Please note that our optional Pitch Perfect manuscript/portfolio critiquing sessions are now SOLD OUT. 

Enjoy a Welcome Address from author Tim Wynne-Jones. Choose three workshops in your special area of interest. Join with the whole group for an inspirational talk from author Richard Scrimger.

Speakers' Bios: For complete speakers' bios, click here.

Lunch: A lunch of salad and sandwiches will be provided for all. We regret that no other dietary request can be accommodated.

Books: Books will be available for sale throughout the day. Join us at 4:00 for book signings by the presenters.

Refund Policy: Cancellation fee is $35.00 before Oct. 20th. No refund after Oct. 20th.

Registration: Online registration will open on May 17. To register by mail, complete the registration form on the brochure:

2012 PYI Brochure and Registration Form (PDF) (Get Adobe Reader)

For more information, please email office@canscaip.org or call (416) 515-1559.

REGISTRATION

8:15 a.m.

WELCOME ADDRESS

Tim Wynne-Jones    9 a.m.

WORKSHOPS

Group A: 9:30 – 10:50    Choose one of 1, 2, 3, 4

1. Lisa Dalrymple
Breaking In (Without Breaking Down)

From developing your craft to submitting your manuscripts, learning from rejection to celebrating sweet victory, this workshop will offer strategies to help build your writing career. Lisa will share tools and tips based on her own experiences “breaking in.”

2. Lena Coakley
Believing in Magic: Writing Fantasy and Urban Fantasy

Lena will examine the craft of fantasy writing, from general writing and plotting techniques to creating believable characters and compelling alternate worlds. Participants should expect to do a few writing exercises.

3. Vladyana Krykorka
Balancing Act: Successfully Integrating Illustration and Text

Master Class For Illustrators

Vladyana will discuss art techniques, colour, cover design, balance of positive and negative space, type and its readability, and use her published books and future projects to share design ideas.

4. Helaine Becker
Yes, You CAN Make a Living as A Writer in Canada!

ROI. B2B. Profit Centre. Supply Chain. Qualifying the Customer. If these business-related phrases strike fear in your heart, this workshop is for you. Learn the business basics of writing you really need to make your writing career pay.

Group B: 11:05 – 12:25 Choose one of 5, 6, 7, 8

5. Norma Charles
The Golden Age of Mid-Grade Readers is Here

Now that Bella and Edward are old news, and YA is saturated, where are the great books for 9- to 13-year-olds? It’s a huge audience. And they’re hungry. Hear how Norma wrote and sold 16 novels for her favourite age group.

6. Tim Wynne-Jones
Dialogue: The Mechanics of

Master Class For Writers

A novel has two kinds of narrative: summary and scene. Scene represents the “real time”—the show, the reveal—and dialogue is usually at its heart. How do we get the most out of it? What makes dialogue pop?

7. Willow Dawson
Little Lies: Facts, Fictions and Scene Transitions

Willow will guide you through a series of illustration exercises, while explaining some key concepts of sequential art. She’ll share her experiences breaking into the business, and encourage discussion on fiction and non-fiction in graphic novels.

8. Christopher Moore
Writing for Kids Who Love History

“I’m lucky,” Chris says. “I don’t write for kids who don’t love history. Fortunately there are lots who do.” This workshop is about rewarding and challenging readers already sold on historical nonfiction.

Group C: 1:25 – 2:45 p.m Choose one of 9, 10, 11, 12

9. Carolyn Beck
Playing With Words: Confessions of a Picture Book Junkie

Let’s dive into the rumbly, tumbly, joyfully jumbly world of picture book texts. We’ll explore the topic in general, then focus on poetry, sound and rhythm, rhyme and meaning, do a couple of short exercises and gurgle with merriment.

10. Allan Stratton
Writing Characters From The Inside Out

Allan will lead you through visualization and roleplay exercises that will help you with your most difficult characters. You’ll learn how to build characters from their point-of-view—the inside-out approach. Bring your writing questions and he will offer solutions.

11. Clayton Hanmer (CTON)
Using Comics to Communicate with Kids

Clayton uses comics as a tool to get the point across to anyone and everyone, from children to pharmaceutical marketing agency reps. Find out how and why comics are the perfect visual aide for any application or age group.

12. Sheila Barry and  Patricia Ocampo
Are You There, Publishers? It’s Me, Author

Publisher/Editor Sheila Barry and agent Patricia Ocampo give tips on how to stand out from the slush-pile crowd—from brainstorming unique ideas to pitching perfectly. They’ll outline what to expect once you’ve signed the contract.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: 3:00 p.m.

Richard Scrimger
What Are You Doing Here?

For complete speakers' bios, click here.

A Bargain You Shouldn’t Miss

Keep growing as a writer or illustrator. Expand on what you learn from our exciting lineup of workshops.

How? By joining CANSCAIP as a Friend.

As a Friend you receive our quarterly newsletter, The CANSCAIP News, featuring profiles of our professional members explaining how they practice their craft, up-to-date marketing information and cross-country news about what’s happening in the children's literature community.

Also—On our website, you have access by password to a Members/Friends-only section that includes useful and informative articles plus a Critique Exchange.

As a first-time Friend, join at the one-time bargain fee of $35 (ordinarily $45) when you send your application with your registration form.