write a spooky children’s book with award winning author of the Blight Harbor Series
