The Butler Children’s Literature Conference has speakers and sessions geared to writers, teachers and librarians. Editor Arthur A. Levine was my favorite this year.
Saturday was my 4th or 5th time at the Butler University Children’s Literature Conference in Indianapolis, and once again it proved to be a great learning experience for children’s writers.
The Butler Conference draws a fairly even mix of writers, teachers and librarians, so the focus isn’t solely on the writing process, but also includes why we write, how books reach children, etc. The schedule traditionally includes four main speakers (usually award-winning authors or illustrators) and two breakout sessions.
This year, Gary D. Schmidt spoke on middle grade and YA novels that are “not about becoming an adult, but about turning your face to adulthood.” Diane Stanley and Louise Borden discussed good writing and following a story, and David Wiesner showed us the illustrator’s process. Great quotes and inspiration from all of them.
My two breakout sessions were great. Valiska Gregory focused on how the art and text of picture books each carry their own weight in a duet. The highlight for me, though, was a session with Arthur Levine, editor of Arthur A. Levine Books, a Scholastic imprint. He was delightful, warm and engaging, and apologized for focusing so much on craft—as if a room full of writers wants anything else! Look for an article soon discussing his four main criteria for a good book: plot, theme, characterization and voice.
Perhaps next time I’ll finally get to attend the “Books Too Good to Miss” session, put on each year by Shirley Mullins of the Kids Ink bookstore. (But not at the expense of skill and craft sessions that will help me get a book into her bookstore in the first place!)
