On November 12 over seventy people representing seven school districts converged on St. Anthony for the Upper Valley Young Authors' Conference. The St. Anthony conference closely followed the format of Moscow's young authors' conference. Students listened to a guest author, then teachers led them through writing techniques and provided writing time. The day concluded with selected students reading the best they have written during the day. It's simple, effective, affirming. At the end of the event, a parent said, "My daughter loved this. She realizes there are others just like her."

For the first time, these students got to hear from a published writer and ask her questions. Jeanette Ingold, the guest author, had a rapt audience. One student explained what held her attention, "She told us the steps to publishing and that rejection is okay."

"I got to learn more about what an author has to be prepared for while writing a book and while having one published," wrote another.

"It's good to hear from someone with experience," stated a third.

The voice of an experienced novelist. Teachers can't usually give that to students-except through something like a young author's conference.

When students were asked what could make the conference better next year, they said, "more time," "more sessions." Any day that ends with students asking for more is a grand day!

For more information on the Upper Valley Young Authors' Conference go to: http://www.sd215.net/uvyac/.

All student quotes came from evaluation forms completed after the conference.

http://english.boisestate.edu/bswp

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Montana Writing Project

http://www.cas.umt.edu/english/mwp/default.htm

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Oregon Writing Project at Eastern Oregon University

http://www.eou.edu/owp/