Our Writing Voice is Also Our Singing Happy Birthday Voice,
Our Berating Teenagers Voice, Our Hollering at Ducks Voice, and That’s Not a Bad Thing.
How do we find the quiet we need to hear our own voice and make a good book?
Accompany two-time Caldecott medalist Sophie Blackall over the arc of a day and the arc of a picture book, with all the background noise of studio mates and school visits, deadlines and demanding ducks, as she argues that a surprisingly clear author and/or illustrator voice can emerge from our cacophonies.
This keynote presentation contains a 60-minute video where Sophie shares the things that truly inspire her and you will be inspired too. This is unlike anything you've ever seen.
Also includes a transcript and an exclusive art quote Sophie created just for Picture Book Summit.
"Crying right now. To start a conference with the message to
us that we can begin our writing process at any place and point in our life is
very special and diverse in its message. Everyone has a story to tell and they
all matter; published or not. I’m going to let go of hoping for an outside
source to approve of my voice AND JUST WRITE!
"- Tiffini
"What an inspiration. Ms Blackall is creativity with a head
and a heart." - Andrea E.
"
I'm speechless. Never more inspired as a writer/illustrator.
Sophie brings it all together, with grace and beauty. Words that speak with
depth and complexity." - Denise E.
Your Instructor
Sophie Blackall is an Australian artist and writer who has illustrated more than forty books for children including Finding Winnie and Hello Lighthouse, both of which won the Caldecott Medal, the New York Times Best Illustrated books Big Red Lollipop and The Baby Tree and the best-selling series Ivy and Bean. She works with UNICEF and Save the Children on global literacy and health campaigns and is building a retreat for children’s book people in an old dairy farm called Milkwood in upstate New York, which she now calls home.
Course Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
"I could not have imagined a better or more incredible presentation than the one you offered us today!! Thank you a million times, Sophie and Picture Book Summit Team, for enriching my life with this. With the very first session, you made the investment I was so worried about, when I finally decided to sign up, worth every penny."
- Wendi