My Experiences at the Highlights Founders Workshop on Writing Jewish-Themed Children’s Books
by Dorit Sasson
Recently, I attended a workshop at the Highlights Foundation called Writing Jewish Themed Children’s Books. This three day hands-on workshop, facilitated by Jewish author Barbara Krashner, was specifically designed for writers of Jewish-themed content. This is the first time a workshop of this type has ever been offered by Highlights, and I am excited to share these new experiences with you.
Lisa Silverman, children’s book editor of the Jewish Book World, introduced us to the world of Jewish children’s literature and the book review process. It was a fascinating glimpse into what goes on behind the scenes. After dinner, she held a book discussion around 4 non-fiction and fiction books which gave us a deeper insight into what publishers are looking for in Jewish children’s books.
Peninnah Schram, a storyteller, professor of drama at Yeshiva University, and author of several children’s books for kids including an illustrated anthology, The Hungry Clothes and Other Jewish Folktales, gave a fascinating talk about stories and getting oral tradition onto the printed page.
On the second day, there was a panel discussion about what publishers look for in manuscript submissions and how prospective Jewish children authors can appeal to the mainstream and traditional Jewish markets. Panelists included Francoise Bui, executive editor from Delacorte, Devorah Rosenfeld from Hachai Publishing, Carolyn Yoder, editor from Calkins Creek, Rubin Pfeffer from East/West Literary and Mary Kole from the Andrea Brown Literary.
Later that day, I had a one-on-one manuscript critique with Devorah Leah Rosenfeld, editor of Hachai Press, who offered fresh feedback on my latest picture book manuscript. Jane Yolen, one of my all time favorite authors–she wrote the beloved Owl Moon, which won the 1988 Caldecott Medal, The Emperor and the Kite, a 1968 Caldecott Honor Book and the How Do Dinosaurs series, which are international bestsellers, talked at length about writing Jewish fiction. After dinner, she sat in on our peer critiques and offered incisive and thoughtful feedback to our manuscripts and various works-in-progress.
We ended the workshop with a group discussion about the opportunities and obstacles of Jewish children’s writing. Since many of the other writers who attended this workshop are experiencing the same obstacles as I am –such as setting writing goals and confronting our inner editors– the support I received was invaluable for my publishing and writing journey.
Hey, Dorit,
This sounds fabulous! You must have been in Children’s Writers’ Heaven! Thanks for sharing your experience with us all.
This sounded like a lot of fun and very interesting. I am glad you had a great time and thanks for sharing with us.
What a great experience and a dream come true. I think all writers dream of being able to attend a workshop of this magnitude. Congratulations.
Hi Dorit,
This sounds like a valuable workshop and a great time, too!
This was a dream come true – thanks for all your wonderful support and comments. Well-organized writing workshops like these from Highlights really nurture and support writers in such a powerful way that big conferences can’t match up with so this workshop was truly a winner!