Brandon Mull
Keynote Address
Order books from our authors at check out when you register and pick them up at the conference!
Kaela Rivera
Kaela Rivera is the award-winning author of the Cece Rios series. She grew up reading about dragons, wizards, and folklore in the wild forests of Tennessee, but now she writes about them from the soaring mountains of Utah. When she’s not crafting stories, she’s creating art of her characters and studying her Mexican-American and British heritage.
Class:
My Main Character Academia: Crafting a True Hero
Creating a true hero for your story is no easy feat, but we’re here to help. In this class you’ll learn how to craft a distinct main character—and the right one for your story—by determining their motivation, fear, and conflict. With the right hero on board, you’ll be able to venture forward, knowing your story is in good hands. Plus Ultra!
Lindsey Leavitt
Lindsey Leavitt is the author of over fifteen books for kids, tweens, and teens. She once ran on a gym treadmill next to the actor Nicholas Cage, but he was faster so now she runs outside. Haha okay, she doesn't run so much as stroll. Most of those strolls are between her office and her kitchen. Lindsey has an MFA from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Visit her website at www.lindseyleavitt.com
Class:
Finding the Hero in You: Acknowledging Your Inner Author
Have you ever read an acknowledgements page at the back of a book? It's the first thing I read because I love learning the journey the author went on for each book. We'll look at different acknowledgements to break down the people and environments that help a writer create. Next, we'll explore details about ourselves, from personality profiles to horoscopes--to better find connections and characterizations for the heroes in ourselves and our stories
_edited.jpg)
J. Scott Savage
J Scott Savage is the author of 19 published novels, including The Lost Wonderland Diaries, the Far World series, the Case File 13 series, and the Mysteries of Cove series. His newest book,
Secrets of the Looking Glass, the second Wonderland Diaries book came out in September. His books have received numerous awards and recognitions. Scott lives in a canyon of the Rocky Mountains. He has four children, nine grandchildren, and an awesome wife. He loves camping, reading, playing games, and of course WRITING! He has been able to meet lots of authors, too, which is awesome, because he loves to read. Learn more at www.jscottsavage.com
Class:
"So, I'm the bad guy..."
You've spent lots of time figuring out who your main character is going to be, but every hero needs an equally good villain. Learn how to make villains that are scary, funny, smart, powerful, or just plain EVIL!
Heather Clark
Heather Clark is the author of LEMON DROP FALLS (Jan ’22) She lives in Utah with her husband and three children who inspire the books she writes. After dealing with childhood anxiety and OCD, Heather is passionate about representing neurodiverse children powerfully in fiction. Heather loves camping, boardgaming, & photography.
Class:
Gripping Beginnings: Start Your Hero's Adventure Off Right
What makes the first day of your story different from any other day? Mastering the right mix of inciting incident / catalyst, character backstory, and opening action will ensure readers grab your book with enthusiasm, and never want to stop turning pages.
General Information
Who:
Tweens Ages 9-12
What:
Tween Author Boot Camp is a half-day event held October 25, 2022. This year's conference theme is Heroes and Villains, and will take place at the Provo Library.
Tweens will enjoy interactive workshops , writing contests, and activities in a fun and educational atmosphere. They will be given a notebook folder, pen, backpack, a commemorative Teen Author Boot Camp dog tag necklace, and dinner.
At the end of the conference is a mass book signing with all of the attending authors!
When:
October 25, 2022 from 4:00 pm-8:00pm
*Check in begins at 3:15-3:50pm. Child MUST be accompanied by an adult when checked in.
**Author book signing/parent pick up from 8-8:30pm. Child MUST be picked up by an adult to leave the event.
In-Person Only
$35
Includes dinner, backpack, notebook, pen, commemorative dog tag necklace.
On-Demand Only
$15
Video access to classes AFTER the conference for 60 days.
Bundle
$45
In-person event with all the trimmings AND on-demand access.
1st Paragraph Contest
You will receive feedback from author heroes: Teen Author Boot Camp First Chapter Contest winners and other exceptional writers. The top entries in each genre and age group will also receive prizes. It does require bravery and motivation, but you, our heroic friend, have both! Show the world how you shine and level up your skills at the same time!
Rules for submission:
-
Your work must be 3-5 sentences and less than 150 words.
-
Your work must be your own.
-
You must be between the ages of 8 and 12.
-
You must have the permission of a legal parent or guardian before submitting to the contest.
-
Only one entry per person.
-
You must be present at the Tween Author Boot Camp event in Provo, UT on October 25th to claim your prizes (All feedback will be emailed to the parent email address provided upon registration).
-
Graphic novel entries must be dark enough that they are legible and artwork is clear (pen or marker preferable).
Put on your heroic suit and cape and submit the first paragraph of your own creative work (first page if writing a graphic novel) by October 1, 2022.
Please fill out the form below completely.
DUE: 10:00 pm MST on October 9, 2022.
IMPORTANT:
You must be registered for the conference BEFORE entering the contest!
Elements of a good first paragraph:
-
An interesting opening line.
-
A hook: something that makes the reader want to keep reading.
-
Sense of Character: who is the main character in this story? What makes them interesting?
-
Strong descriptive language.
-
Ground the reader in the story: what time and place are we reading (magical world in the past? real world in the present? Outer space in the future? etc.)
-
Stakes: What does the main character stand to lose?
Graphic novel (First page)
-
Everything above.
-
Artwork that coincides with the words and helps tell the story.
