St. Davids Christian Writers' Conference

Susan Reith Swan has been the editor of Story Friends, and an instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature, as well as director of SDCWC and the Western PA SCBWI conference. Her book, LifeSavers: Twenty Quick and Easy-to-Use Bible Lessons for Kids, was published by Judson Press.

A youth librarian, Susan also teaches creative writing to and mentors teen writers. She has been published in numerous newspapers, magazines, devotionals, and anthologies.

Susan Swan

“The Children's Writers' Retreat"

Tuesday, 1:00-4:00 PM
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:15 AM Wednesday and Thursday, 2:20 PM

The Children’s Writer’s Retreat will be an intensive critiquing track for advanced book writers, with child-like hearts. The group will be limited to six participants who have written picture book, early chapter, middle grade, or young adult manuscripts.

Each author will read and be critiqued by the rest of the group three times, one session being held on Tuesday afternoon from 1-4. Selections should be fairly polished, but have some aspect of the manuscript with which the writer is struggling and needs help and input from outside readers.

Participation is by application consisting of a complete picture book manuscript of 1000 words or less, or a chapter from a longer work, not to exceed 1500 words. Please include a list of publishing credits and what you hope to gain from this experience. Email these materials to Susan Swan at cygnetpgh@gmail.com by May 15. Notification of acceptance will be emailed by June 1.