Missouri SCBWI Event: Retreat with Editor Randi Rivers

Missouri SCBWI Presents

The Writer’s Revision Retreat

Featuring

Charlesbridge Editor Randi Rivers

And

Novelist Kristin Nitz

April 23 – 25, 2010

Trout Lodge YMCA

Potosi, Missouri

“There is no great writing, only great rewriting.”

– Justice Brandeis

Authors love to write. We all adore the excitement of a new idea and the thrill of exploring a new character. It’s the agony of editing that we hate.

With the help of editor, Randi Rivers and novelist, Kristin Nitz, you will learn how to face that monster called revision.

You will spend a full weekend analyzing and revising your toughest project. Charlesbridge Editor Randi Rivers will meet one-on-one with you

to suggest revisions that will make your manuscript stronger. Both Kristin and Randi will give workshops on how to improve your writing. You

will also have time to make changes and meet with Randi a second time to go over your revisions.

Novelist Kristin Nitz will work with you to draft a query letter to an editor and help answer your marketing questions. It will be a weekend full of

writing, rewriting, and encouragement.

Staff Bios:

Randi Rivers

Charlesbridge Editor

Randi Rivers started her publishing career in the Los Angeles area, working as an associate editor for three motorcycle magazines. While living in California, she co-wrote a sketch comedy show and a play, both of which were produced onstage. Randi joined Charlesbridge Publishing in 2000. Currently an editor, she acquires and edits eight to 10 children’s books per year. She enjoys editing both fiction and nonfiction. Her favorite topics are nature, science, social studies and anything that tickles her funny bone.

Kristin Wolden Nitz

Novelist

Kristin is a longtime student of the query letter and regards them almost as a separate art form. She regularly shares her insights on cover letters and query letters with students at the Institute of Children’s Literature. Her short stories and articles have appeared in Cricket, Highlights, Hopscotch, and Boy’s Quest. She’s written nonfiction books for Lerner and Pearson Education. Her second novel, Saving the Griffin, is on the master lists for

the 2009/10 Kentucky Bluegrass Award 9 grades 3-5) and the Georgia Book Award.

Setting:

The retreat will be held at the lovely Trout Lodge YMCA in Potosi, Missouri.

http://www.ymcaoftheozarks.org

This peaceful setting, beside a lake with tree-covered hills, is a wonderful inspiration for writing. All rooms have two double beds and their own bathroom.

All meals and lodging are included in the cost of the retreat. Private rooms are not available for this retreat.

A special part of this retreat is receiving one-on-one feedback from an editor. You will be asked to submit the first ten pages of your novel, or one whole picture book by February 1st. Randi will read your manuscript and meet with you to go over any changes she recommends.

You will also have the opportunity to work on additional projects in a small critique group. You will receive more information about the small groups upon registration.

This retreat is limited to members of SCBWI who are on the PAL* list (*published and listed).  There is a retreat in July that is open to all writers published

or unpublished. To keep the retreat intimate, there will be only 14 participants. Please register early to reserve your spot. Registrations will be

accepted on a first-come first-serve basis.

Schedule:

Friday

3:00 – Check-in begins

5:00 – Opening remarks and introductions

6:00 – Supper

7:30 – 9:00 Session one – Randi Rivers

9:00 – 10:00 Social time

Saturday

8:00 – Breakfast

9:00 – 10:30 Critiques with Randi and meetings with small critique groups

10:30 – 10:45 Break

10:45 -12:00 Session Two- Kristin Nitz and finish critiques with Randi Rivers

12:00 – Lunch

1:30 – 4:00 Writing and revision time

4:00 – 5:30 Session Three- Randi Rivers

6:00- 7:00 Supper

7:30 – 9:00 Revision and writing time

9:00 – 10:00 Social time

Sunday

8:00- Breakfast

9:00 – 10:30- Session Four-Kristin Nitz and revision meetings with Randi

10:30-10:45 – Break

10:45- 12:00 – Small-group critique meetings and revision meetings with Randi

12:00 – Lunch

1:00 – Wrap up and Good-bye

Registration Form:

_______ Yes! I am a PAL* member of SCBWI

(and yes, we do check!)

Name _____________________________

Address____________________________

__________________________________

E-mail _____________________________

Phone _____________________________

________ enclosed is my check for $335.00

Cost of the retreat is $335.00.

This includes all sessions, overnight accommodations, and all meals.

Check payable to: Missouri SCBWI

Mail check and form to: Stephanie Bearce

18 Quiet Brook Ct. St. Charles, MO 63303

You will receive e-mail confirmation of your registration and instructions for submitting your manuscript.

*PAL membership of the SCBWI means published and listed. To register yourself on PAL simply login to SCBWI and update your profile information. Only people on the PAL list will be accepted for participation in this retreat.

Questions? Contact smbearce@charter.net