I'm participating in a panel discussion, a seminar on Children's Book publishing at 826 Michigan this weekend.
For anyone unfamiliar with this worthwhile organization:
"826michigan is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting students aged 6 to 18 with their creative and expository writing skills, and to helping teachers inspire their students to write. 826 opened its doors in June of 2005. Since then, we have been blessed with students, tutors, and volunteers overflowing with enthusiasm.
We believe that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success. To make that a reality, we provide drop-in tutoring, after-school workshops, in-schools tutoring, help for English language learners, and assistance with student publications.
We also believe that the more fun a student has, and the more directly we speak to a student’s interests, the more we can help students find the fun in learning. That’s why our programs are more than just extra homework. Students can come to 826 for help and inspiration for all kinds of things, from poetry to storytelling, writing songs to writing college entrance essays, finishing novels to starting haikus. And of course, homework of all kinds too. "
I can do this and provide some broad perspective, but my friend Ruta is better suited to this kind of event. I don't think I realized the focus was on illustrated books when I agreed or I would have suggested her.