Writing workshops
Check out my Program Options. To schedule an event, please contact me. I’d love to hear from you.
Events for children’s writers
As a co-representative for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Near West Suburban Network in Illinois, I run an ongoing program for kidlit creatives. The current slate of events is set out below. Events are free and open to the public.
How To Make An Agent Fall In Love With You
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 7:00 PM
Dandelion Bookshop,
139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
During Valentine’s week, we’re thrilled to welcome Jenna Satterthwaite of Storm Literary Agency for a discussion on MG/YA publishing, life as a literary agent, and what she looks for in a submission. She is also a published author and will share views from the writer’s perspective as well.
Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to submit their work. Join us for the conversation and bring your questions!
Inaugural Network Book Club
Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 7:00 PM
Dandelion Bookshop,
139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Join us for our inaugural network book club meeting! We’ll be discussing middle grade novel Scattergood by H.M. Bouwman, “a brave, beautiful book, wise enough to reach for something beyond certainty” (NYT). We’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and musings.
Network Book Club Discount: Purchase your copy of Scattergood from Dandelion Bookshop for store pickup or delivery to your doorstep and receive a 10% discount.
The Power of the Picture Book Spread 
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 7:00 PM
Dandelion Bookshop,
139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
To write an unputdownable, rereadable picture book, think in terms of spreads! In this interactive discussion, Sarah Aronson will offer ideas and inspiration to help you craft a picture book, including character arc, narrative, setting, and picture book structure. With the help of mentor texts, Every Monday Mabel and Touch the Sky as well as Sarah’s picture books, we will talk about every aspect of the process, from drafting to revision.
Bring a manuscript and questions! Let’s have a picture book party!
Spring Story Starts
Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, 7:00 PM
Dandelion Bookshop,
139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL
Put some Spring energy into your stories with our generative writing workshop. We’ll seek inspiration and use story prompts in a variety of forms, designed to call to your imagination. Come with your notebook and pen prepared for some light-hearted experiments!
“Writing is at its best — always always always — when it is a kind of inspired play for the writer.” ~ Stephen King
