TORRANCE, Calif. -- Torrance, CA – This summer, 19 talented children’s book authors accepted a challenge to workshop, write, revise, polish, and submit two stories - in public, under the pressure of a six-hour deadline, with the promise of publication. On October 29, 2013, their work was revealed with the global release of Story Sprouts Anthology 2013.
In a revolutionary new approach to writing and publishing, the Children’s Book Writers of Los Angeles turned convention upside down with Story Sprouts: CBW-LA Writing Day Exercises and Anthology 2013.
A fresh take on an old classic, the Anthology uncovers the creative process in its raw form, celebrating the seeds of story generation. Framing the authors’ contributions are the 10 writing exercises that guided them along their journey, as well as tips and techniques shared at the workshop.
“First time writers often dread writing query letters because they fear that they lack the credentials to make their author bios stand out,” said CBW-LA President and Founder Nutschell Anne Windsor. “Our goal for the Workshop and Anthology was to give our members their first taste of publication, giving them the confidence to pursue their writing careers. For workshop participants who have yet to achieve their dreams of becoming a published author, Story Sprouts will be the first of their many achievements, and something that will inspire them to keep on reaching for their writing dreams.”
Guided by the writing exercises and handouts, anthology authors produced two pieces. One revealed insights “On Writing” and the other was a fictional piece based on a photo prompts. Submissions range from poetry and narrative essay to flash fiction and picture book manuscripts.
The innovative publication is in line with the non-profit organization’s values – support and education for writers, amateur and experienced alike. By including the workshop prompts and advice, writers of all ages, levels and ability may follow along from home and enjoy an experience similar to workshop attendees. At the same time, the Anthology serves as a launching pad for new faces in the kid lit industry.
Some of the author names will be familiar to Hollywood and literary insiders. Contributor Abi Estrin wrote the animated adaptation of Ben Hur and produced several episodes of On the Road in America. Contributor Lynne Southerland has 20 years experience in Hollywood; her credits include co-directing Mulan 2 and co-producing Disney’s An Extremely Goofy Movie and HBO’s Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child. Contributor Donna Marie Robb’s stories have been published in several literary magazines and she her children’s book reviews have been published in the School Library Journal.
The mix of familiar faces and relative unknowns is an encouraging sign for the Anthology’s producers, who sought an experience that would transcend expertise and touch upon the passion that creative spirits share.
Windsor and CBW-LA Publications Editor Alana Garrigues produced the Writing Day Workshop and Anthology with the assistance and support of the board of directors.
Windsor drew on her experience as an English teacher and her passion for the world of children’s literature to determine the format of the workshop and lead the participants through their exercises. Garrigues, a freelance journalist and creative non-fiction author, translated the workshop into a narrative form and edited the 38 manuscripts included in the book.
The two are already planning the group’s next Writing Day Anthology workshop, tentatively slated for May 2014.
Book reviewers may request a complimentary review copy by contacting Windsor atnutschell@cbw-la.org. Story Sprouts will be available through Amazon, Kindle and iBooks or at www.storysproutsanthology.com. Booksellers may contact Windsor to inquire about carrying the book.
About CBW-LA
The non-profit 501(c)3 CBW-LA was founded in 2010 in Torrance, California. CBW-LA provides education and inspiration for published writers and writers on the road to publication. We offer a venue to share knowledge and information between writers, members of the publishing industry, educators, libraries, and other members of the Los Angeles community involved in promoting children’s literature and literacy for children.
CBW-LA members and guests enjoy affordable monthly writing workshops and seminars, monthly critique sessions, industry tips, a quarterly newsletter, online forums and a supportive, nurturing environment to improve their writing skills.
For additional information, visit www.cbw-la.org (http://cbw-la.org/) or www.storysproutsanthology.com.
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Please note: Book cover image, workshop photos and editor photos available upon request by email or phone call to Ms. Windsor. Review samples available in .mobi and .pdf digital format. Print also available. To schedule a media interview, contact either Ms. Windsor or Ms. Garrigues at the contact information provided.
Media Contact
Nutschell Anne Windsor
424-261-2295
