Jennifer Allison (below, left) author of the Gilda Joyce, Psychic Investigator series; Amy Huntley (below, center), author of the YA novel The Everafter; Deborah Diesen (below, right), author of picture books including Michigan Reads! selection The Pout-Pout Fish; and Ruth McNally Barshaw, author and artist of the Ellie McDoodle middle-grade illustrated novel series (shown above, in the drawing workshop she also put on for kids) spoke on the topic of writing for young people.
The panel discussed their path to publication and encouraged audience members to study the market, find critique groups to hone their craft, and join the Society for Children's Book Writers & Illustrators. The authors talked about how long it takes to reach publication, and the encouragement and discouragement they found along the way.
The festival, held annually at the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, also featured panel discussions on mysteries, baseball, poetry, new voices in women's fiction, and more. There were a storybook corner and activity tent for children; and demonstrations of printing, as well as bookseller and craft booths.
