Derry Author Fest : 1 2 3 Grow!

Derry Author Fest is a day of writing workshops, panels and networking for aspiring authors, dreamers and dabblers alike. We bring in reputable speakers to teach in areas of their expertise. As an attendee, you can stay all day, half day, or just drop in for a session. Book sales and signings are interspersed in between our workshops so you will have time to buy books, support local artists and get some face time with our teachers.
Event Location: Children’s RoomMeeting Room AMeeting Room B

Schedule:

10:00-10:05 - Welcome

10:05-10:50 - Keynote Virginia MacGregor

11:10 - 11:55 - Grow the Layers of Marketability in Your Fiction Picture Books with Julie Bliven
Examine two picture books by Julie Bliven, comparing early drafts to recently acquired drafts. How did these manuscripts grow into projects that were appealing to acquiring editors? What changed to make each project more marketable and layered? What does “layered” mean? How does Julie apply her experience as an editor to her work as a picture-book author? Useful tips will help you consider how to question the obvious angles of your story and push yourself to reveal stronger themes and richer layers.

12:15 - 12:55 - Lunch Break
Bring your favorite lunch and sit at a themed table to make some new friends – or grab a pack of friends and head to a local eatery! We also welcome attendees to sit on our patio if the weather is nice.

12:55-1:40
Why Does it Matter? Creating Nonfiction Picture Books Kids Want to Read
with Lita Judge and Emilie Burack

Creating nonfiction picture books can be fun, but tricky—especially in today’s super competitive publishing market. Join us as we offer inside tips on choosing your topic, doing meaningful research, and making the tough decisions about structure and voice that endear and satisfy young readers

2:00-2:45 - What Isn’t Mentioned but Lurks with Rebecca Kaiser Gibson

A book’s theme can help an author identify the right agents, publishers and marketplace. But when a book has multiple themes and the author is a first-time novelist eager for publication, how does (she) prioritize her sense of what’s important to marketing professionals who have their own expertise? Join us  as we explore the themes of generational trauma and antisemitism in The Promise of a Normal Life by Rebecca Kaiser Gibson, and explore how the interpretation of theme impacted publishing and marketing.

3:05-3:50 -Your Hero Has to Be Wrong with Erin Bowman

All good character arcs are about growth, and they begin with a lie that your character believes to be true—a flawed worldview that actively keeps them from succeeding in their goals. Join Edgar Award-nominated author Erin Bowman as she shows you how to develop your hero’s belief system, identify their key Lie(s), and set up the foundation for their growth.

Date: April 6, 2024

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

Location:

Derry Public Library -

64 East Broadway

Derry, NH 03038

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