Draft to Dream
Author Incubator Series
Thursday, April 30
6:30pm - 8:00pm
Downtown
Classroom 139Are you a budding children's author? Join us for Draft to Dream: An Author Incubator Series! We invite writers ready for the journey. To maintain a focused workspace, childcare is not provided.
Whether you’re writing your first line or polishing your final draft, we’ll provide the tools and community you need to bring your dream to life. This exclusive workshop series offers professional guidance, expert panels, and hands-on tools to help you bring your story to life. Attend the sessions you need, or participate in all for the full experience.
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4/2 Session 1: The First Spark — Program Launch & Author Journey
- Focus: Story structure, character development, and the writing routine.
- We are thrilled to have the following award-winning authors:
Winsome Bingham is a 2022 Connecticut Book Award-winning author featured on NPR and CNN for her impactful work, including the highly-regarded titles The Walk and Missing Momma.
Stephanie Seales, author of My Daddy Is a Cowboy, is the winner of a Caldecott Honor, the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, and
Valerie Bolling, author of 12 books, including SCBWI Crystal Kite Award winner, Let's Dance!
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4/9 Session 2: The Visual Soul - Illustration & Design
- Focus: The collaborative nature of picture books, working with illustrators. Participants will also glean inspiration from a tour of HPL's Children's Department!
- Panel Includes: Tyrone ZeroSnake Motley, local artist and illustrator of manga UNRIVALED, and Natalie Curtis, illustrator of Caroline Hewins: First Lady of the Library.
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Session 3: The Self-Publishing Sprint -DIY Design & Distribution
- Focus: the specific hurdles and requirements unique to the self-publishing path, and understanding HPL's free self-publishing tools.
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Session 4: The Finish Line — Publishing Tools & Industry Roadmap
- Focus: The vital role of a professional editor, navigating local publishing houses.
- Panel Includes: Editor Eileen Robinson and local Lauren Simone Publishing House.
Downtown
| Mon, May 04 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Tue, May 05 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Wed, May 06 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Thu, May 07 | 9:30AM to 6:00PM |
| Fri, May 08 | 9:30AM to 5:00PM |
| Sat, May 09 | 9:00AM to 5:00PM |
| Sun, May 10 | 1:00PM to 5:00PM |
Hartford Public Library’s history spans more than 235 years. We can trace its very beginnings to the Library Company, formally organized in 1774 by a few subscribers to purchase a "collection of useful and religious books". And now, the library is a national leader in redefining the urban public library in the 21st century as an innovative and stimulating place where people can learn and discover, explore their passions, and find a rich array of resources that contribute to a full life.
