The 12th bi-annual Prairie Horizons conference will be held September 18-20 at St. Michael's Retreat Centre in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, about half an hour north of Regina. Speakers are Frieda Wishinsky, Ted Staunton, Joshua Rosen, Anne Shone (senior editor at Scholastic Canada), Gillian Richardson and Alison Lohans.

On Friday night, 10 participants will pitch their completed picture book or middle grade manuscripts to a panel of three judges, and the three winners will have their manuscripts moved to the top of the slush pile at Scholastic Canada. The evening will end with a candleilight labyrinth walk. Saturday activities include speakers, a Q & A session, a panel, and an open mike. Events wrap up Sunday morning.

There will be a table for selling books and CDs. Rides to and from the Regina airport or bus depot can be arranged. Early-bird registration closes August 1, and CANSCAIP Friends or Members get a discount on registration fees. Late fees apply after September 1, and the last day to register is September 9.

For complete conference details, go to http://skcanscaip.wordpress.com. Send questions to prairiehorizons@gmail.com.