Junior Authors Writers Conference
The perfect writers conference for youth.
Join the JAWC Facebook page for all the updates!
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Sandman Signature Hotel & Resort
Richmond, BC, Canada
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
$79 Early Bird – Register before June 30th, 2013
$89 Regular Registration after June 30th
Sibling discount – Your first child pays full price. Get a $10 discount off the early bird or regular price for each additional child.
Price includes…
- 6 Interactive workshops (Please see our line up of wonderful speakers below)
- Personalized certificate of participation
- Goody bag
- Entry in door prizes with chances to win Laura’s new book for young writers which is launching the same day
- Pastries, hot drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and assorted juices in the morning
- Delicious catered lunch with salad, assorted sandwiches, fresh fruit, dessert squares, and beverages
- Parent workshop and Q&A session with Laura from 4:45 – 5:15 on how to support and encourage your young writer (included in the registration fee)
- A chance to be part of the exciting 2013 Junior Authors Contest awards presentation
- Be part of the launch party for Laura’s new book Polly Wants to be a Writer: The Junior Authors Guide to Writing and Getting Published
Join the JAWC Facebook page for all the updates!
About the Organizer
Laura is a professional writer with 20 years experience. She has been mentoring young writers in workshops, camps and courses since 2007. She has worked equally with homeschoolers and students in public and private schools, including those in gifted programs. Some of her students have gone on to have stories and poetry published in prestigious magazines like Stone Soup. She is also a mother with two young children and a professional children’s storyteller, who was storyteller in residence at Science World, Vancouver for 2012. Laura also has experience working with writers with special needs, including autism spectrum and ADHD. More recently Laura formed a communications company through which she has the privilege of mentoring and hiring young writers to work as freelance copywriters and ghost-writers.
About the Conference
The Junior Authors Conference is specially designed to recognize, affirm, inspire, and delight young writers ages 9 through 21. The workshops will be kept short. There will be lots of breaks, good food and opportunities to meet other young writers and some industry professionals. The workshops are interactive and fun. All presenters have experience working with children and youth and will deliver workshops that are appropriate for this age group. Please note that seating at the conference is limited.
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Specially designed for young writers
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Meet other young writers and industry professionals
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Fast-paced with lots of breaks
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Good food
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Great location on Highway 99 with free parking, easy drop off and pick up
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Open to ages 9 – 21 only
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Be part of the 2013 Junior Authors Contest Awards Ceremony
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Be part of the launch party for Laura’s new book Polly Wants to be a Writer: The Junior Authors Guide to Writing and Getting Published
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NOTE: Students with special needs may bring a support person with them at no additional charge. Complimentary meals included for support persons.
Our Fabulous Speakers
9:30 – 10:15 am
What She Said: Writing Effective Dialogue
with Michelle Barker, Author & Editor
What your characters say and how they say it can go a long way towards advancing your story, so can showing (rather than telling) the reader who your characters are. In this workshop Michelle will share examples of both good and bad dialogue, and then lets the participants practice writing some of their own.
Michelle Barker (www.michellebarker.ca) was born in Vancouver, BC. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of BC and went on to work as an editor and researcher before turning to writing full time. She has published short fiction, non-fiction and poetry in literary reviews, magazines and newspapers. In 2002, she won a gold National Magazine Award in personal journalism. Her chapbook, Old Growth, Clear-Cut: Poems of Haida Gwaii, was published by Leaf Press in 2012. Also in the same year, a mini-chapbook called Glimpsing the Stars came out with “The Centrifugal Eye.” Her poetry appeared in The Best Canadian Poetry in English (2011). Her first novel, The Beggar King is a young adult fantasy and has just been published by Thistledown Press.
10:30 – 11:15 am
How to Write a Great Article and Get it Published
with Deneka Michaud, Journalist & Communications Professional
Have you ever had an awesome story idea that you want to write for your local newspaper, magazine or online publication but you just aren’t sure how to go about it? Deneka will cover the main components of a news article, including a strong lead, the inverted pyramid structure and article citation. Participants will also practice creating news hooks in order to successfully pitch their story ideas, as well as discuss ways to navigate the system to ensure your idea gets to the right person.
Deneka Michaud is an experienced journalist and communicator. For her undergraduate degree she studied at Carleton University in Ottawa where she received a Bachelor of Journalism (Honours) with a minor in political science. Following graduation she worked as a journalist for seven years, both in print and broadcast news. Deneka has had hundreds of articles published and more than a 1,000 television stories aired. In 2011, she made the switch from journalism to communications where her writing has shifted from articles to press releases, speeches, letters, employee communication items, and the like. She recently completed her Graduate Certificate in Professional Communication Management from Royal Roads University in Victoria.
11:30 – 12:15 pm
A Story to Learn, Tell & Share
with Lois Peterson, Author & Storyteller
Long before there was TV, books, newspapers, the Internet, movies, and comics, there were stories. Often told around a campfire as a way to lean more about the world, share information and wonder about the unknown. In this highly interactive workshop, participants will hear a told creation story, discover and discuss what elements help bring a story to life in the listener’s imagination as they learn about the basic elements of a good story.
Lois Peterson (www.loispeterson.blog.com) has published seven novels for children and youth with Orca Books in Victoria, BC, along with a popular handbook called 101-and more-Writing Exercises to Get You Started and Keep You Going. Her books have been nominated for awards in BC, Ontario and Saskatchewan are are included on many recommended reading lists. Lois works closely with teachers, librarians and community leaders to create presentations that help participants improve their writing skills.
1:30 – 2:15 pm
Writing More Than You See
with Darlene Foster, Author
This workshop is about setting and how pictures can be used to write a scene. The importance of using more than the sense of sight to describe setting will be explored. Participants will practice descriptive writing by observing a picture of a place and describing it using more than one sense. This will be a fun, interactive workshop with an opportunity to share writing with other participants and learn from each other.
Darlene Foster (www.darlenefoster.ca) is a writer of children’s stories, an employment counsellor, an ESL tutor, a wife, mother and grandmother. She loves travel, reading, shoes, cooking, sewing, music, chocolate, walking on the beach and making new friends. Her grandson calls her “super-mega-woman-supreme.” Darlene has always had a desire to write and has won awards for her short stories, one of which has been included in an anthology, Country Roads: Memoirs from Rural Canada. She has published three books for middle-grade readers, Amanda in Arabia – The Perfume Flask and Amanda in Spain – The Girl in The Painting and Amanda in England – The Missing Novel, recently released. She believes everyone is capable of making their dreams come true!
2:30 – 3:15 pm
Move Your Body, Clear the Cobwebs, Become Inspired
with Jes von Henzke, (Laura’s Favourite) Yoga Instructor
This workshop will allow you to refocus on your project, simply by moving and breathing! After sitting for a long period of time, the mind becomes blurry and the body gets stiff. Getting up and moving in all ranges of motion, along with deep breathing, will help you revive your creativity and get your head back into the game of writing brilliantly! We will explore the power you possess to reignite the flame of inspiration for all of your writing projects.
Jes von Henzke (www.sadayayoga.com) explores her creativity through movement, breath, laughter, and connecting to nature. She has been teaching yoga to people of all ages and shapes since 2009 and believes that yoga can heal the mind, body, and soul, one baby step at a time.
3:30 – 4:15 pm
If You Were the Publisher
George Opacic, President Federation of BC Writers, Author, Publisher
The workshop will touch on important aspects of digital publishing, self-publishing, and main-stream publishing, focusing on their different expectations of an author. A publisher’s understanding of the elements of professionalism are discussed so that participants will better understand the difference between yourself and writing for a large audience.
George Opacic is President of the Federation of BC Writers (www.bcwriters.ca). During his writing career he has co-founded a magazine for builders of private aircraft and written numerous short stories and 12 film scripts. He is also a professional ghost-writer. His current project is an ambitious novel called The Antichrist of Stanley Park, which takes place in Nunavut and Vancouver.
For more information, please contact Laura at laura@laurathomascommunications.com or leave a comment below.
REFUND POLICY
Before September 19th – Refund less a 35% administration fee
After September 19th – No refunds
2013 Junior Authors Short Story Writing Contest Info
Junior Bloggers Wanted – submit an original article about the art and craft of writing
Comments (35)
would love to be on mailing list and to get information about the vancouver fall 2013 event
Done! Thanks for your interest! Conference date and preliminary details will be posted soon. Early bird registration will open in January when the contest opens.
I would like to be on the list to get in as well as some more information.
Hi Danielle. I have added you to the update list. Thanks for your interest in the conference. And, since you are teacher, please let me know if you or someone you know might be a good presenter. I have room for 6 workshops of 45 minutes each. Email me at laura@laurathomascommunications.com.
I was wondering what the maximum and minimum words for a short story also should I skip lines?
Hi Satya. The maximum number of words is 1,000. There is no minimum. And, if by “skip lines” you mean double space, then it’s up to you. If you would like even more information about how the judges score stories for this contest, please consider attending the online workshop with me on November 14th. It’s only 10 dollars and you will learn a lot in that time with me that will help you with this contest and much more.
Could you still win the contest if you don’t go to the writer’s conference?
Of course. The winners will be announced at the conference, but those who are not there will still win their prizes and hear from me right away!
[...] and ADHD. She is also a well-respected ESL tutor in her community. She is currently organizing a Junior Author’s Conference in the fall of [...]
Thank you for taking the time to interview me, Darlene. I am truly honoured.
I did drop you a note through your contact page, but did not hear back. Are you accpeting workshop proposals for the October conference? I would like to pitch two possible presentations. Tx. LP
Hi Lois. I sent you an email last week but I guess it did not go through. Thanks so much for contacting me. I am still making decisions about presenters for the conference. The time slot is only 45 minutes long and I will be paying an honorarium, plus lunch and promo. If that works for you please send me the following info: a bio, a blurb about your workshop, the learning objectives of your workshop, and your audio visual and photocopy needs.
8:30 in the morning? whew that is early XD I talked with one of my friends from where i used to live and she loves the idea
she was even thinking about entering the 2013 writing competition. I hope she is able to make it, i think it would be an awesome way to spend time with her 
What a great idea, Taylor. Is 8:30 early? I just don’t know anymore. I’m usually up by 6:00 because it’s the only quiet time I have for my own writing!
I guess whether it is early or not depends on who you ask. I am Not a morning person so to me it is early. BUT for this i will try to be =P haha.
Does a parent have to pay to come with their child, if they do not attend the workshops?
Hi Journey. A child who would benefit by being accompanied by a parent can have that parent come at no charge. This must be indicated at the time of registration. Any parent may attend the parent workshop and the award ceremony at the end of the day. There is no charge for that.
Hi Laura. I just wanted to say that I really loved the sound of this conference. I’ve never heard of it before but I’ve been a writer for years and I’m planning on going to college for Creative Writing. I’m a senior in high school at School of the Arts on Rochester New York, currently. I wish I could make it to this conference, but I don’t have the means for such travel. However, I have entered the short story competition, and I hope you like my story.
Hi Emily. While the contest is six years old, this is the first year that I am putting together a conference. I know it won’t be much good to you all the way in New York, but thank you for giving it a nod. By the way, if you are seriously looking to work as a writer, please take a look at this page of my website and see if you are interested in working with me.
I would love to be on the email list. I will be attending this in October. =D
Hi Aylene. That’s great. Registration is underway and seating is limited by the size of the room I’ve rented. If you are serious about coming, I would suggest that you email me and reserve your spot soon.
Love to be on the mailing list, hopefully I can come
Hi Journey. I think you are on my master mailing list for writers, but I will check.
In which country is the conference taking place?
Hi Tasnimah. This year the conference is in Canada, on the west coast near Vancouver.
How do you register for the conference?
Hi Jay. Please send an email to me at laura@laurathomascommunications.com with the name(s) of the participant(s) and I will email you an invoice which you can pay online or by mailing a cheque.
Can we register now and then pay in the fall? Also, how many spots do you have left?
Hi Journey. You have to pay in full to complete your registration. First come, first served. We still have seats left but I wouldn’t wait too long to register. With the contest winners being announced and my book launch plus all the workshops, etc., it’s going to be a big day.
Hello! I think this contest is a wonderful idea, I’ll definitely be submitting something. Just curious, is there a place where we can read winning entries in the 19-21 category? They don’t seem to be on the contest page. Thanks!
Hi Hannah. This is the first year that I have offered that category. In past years, you had to be 17 and under to participate. But then many writers grew up sending stories in each year and they begged me to allow older writers to participate. But I draw the line at 21!
Hello, I entered the competition but due to living in England I will not make it to the presentation. Does it matter if I’m not there?
Thankyou,
Caitlin
Hi Caitlin. As it says at the top of the contest page, I will contact the winners personally by phone or email and make sure they receive their prizes. They do not have to be at the conference.
Thankyou. x
Hi Caitlin. No problem. I’m a writer too and I understand the stress that goes along with submitting your work.