A Nonfiction Conference for Children's Writers--2014 in Texas

11/19/2013

LWH: Who else will help me teach my friends to write nonfiction?

A friendly duck named Steve Swinburne waddled up.

SS the FD: I will help! I know all about turtles and beaks and wolves (oh my!)

A turtledove named Kelly Loughman the Holiday House Editor, a mockingbird named Lucas Miller (singer/science writer), and a bluejay named Kristen Fulton flew down.

KLFE the T: I will help!

LM the M: I will help!

KF the B: I will help!

And they did! Editor Kelly Loughman, and authors Steve Swinburne, Peggy Thomas, Lucas Miller, Kristen Fulton and several others will be part of a fabulous, fun, and very instructive conference for any chick or rooster who wants to become a Skillful Scribes of True Things. More faculty members are flocking to our conference--TBA!

Photo by Tom Curtis

Once upon a time, there was a little white hen. She was a clucker, a strutter, and a writer of nonfiction. All the other chickens in her henhouse were writing fiction. Little White Hen wanted to share the joys and thrills of writing about True Things.

LWH: Who will help me put on a nonfiction conference?

Famous Conference Crow: Not I. We already have a nonfiction conference that works great without chickens.

Local Writing Organization Owl: Not I. Our fiction conference uses all of our volunteers. We cannot do two.

Foxy Conference Promoter: Not I. You are a chicken. I am a fox. You know what that means.

LWH: Fine, then I will do it myself!

And she did. Little White Hen called her conference NF 4 NF, "Nonfiction for the Nicely Feathered". She decided to have it October 9 - 12, 2014, in Texas, because that state is definitely for the birds. Little White Hen found some friendly fowl who were terrific writers of True Things. They were delighted to help pencil-wise poultry make the switch to nonfiction.

First Little White Hen met a lovely and talented swan named Peggy Thomas. This sleek bird penned the definitive book on How To Be Top-O'-The-Barn with Factual Writing. It was reissued with a new title and a lovely green cover. Peggy's book is fun to read and Full of Tips for New Nonfiction Writers!

LWH: Will you help me put on a nonfiction conference?

PT the S: Yes, I will!

You can be a fine-feathered part of our writing conference for children's writers-- NF 4 NF (Nonfiction for New Folks to the Nearly Famous). Check out the NF 4 NF tab (above) for schedule, lodging, the university venue, and FAQs for this October 2014 conference. It will be at historic Fredericksburg in the Hill Country of central Texas.

PRIZE DRAWING! Leave a comment about why you would or would not attend a nonfiction conference. One lucky winner will be chosen on December 1, 2013. You will win a free manuscript critique, fiction or nonfiction, from The Little White Hen, aka Pat Miller.

50 Comments

Steve swinburne link

11/19/2013 01:06:18 pm

My feathers are preened, the stars are bright (deep in the heart of Texas!) and I'm ready to migrate to NF4NF to join in the magic! Cock-a-doodle-YEAH!

Pat Miller

11/19/2013 11:16:34 pm

And we lucky ducks are delighted to have you and your ukelele teach and serenade us!

Donna L Sadd link

11/19/2013 09:29:44 pm

I'd be there with bells on, just tell me where to fly in. Sounds like a hoot! (I'm sorry to have missed this year's event.)

Pat

11/19/2013 11:19:25 pm

Welcome, Donna! You haven't missed anything because this is the first coming up. Come help us make some fine-feathered writing history.

Cathy Ballou Mealey link

11/19/2013 11:49:56 pm

Oh how I would love to "flock" to Texas for NF4NF!

Signing up for the email updates right away. I have 4 draft NF PB biographies that would love to be fledged in such fine company.

Pat

11/19/2013 11:56:23 pm

Such a pun-ny way you have with words! Professional critiques will be available from NF writers and an editor from Holiday House. Perhaps your biographies will take flight during NF4NF. You will be much encouraged and armed (winged?) with powerful tools to further your NF work.

Joanne Roberts link

11/20/2013 01:05:01 am

I would absolutely attend if I could. (Though I think Texas a bit far for this coal-cracker.) Why? I realized over half of my ideas for PiBoIdMo were non-fiction. I realized most of my favorite books as a kid were non-fiction. I see my 9 year-old who lives for non-fiction. I attended my first Highlights workshop and heard about Farmer George and read Anatomy of Non-Fiction until the wee hours each night. I realized I love non-fiction!! So I have my sights set on a non-fiction workshop an hour from my house and have joined WOW on Facebook. I don't know how to start, but I am diving in with both feet. Thanks for being one more source I can turn to.

Pat

11/20/2013 07:10:07 am

Sounds like you have discovered a clear path to your immediate publishing future--which is a feat in itself. I discovered Peggy Thomas at Highlights, too, when they gave us her book. I'm thrilled that she will be presenting and critiquing at the NF 4 NF Conference!

Lily Stejskal

11/20/2013 01:19:59 am

I would attend a nonfiction conference because there are lots of nonfiction topics I would like to write about, chiefly topics with environmental themes, like endangered species, saving the oceans and rainforests, and slowing climate change.

Pat

11/20/2013 07:15:09 am

All of those are topics that are big in curriculum and big in the interest of kids. Definitely pursue those. If you can't come to NF 4 NF to hear Peggy Thomas, at least get her book. I credit her book's advice and guidance with helping my first NF book be such a success

Kelly Loughman

11/20/2013 02:40:23 am

Three cheers for nonfiction and nonfiction writers, be they new, nearly famous, or anywhere in between! Looking forward to joining the Fredericksburg Flock in 2014...

Pat

11/20/2013 07:17:10 am

And we're delighted that you will be flying South for the winter--I mean for the NF 4 NF Conference! Your extensive editorial experience will be such an asset, especially in the one-to-one critiques.

Ashley Bankhead

11/20/2013 02:43:54 am

I have an idea for nonfiction, but have not written one before. This conference would be great.

Pat

11/20/2013 07:20:40 am

Most major writing conferences are helpful to all genres of writers. But NF 4 NF is designed for the beginner with a good idea all the way to an experienced NF writer who needs affirmation and inspiration. You might want to sign up for the updates so I can keep you posted with what's in store for you. :-)

Lindsay Bonilla link

11/20/2013 03:50:05 am

I would definitely attend a non-fiction conference. I remember when I was growing up I used to love to read, and I loved all of the English/Language Arts classes at school from grade school all the way thru high school. I did not enjoy science, history and geography as much. I don't know if it was the fact that I personally just didn't like it, or if the teachers I had didn't make it interesting to me. Now I find that I am very intrigued by many of these topics, but what I love and what captures my attention most is when they are presented in a story form. Learning in this manner helps me to remember and retain the knowledge and connect it to something that matters to me as opposed to being just a set of facts to memorize or learn for a test. I wonder how many other people, especially kids, feel the same way that I do. Maybe there is a topic that they would be interested in if it were presented in a story format!

Pat

11/20/2013 07:27:32 am

I was a school librarian for 22 years, so I know what children ask to read. You are on the exact right track with what you/they find appealing. The NF of the past 10 years is nothing like that of the previous 50. You and young readers both will get hooked on the incredible wealth of information with high-interest topics and creative presentations.

Tracy Molitors link

11/20/2013 04:12:35 am

I would love to attend a nonfiction conference, but it won't be this year. In trying PiBoIdMo for the first time, I have discovered a smattering of nonfiction ideas that I didn't know I had up my sleeve. I would love to explore them. I'm beginning to think that I need to move to Texas-so many arty and interesting things going on there in the writing and illustrating world!

Pat

11/20/2013 07:29:34 am

If you like, sign up for the NF 4 NF updates. That way I can keep you informed about the 2015 conference when you might be able to come. Our beloved Southwest Airlines makes it more affordable t
han moving here. :-)

Kirsten Carlson link

11/20/2013 06:58:12 am

I author-illustrated a nonfiction activity book and loved it. Have not yet written a PB, but have a list of possibilities.

Cost is a major reason I wouldn't be able to attend. Airline ticket is $700 RT (just checked, Honolulu-Austin), plus the workshop+hotel fee, plus car rental. Limited funds, and I have to choose which conferences/retreats are the best investments. Definitely will stay tuned, spread the word ('cause it's a dynamite location for folks living in Central US).

Pat

11/20/2013 07:32:02 am

I hear you! But do sign up for updates--we'll keep you informed about this and our 2015 conference so you can tell your friends. And invest in Peggy Thomas's *Anatomy of Nonfiction*. It's like a conference between paper covers!

Bev Baird

11/20/2013 10:57:55 pm

Having just retired after 36 years in education, I am returning to writing. I miss the interaction with children - my favourite was the daily readalouds. So many excellent Non fiction books that empower kids to learn. A number of the ideas I have ben collecting for PiBoIdMo have been non-fiction ones.
I would love to go to Texas for the conference - just a bit too far this year to attend.

Pat

11/22/2013 02:28:51 pm

We have a similar career history--surrounded by the interests and questions of children, and of the best in new nonfiction. Do get Peggy Thomas's book. *Anatomy of Nonfiction* is a great DIY workshop.

Peggy Thomas link

11/21/2013 12:38:59 am

This swan is ready to fly south for this shindig. Love the idea of an all nonfiction conference -- the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth about writing true stories. Excellent!

Pat

11/22/2013 02:29:40 pm

There will be a whole flock of us waiting to welcome you with open wings! This is going to be a fabulous conference!

Kim Peterson

11/21/2013 01:23:27 am

I would attend a nonfiction conference because, as much as I love fiction, the majority of books published for children are nonfiction. I devoured the nonfiction books as a child. So much for children to learn, and we can write fascinating and fun books to entertain (and teach) them. --Kim

Pat

11/22/2013 02:30:57 pm

You're right on the nose. Nonfiction is every bit as challenging and inspiring to write (even addictive) as fiction. It's a bit out of one's comfort zone--but that's also what makes it invigorating!

daniela weil link

11/21/2013 03:10:58 am

Pat, having Steve Swinburne and Sneed Collard at our sbcwi meetings was very eye opening to me, and I am actively pursuing writing some non-fiction pulling from my previous life as a research biologist. I'd be super interested in going to next years conference as well as pursuing other courses and workshops that come up. thanks for spearheading this! daniela weil

Pat

11/22/2013 02:32:02 pm

I'll keep you updated--I've got a lot of great speakers and special surprises in store for everyone. To be revealed!

Damon Dean link

11/21/2013 03:25:40 am

I would RELISH a nearby non-fiction conference, because of all of my writing, I've had more 'satisfaction' with the non-fiction articles I've written. Guess that comes from my teacher background. I burn to help kids learn. Will definitely plan on Oct 2014!

Pat

11/22/2013 02:33:27 pm

We're going to have terrific speakers, the venue is historic, and I have lots of surprises planned of the gastronomic variety as well as the mental. I do hope you can come. I'll keep you updated.

Angela De Groot link

11/22/2013 03:28:27 am

As a bit of a clucker myself, I know that a NF writers conference will help me become more skilled at scribing All Things True.

Pat

11/22/2013 02:34:28 pm

I hope you'll sign up for updates. This is going to be #1 on the Clucker List of Best Writing Conferences. :-)

Cheryl Pilgrim link

11/25/2013 02:24:09 pm

I enjoyed hearing Steve Swinburne at the last Houston scbwi meeting. Very interested in this conference! Thanks for organizing and would appreciate being entered in the manuscript critique contest.

Pat

11/25/2013 02:51:24 pm

You're in! Sign up on this same page and you'll receive all the updates. It's going to be a terrific conference!

Pat

11/25/2013 02:52:20 pm

You are signed up--hurrah!

Kelly Bennett link

11/25/2013 09:00:56 pm

It's going to be a fab conference and so needed. I'm hoping to attend.

Pat

11/27/2013 03:05:55 am

We'd love to have you! I hope you will subscribe to our updates (at the top of this page).

Margie Moore link

11/26/2013 06:44:01 am

Thanks so much for this Pat. It sounds terrific, Sign me up for critique and the updates. Would love to make the next one.

Pat

11/27/2013 03:06:41 am

I'll sign you up! Look for a confimation e-mail. Then you're set to get all the latest news!

Deborah Holt Williams link

11/28/2013 03:53:21 pm

I've done two pieces for AppleSeeds magazine that were non-fiction, and although the research is a lot of work, I really enjoyed it. Who would attend a nonfiction conference? I would! I would! Who would like a Pat Miller critique? I would! I would!

Pat

11/28/2013 11:13:51 pm

Who would welcome you with open wings? I will! I will! Add your name to the sign up form and I will send you the latest updates.

Christine M. Irvin link

11/29/2013 08:53:13 am

I would fly to Texas if I could, but I don't think that's going to happen. Sounds like a great opportunity, though! :(

Pat

11/29/2013 11:40:35 am

Sorry you're so far. Maybe in the future!

Tina Cho link

11/29/2013 10:25:55 am

I would love a nf conference--if I was in the area. I've written nf pieces and am starting my first pb biography so I'd love to have all the help I can get. I've read Farmer George; you have exciting faculty!

Pat

11/29/2013 11:43:21 am

It would be exciting to me if you WERE in the area and could come. The illustrator of Farmer George is a friend--I wonder if Layne would come? Hmmmm......

Amelia Shearer

11/30/2013 05:14:29 am

I would definitely consider attending a non-fiction conference! The only conferences I have attended for writing have been SCBWI in NY twice, and I leave full of amazing information and burgeoning ideas. I had never really considered non-fiction ideas until discovering Jane Yolen's My Uncle Emily at the library and reading her post in PiBoIdMo later that day. Now that the possibility has opened up to me, I find myself wondering how it's done well. Reading Jane Yolen's book was awe-inspiring with the way she wove a historical character and biographical info into such a heart-warming tale from a child's perspective, and I know there are ins-and-outs of how to do that gracefully that I just have not heard.

Pat

11/30/2013 05:23:49 am

Peggy's *Anatomy of Nonfiction* is a great place to start. She answers questions you might not know you have. I do hope you can come hear her in person. Sign up for updates if you'd like to know more about NF 4 NF as it develops.

Amanda Sincavage link

11/30/2013 08:00:12 am

My first few PB manuscripts have been fiction, but I have a few NF ideas (PBs and magazine articles) brewing. I would absolutely attend a non-fiction conference, though I would probably start with one that is a little closer to home. In the meantime, you've sold me on Peggy's "Anatomy of Nonfiction." Pat, would activity books or thematic journals with supporting facts be considered non fiction? Thanks!

Pat

11/30/2013 09:20:09 am

Peggy's book is a "must-read". When I got my copy, I read it through in 3 days. Huge help!

I'm not sure how to answer your questions without specifics. If you want to email me (see "Contact" tab) with more details, I'll try to help you decide.

Vermicomposting link

11/19/2016 03:39:33 am

I love to attend this.

About Me

Ah, books. I never outgrew my love of children's books. My passion became a career--I was an elementary school librarian. And now I write books for kids!

A Nonfiction Conference for Children's Writers--2014 in Texas

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