Workshops

SCBWI-WWA Sponsored Workshops & Classes

Who were you most afraid of in elementary school? What gift did you long for but perhaps not receive — or did you? Such questions can reveal rich and authentic characters, motivations, and conflicts that writers can use in fiction for children. Portland author David Gifaldi asked pointed questions like these and shared reminiscences of his own in Mining Childhood Memories, at the SCBWI Western Washington Master Class held on November 7, 2007.

Nearly 30 experienced writers spent three hours with David, exploring memory prompts ranging from long-buried sounds, smells, and textures to a variety of “first time” incidents in their lives. Participants wrote on the spot, and the bravest shared their recollections aloud, which inevitably nudged additional memories in others.

The course, held on a grey fall morning brightened by nostalgic snacks such as animal crackers, gingersnaps, and PB&J, preceded the November Professional Series Meeting and gave a few lucky participants the opportunity to get to know David better. The author of seven published books for young readers, including picture books, a tall tale, middle-grade novels, and a collection of young-adult short stories, David currently teaches as a faculty member for the Vermont College MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults program.