If you're at #NY15SCBWI, I hope you'll join me (and faculty friends) at the "Find The LGBTQ in SCBWI" Session!

I'm excited to once more host and moderate this great Q&A session at the 2015 SCBWI Winter Conference, where we'll dive into the dos, don'ts, ins and outs of including LGBTQ characters and themes in writing and illustrating for children and teens.

We'll be joined by faculty guests, including Agent Tina Wexler (of ICM) and Simon and Schuster Art Director (and 2016 Debut Author) Laurent Linn.

The LGBTQ session will be on Saturday February 7th from 8pm - 9pm, right after the Gala party!


More about Tina:

Tina Wexler is an agent at ICM Partners, focused on middle grade and young adult fiction and non-fiction. She is particularly interested in modern folklore, non-linear storytelling, magical realism, humor, weepies, and most anything with a feminist slant. Current and forthcoming titles include Teddy Mars, Almost a World Record Breaker by Molly Burnham, Pointe by Brandy Colbert, Poisoned Apples by Christine Heppermann, Nightbird by Alice Hoffman, and Bone Gap by Laura Ruby. She holds an MFA in poetry from Brooklyn College and is the mother of two boys. On Twitter: @tina_wexler.

Agent Tina Wexler

And here's Laurent's debut book announcement:


"David Gale at Simon & Schuster has acquired world rights for Laurent Linn's debut illustrated YA novel, Draw the Line. Obsessed with superheroes and Renaissance art, 16-year-old Adrian creates his own unique but secret comic-book style superhero... who happens to be gay. Thrust into a dangerous spotlight at his Texas high school, Adrian must use his own superpower - art - in a struggle to discover how to become a true hero. Emmy-winning author Linn, an art director at S&S, also creates the illustrations for the novel. Publication is scheduled for summer 2016. Brenda Bowen at Sanford J. Greenburger Associates negotiated the deal.

Art Director and Author Laurent Linn

It promises to be a great discussion!

Lee

*** UPDATE SATURDAY MORNING FEB 7, 2015 ***

Additional Confirmed Faculty Guest: Agent Jennifer Laughran, Andrea Brown Literary Agency!

Jennifer's bio:

Jennifer Laughran is a senior agent at the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She joined ABLA in 2007 after many years as a buyer and event coordinator for an independent bookstore. Jenn is always on the lookout for sparkling YA and middle grade fiction with unusual and unforgettable characters and vivid settings; the common thread in all her favorite stories is an offbeat world-view. She loves funny books, thrilling books, romantic books, books that make her cry, and all-around un-put-downable books.

Agent Jennifer Laughran

*** UPDATE SATURDAY EVENING FEB 7, 2015 ***

CONFERENCE FACULTY & BEST-SELLING AUTHOR JANE YOLEN TO JOIN US!

Jane Yolen is the author of well over 350 books, including Owl Moon, Devil's Arithmetic, and the How Do Dinosaurs books. A past president of SFWA (Science Fiction/Fantasy Writers of America) she's written books and stories that have won two Nebulas, a World Fantasy Award, a Caldecott, two Golden Kite Awards, three Mythopoeic awards, two Christopher Medals, a nomination for the National Book Award, and the Jewish Book Award, among others.

Best-Selling and Award-Winning Author Jane Yolen

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