Welcome Scribblers, Writers, Dreamers!

ANNOUNCEMENT:

THE JOY OF REVISION: SEE YOUR WORK ANEW

with Katherine E. Kottaras

Register for this Workshop here

“Never think of revising as fixing something that is wrong...Rather think of it as an opportunity to improve something you already love.”

-Marion Dane Bauer

Do you have a work-in-progress that's been sitting in a drawer (or a laptop file) that misses you? Maybe you know that WIP needs work, but something's keeping you from diving back in. Maybe that something is...fear? Step by step, and with tools in hand, we will step away from fear and reopen those files. We'll ask the important questions and re-engage with the important work of revising our WIPs so that we can reignite our creativity and lean back into the joy of writing.

Please bring the following materials:

1. Writing implements - notebook and pen/laptop

2. Chapter you would like to work on/revise

NOTE: This workshop will be hosted over Zoom. Attendees will receive the link once they register for this event.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

KATHERINE E. KOTTARAS

Katherine is a contemplative writer and holistic teacher.

Katherine is the author of the critically-acclaimed YA contemporary novels, HOW TO BE BRAVE (2015) and THE BEST POSSIBLE ANSWER (2016), both from St. Martin’s Press/Griffin Teen. She is also the writer, voice, and co-creator of Yoga with Eleonora on PillowFortTV.

Katherine holds an M.A. in English and an M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus on Integrative Wellness. She has worked at the middle, high school, and community college levels for over two decades. She is also a yoga teacher, personal trainer, and health coach while also living with invisible illnesses and neurodivergence, and as such, she is passionate about mindfulness, bodily self-determination, and health equity. As the queer daughter of an immigrant, Katherine believes that holistic and inclusive approaches to expression, healing, and growth should be accessible to all.

Check out Katherine’s new series, Yoga with Eleonora on YouTube, which helps kids of all ages calm their minds and bodies so they can respond to and communicate their feelings in healthy ways.

Learn more about her YA books here: https://www.katherinekottaras.com/writing.html

Register for this Workshop here

Whether you seek a community of like-minded authors, dream of becoming a published author, or simply want to pursue and explore your writing hobby, joining a writing group like the Children's Book Writers of Los Angeles will help you.

CBW–LA offers critique groups and sessions, writing workshops, guest lectures, write-ins at local coffee shops, networking, writing support, and even publishing opportunities for our members and guests. Every month, there's something interesting on our calendar!

Once you've had a look around, be sure to check out OUR NEWSLETTER at medium.com for thoughts on writing.

Upcoming events

Online Critique Session: All Genres Welcome

14 Aug 2022 1:00 PM

Online (Zoom)
Story + Character Arcs = Tension

10 Sep 2022 1:00 PM

Online on Zoom
Three Character Revealing Secrets That Make Editors Swoon

01 Oct 2022 1:00 PM

Online via Zoom

HISTORY

Although the group's main focus is on writing for children, we welcome writers of all kinds, as well as those who love to read children's books.

Founded in 2010, we branched out to start publishing our members in 2013 through our annual Story Sprouts Writing Day Workshop. We have two Writing Resources and Anthologies under our belt: Story Sprouts and Story Sprouts: Voice as well as a collaborative Middle Grade novel called Kayla Wayman, Teen Time Traveler: Lost in the Stream.

Story Sprouts: Setting and Story Sprouts: Conflict are currently in development, as well as a yet-unnamed Middle Grade collaborative novel about a boy who gets sucked into his video game. Look for those soon.

We encourage you to attend the annual workshop and buy a copy of the previous Story Sprouts; they make an excellent writing resource, brimming with high quality poetry, short fiction and nonfiction by our Story Sprouts authors.

MISSION AND PURPOSE

Our workshops provide tips and lessons on the craft and business of writing. You'll learn how to create characters so real, they practically jump off the page, weave storylines to make an interesting plot, revise and edit your manuscript, write and submit query letters to agents and editors, and how the publishing industry works.

You can get helpful feedback on your manuscript through our critique sessions, and our creative writing sessions help in sparking the next great idea, or simply help you improve your writing skills so you can find your voice and style.

MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS

Events are open to members and non-members alike. Members get great discounts on our workshops and free access to our critique sessions. Be sure to RSVP to reserve your space at any event. We offer many takeaways and have limited space, so we want to make sure you get the most out of your experience.