Thursday, January 20, 2011

2011 Conference Series: Keynote Speaker Emily Jenkins

Have you registered yet for the SCBWI Western Washington’s 20th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference? If not, here's the link for the annual conference page. It's also time to highlight another Keynote Speaker; Emily Jenkins. Emily is a full time writer who has written fourteen picture books; including THAT NEW ANIMAL, DAFFODIL, and SUGAR WOULD NOT EAT IT. Emily has another four books forthcoming (including PRINCESSLAND). Emily has worked as a freelance writer, primarily reviewing picture books for The New York Times Book Review, but she also worked for approximately five years as a magazine writer and critic. She has also written two adult books, and has a doctorate in 19th century English literature.
Emily says this about her interest in picture books:
I have always been interested in picture books as a form, which stems (I suppose) from my background in theater. I am fascinated by the intersection of words and images – the way meanings of words can be altered by changing their presentation. An actor varies her intonation, or an illustrator changes a line – and the story is new.
A great resource to find out more information about Emily, and her work, is Emily's own website. Here's a few other interviews; Emily was interviewed on Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast, a blog about books. She is also featured on Who Wrote That? An Interview with Patricia Newman (who writes a blog for children, writers, and parents). And a great quote on Emily that makes me excited to hear her speak at our conference:
"So, what stands out about Emily Jenkins? For one, her writing is so child-friendly and accessible that she makes it look like a cinch to write in such a manner, though we know it isn’t."

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