Schedule

          Children’s Writers of the Hudson Valley

Saturday, September 19, 2026 Conference

The Heartwood at Vassar 

165 College Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

8:00 - 8:40  REGISTRATION 

8:45 - 9:00  WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS

9:00 - 11:00  WORKSHOPS: Choose One:

   Workshop A -  Inspiring New Readers: From Beginning Reader Books to Early Chapter Books and Graphic Novels

   Elizabeth Barton, Executive Editor, Simon & Schuster 

           

    Workshop B -  Elevate Your MG/YA Manuscript from Plot Points to Jacket Copy

  Kelsey Horton,  Executive Editor, Delacorte Press

11:00 - 12:30 - LUNCH & MINGLE * MERRITT ON-SITE BOOKSTORE * AUTHOR SIGNINGS

12:30 - 2:30 -  Workshop for all attendees: 

            Hook, Line, and Sinker: Catching Attention With Your Pitch and Story

         Celina Sun, Assoc. Editor, Penguin Workshop

        

2:30 - 2:40 - TEN-MINUTE BREAK

2:40 - 3:40 - Workshop for all attendees:

                        Special School Visit Presentation    

         Josh Funk, Award-winning author of “Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast” and other books

                         Tips, Best Practices, and Lessons Learned for your Author Visits

3:40 - 3:50 - TEN-MINUTE BREAK 

3:50 - 4:20 - Q & A Panel: Industry professionals answer your burning questions! 

4:20 - 4:35 - Fun trivia game in memory of Val Marchini 

4:35 - 4:45 - CLOSING  

           

            One-on-one manuscript critiques will take place all day. For those who signed up, 

            check your folder for your time, critiquer, and room.