Big Sur Children's Writers Workshop

I just returned from a Children's Writing Workshop in Big Sur sponsored by the Henry Miller Memorial Library. The conference director was Andrea Brown and many of her staff attended the workshop. It was excellent, with a mixture of presentations, critique groups, one-on-ones, and free time to write and revise. The ratio of staff to participant was incredible, approximately 80 participants to 20 staff. There were four critique groups over the weekend, five or six people per group, each group led by an editor, agent or author. The same people were in the first and last critique group which allowed us to present some work, use the comments to make changes, and bring it back to the group. I found that to be extremely helpful, and returned home tired but with focus and direction toward revising my manuscript. I had the good fortune of being in a group led by Caryn Wiseman, an agent with the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. She's bright, fun and so on target with each of our manuscripts. I also had a one-on-one with author Elizabeth Spurr who suggested I rewrite my manuscript (an adventure/thriller) in present tense to make it more immediate. I used the "free writing time" to try and incorporate the suggestions from my critique group and from Elizabeth, and felt my manuscript come alive. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone trying to bring a finished or nearly finished manuscript to the next level. The workshop was held at the Big Sur Lodge which is nestled in the woods just blocks from the ocean. The scenery is breathtaking and inspiring. I can see why there were many participants returning from prior years. I'd have no reservations about going again!