Have you registered yet for the SCBWI Western Washington’s 20th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference? If not, here’s the link for the annual conference page. It’s also time to highlight another Keynote Speaker; Emily Jenkins. Emily is a full time writer who has written fourteen picture books; including THAT NEW ANIMAL, DAFFODIL, and SUGAR WOULD NOT EAT IT. Emily has another four books forthcoming (including PRINCESSLAND). Emily has worked as a freelance writer, primarily reviewing picture books for The New York Times Book Review, but she also worked for approximately five years as a magazine writer and critic. She has also written two adult books, and has a doctorate in 19th century English literature.
I have always been interested in picture books as a form, which stems (I suppose) from my background in theater. I am fascinated by the intersection of words and images – the way meanings of words can be altered by changing their presentation. An actor varies her intonation, or an illustrator changes a line – and the story is new.