You gotta love a workshop that starts with the entire room singing "We are, we are - writers. We are, we are - writers." Then, the workshop organizer stands up front wearing a t-shirt and hat that states "Writer." It's pretty sure you are not going to be bored at any point during the day.

So went the October 27 Writer's Day 2007 workshop hosted by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators; SCBWI as they call themselves. More than 200 writers, aspiring writers, illustrators and curious would-be writers arrived to spend the day at California Lutheran University learning about the craft of writing.

Each year, workshop organizers from the Ventura/Santa Barbara Branch of SCBWI, plan a busy day of speakers who are writers, editors, illustrators and others who help make everyone feel that success in publishing is not only possible but probable.

The enthusiasm for the program is provided by Alexis O'Neill, a children's book author from Simi Valley who also works at the Simi Valley Library. She pumps up the crowd, introduces the speakers and offers encouragement for new writers who think that getting published seems impossible.

Guest speakers this year were; Susan Paytron, author and Newbery Medalist, "Higher Power of Lucky (S&S); Reka Simonsen, senior editor, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers; Kendra Levin, Assistant Editor, Viking Books; and Tim Gilner, Art Director, Boyds Mills Press.

Spotlight presentations by local authors included; Jay Asher, "Thirteen Reasons Why" (Razorbill/Penguin); Denise Gruska, "The Only Boy in Ballet Class" (Gibbs-Smith); Barbara Jean Hicks, "The Secret Life of Walter Kitty" (Knopf); Rene Colato Lainez, "Playing Loteria" (Rising Moon Books; and Heather Thomlinson, "The Swan Maiden" (Henry Holt Books for Young Readers.

Susan Patron spoke about the experience of being selected for the Newbery award. She started with the excitement of finding out she had won, traveling to New York to be on television and going to the awards ceremony. Patron is a former librarian for 35 years with the Los Angeles Public Library.

Reka Simonsen, senior editor at Henry Holt Books shared some of the things that are important to her when receiving a book submission. She want believability; a story that is real and true, both emotionally and physically. There needs to be some logic in the world, even if it is a fantasy world. Simonsen wants the writer to know the reader; what does a reader worry about, what language does the reader use, what interests does the reader have, and what is the reading ability of the reader? All of those questions should be considered so the characters and story are believable. Most importantly, she says, "I am an editor, but, at the end of the day, I am a reader."

Rene Colato Lainez came to Los Angeles from San Salvador, El Salvador. He worked hard to become a kindergarten teacher. Stories he wrote for his students became so popular that adults and students told him that he should publish his work. He suffered many rejections before finally finding and editor and publisher who believed in him and his stories for children. His goal is to "write multicultural books for children that feature heroes that are positive." He found the journey of becoming a writer difficult, but worked hard and now has his MFA from Vermont College in Writing for Children and Young Adults and is working on writing more books.

Kendra Levin, assistant editor at Viking Books, talked about all of the questions writers are afraid to ask: How do I get an editor's attention? Does anyone ever read my manuscript? If I have an agent, will my manuscript be read sooner? How do I find the right editor? What's up with query letters? After I get published, what next? If I haven't heard back from a publisher about my submission for a long time, what should I do?

Her answers were clear, reasonable and extremely helpful to the audience. If these are questions you have as a reader of this article, then contact Alexis O'Neill, sign up for SCBWI membership and attend next year's workshop on the last Saturday in October. You, too, can learn the answers to these kinds of questions.

Tim Gillner, art director, Boyds Mills Press, the people who publish Highlights magazine and books under a few different imprints, want fiction, non-fiction, poetry, crafts, picture books and chapter books. They do not do mass market work, board books, or merchandising. They want submissions with a positive message, nothing trendy, a story where a person overcomes a problem. If it is a holiday story, send it approximately eight months in advance to meet publication deadlines.

In addition to the speakers and the spotlight presentations from local authors, the writers and illustrators in attendance had the opportunity to network with each other, sharing successes and failures, the joy of writing and the feeling when rejection letters arrive. In all, most left with a sense of knowing that the possibility of being published is out there, one just has to work hard, write often, and not get discouraged when success doesn't show up on the first attempt.

Workshop organizer, Alexis O'Neill encourages all would-be writers and illustrators to join SCBWI. The organization offers not only workshops, but newsletters, critique groups, retreats and more to help writers perfect their craft. O'Neill can be reached at alexisinCA@aol.com.

Story and photos by Colleen Janssen, SCBWI member.