Test June Conference

The heart of Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers is its morning workshops, where attendees have the opportunity to workshop their manuscripts with an industry professional. You will be in small groups of 20 or fewer students in each class during the morning portion of the conference.

Registering for one of the morning workshops also includes: 

• 20 hours of workshopping & instruction from a published author & your peers

• Specific feedback from faculty on your manuscript

• An agent/editor consultation on the first 750 words of your manuscript

• An in-class visit from an editor/agent

• The Afternoon Sessions (plenaries, HOWs, & break-out sessions) taught by industry professionals

2025 Morning Workshop Presenters 

JUST ADDED! Picture Book Workshop

with author Jennifer Adams

$655

Due to popular demand, we've added a second Picture Book Workshop! Join Jennifer Adams, author of the bestselling BabyLit books, to learn from a talented author and workshop your picture book manuscripts. Sign up before this one also sells out!

Read Jennifer's Full Bio >

UNLOCK THE MAGIC OF CLEAN STORYTELLING

with editor Heidi Gordon

In this lively five-day, specialty workshop, you’ll learn how to craft swoon-worthy romances, nail-biting conflicts, and unforgettable characters—all while keeping it clean and captivating. Packed with hands-on exercises and insider tips, this class will show you how to hook readers with vivid worlds, relatable emotions, and timeless themes. Whether you're looking to expand your audience or sharpen your skills, this course will leave you inspired to create stories that charm, delight, and linger in readers' hearts.

NOTE: Last year Heidi Gordon worked with authors on writing clean romance. The class was a tremendous success. This year, 12 lucky writers will get to work with her on writing any genre of fiction for kids and teens. Learn from the Publishing Director for Shadow Mountain just exactly how to write a book that appeals to readers.

Read Heidi's Full Bio >

DYNAMIC CHARACTERS: OR HOW I LEARNED TO STOP WORRYING AND LOVE THE VILLAIN

with author Brodi Ashton

The best main characters are vibrant, dynamic, and carry a heavy burden. Protagonists change and adapt as they meet challenges throughout the book. They propel the plot forward. They must maintain a delicate balance between battling their own flaws and still remaining champions. When done well, they evoke dueling emotions that draw the reader irresistibly in.

The best antagonists are those with whom the reader not only sympathizes but empathizes.  These are the vicissitudes of literature and life. After all, villains are not supposed to be like Pinky and the Brain, where there is no internal motivation except to, "Plan to take over the world!" How do your characters stand up? Let's find out.