Join authors and writing teachers Cynthia Leitich Smith and Stacy Wells for Sprouting Stories, Aug. 29-31, Denton, TX! Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
This small-group, children’s-YA book manuscript workshop for intermediate-advanced writers offers a supportive program to reflect on craft, connect in community, and embark on revision.
More information: https://stacywellswrites.com/sprouting-stories/
Cynthia Leitich Smith is the New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and anthologist of more than 20 books for young readers. Her recent titles include FIREFLY SEASON, illustrated by Kate Gardiner, and ON A WING AND A TEAR (both Heartdrum). She was named a 2025 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award Candidate, the NSK Neustadt Laureate, Texas Literary Hall of Fame inductee, and winner of the Southern Miss Medallion for Outstanding Contributions in Children’s Literature. Cynthia also has been named to deliver the 2026 ALSC Children’s Literature Lecture. She is the author-curator of Heartdrum, a Native-focused imprint at HarperCollins Children’s Books, and served as the Katherine Paterson Inaugural Chair for the children’s-YA writing MFA program at Vermont College of Fine Arts. Cynthia is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation and lives in north Texas.
Stacy Wells is a children’s librarian and author. She is passionate about meeting kids where they are and is drawn to tell stories that center community and family, with an emphasis on self-discovery and the power of finding your voice. Her debut picture book, STRONGER THAN co-authored with Nikki Grimes and illustrated by E.B. Lewis, is forthcoming in 2026 with Heartdrum, an imprint at HarperCollins. She is also the author of the TANA COOKS early chapter book series.
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Sprouting Stories, Aug. 29-31, Denton, TX: small-group, children’s-YA book manuscript workshop for intermediate-advanced writers reflect on craft, connect in community & embark on revision. Info: stacywellswrites.com/sprouting-st... #booksky #writing #writingforkids #YA @stacyvwells.bsky.social
