2025 Continuing Education

Description of session: Whether you are only thinking about writing for children or are a published Board Book through Young Adult author, this workshop has something for you. Experts from each level will start with the basics and address hot topics. Valuable tips for use in multiple levels will be highlighted after each mini-presentation. A time for Q & A and making personal connections in small groups are included. Participants will also learn more about ACFWKidlit’s chapter.

ACFWKidlit President, Bettie Boswell will lead this mini-conference within a conference along with experienced award winning writers from the chapter. Julie Lavender and Bitsy Kemper will address writing picture books/board books for the youngest children. Bettie will speak about chapter books and more. Victor Hess is our Middle Grade expert with a heart for the future of children’s writing. JPC Allen and Annika Klanderud will look at Young Adult writing from both the perspective of a published author and a contest-winning aspiring writer. Bettie will tie it all together.

Introduction 10 minutes-Bettie-intro program and speakers
Presentation 1-Bitsy and Julie Picture Books 25 minutes-include basic craft of Picture Books and topics such as marketing and getting writing credits from the education world.
Transition-Bettie will add brief ideas for using what has been presented to improve other levels of kidlit writing and introduce the next presenters 5 minutes-This will give the next presenters time to set of power point if used.
Presentation 2-YA-Annika and JPC(Jennifer)-Annika will share basics of YA and hints to produce manuscripts worthy of winning contests as an aspiring YA author. JPC will talk about working with a small press as a published author and any hints about writing mysteries for YA or bridging to the adult reader. 25 minutes.
10 minute Bathroom Break
Transition/Intro-Bettie will do a brief wrap up of what can you use at other levels from the YA presentation- 5 minutes
Presentation 3-Bettie-Chapter Books basics, marketing, what you can apply to other levels, along with information about the ACFWKidlit Chapter 30 minutes
Transition- 5 minutes or less to keep on schedule
Presentation 4-Victor will share basic middle grade information, discuss building community, indie publishing, other hot topics. 30 minutes
Transition-Bettie will add input for other levels and announce that participants will be breaking into leveled groups-suggest they trade emails or cards, share where they are at in writing, discuss possible questions for the panel that will follow. 5 minutes
Breakout time to get with fellow level writers-Presentation leaders will each take a corner of the room to chat with those interested in their level on the above topics. 15 minutes
Panel will take questions or ask questions of each other if the audience has nothing. 15 minutes

A class on what Kickstarter is, how to use it as an author, and why you might want to consider it to launch your books.

Who I am and what’s my Kickstarter history:
I’ve run 3 successful campaigns (each over $10,000) so far – each one reaching more people and raising more funds for each book in my series. I have then gone on to publish those books wide and Kickstarter has helped me
do that while also helping me reach a new audience of readers.

What is Kickstarter?
I’ll outline what Kickstarter is (along with other platforms that can be used like Kickstarter), how it works, and the pros and cons of the platform itself.

Why would you want to use it to launch your books? And should you?
This would be the bulk of the class and would detail answers to the many questions I’ve been asked over the last several years about Kickstarter. Everything from “will my book do well on Kickstarter” to “what do I offer for my campaign” and “how do I promote it?”

More specifics on crowdfunding and questions.

Unlock the secrets to amplifying your author platform and connecting with readers like never before in The Author’s Blueprint: Building Buzz Through Tours and Tech. This dynamic workshop is designed for writers ready to take their careers to the next level by mastering the art of promotion through live events, digital strategies, and collaborative opportunities. Whether you’re an indie author or traditionally published, this session will equip you with actionable tools to build your audience, boost your visibility, and create lasting buzz around your work.

Dive into the world of events and book tours as we explore how to plan, promote, and execute successful in-person and virtual appearances that leave a lasting impression. We’ll also tackle the ever-evolving landscape of social media, demystifying platforms and strategies to help you stand out in a crowded digital space. From crafting compelling posts to leveraging trends and tech tools, you’ll walk away with a tailored plan to engage your audience authentically and effectively. Packed with practical tips, real-world examples, and step-by-step guidance, The Author’s Blueprint is your roadmap to blending traditional outreach with cutting-edge technology—turning your passion for writing into a thriving, buzz-worthy career.

This dynamic, information-packed program empowers writers to wield body language as a transformative storytelling tool. Discover how physical beats—subtle gestures like a clenched jaw, an averted gaze, or a nervous thumb tap—can deepen character development, amplify dialogue, and craft immersive, emotionally resonant scenes. Through hands-on exercises and vivid examples, participants will master the art of using nonverbal cues to convey unspoken tension, attraction, or fear, seamlessly replacing exposition with visual storytelling that “shows, not tells.” The class dives into practical techniques: where to place beats for maximum impact, how to vary gestures for authenticity, and how to avoid overuse while maintaining natural rhythm. Writers will learn to pace dialogue, anchor characters in physical space, and layer scenes with subtext and nuance. By the end, participants will wield this often-overlooked skill to elevate their narratives with depth, realism, and emotional punch—turning silent movements into powerful storytelling allies.