Bonnie Paruch
The Writers Workshop: Illustrating and Self-Publishing your Children’s Book

Sep 3 - Sep 5

2 Teaching Days

Description

Welcome to the writer’s workshop!

This two-day dive into self-publishing and writing for children is for new authors and illustrators who are ready to begin their first (or second book) for kids. The workshop will give participants the time and space to construct or fine tune their storyboard. Ample time and attention will be provided for students to work up their ideas and artwork within a supportive environment. It will be an opportunity to connect with other dreamers, writers and artists who have something to share with children.

The medium of writing is self-driven, poetry or prose, with story telling the main objective. The participants’ ideas and methods to illustrate their story are also self-directed and all illustration mediums are welcome; from photography to drawing and painting, traditional artwork or digital.

Each student is encouraged to bring their work in-process. Bonnie will share her experience with self-publishing, focusing on the nuts and bolts of bringing a story idea to fruition.

Each day will begin with a morning introduction and discussion and writing / art prompts. Followed by independent writing, image creating time. Bonnie will present her process, samples of work and be available for individual instruction and support as needed throughout the day. To close the workshop, each participant can share their story where-ever it is in development -with the group. A major benefit of the workshop is the opportunity to connect with others on the same journey.

 

Biography

The City Ever Green Bonnie’s artwork is rooted in her life experiences in Northeast Wisconsin. There, the Great Lakes, forests, farms, and rural communities have influenced the work she produces in her studio and on location. She is known as a contemporary impressionist. Her fine art and illustrations encourage the viewer to participate in the artwork, which is intentionally left open to personal interpretation. Bonnie’s attention has turned to writing and illustrating books for children. Her inspiration comes from her grandchildren, her love of nature, and the environment. The collage illustrations found in her new children’s book gives a nod to the deceptively simple and delightful books illustrated by Eric Carle. She lives with her husband and two chubby cats in Green Bay, Wisconsin. On most days, she can be found in her studio playing with paper, paint, and words. The following is an abbreviated listing of her significant awards and publications: In 2014 Bonnie achieved a personal goal and was awarded the coveted Master Pastelist designation by the Pastel Society of America. Her vibrant pastel paintings have been accepted into the prestigious Pastel Society of America National show at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, New York many times, earning four awards. In the Fall of 2020, South African Artist Magazine requested and then published a lengthy article written by the artist and featured her as the International Artist of the Month. In 2002 she wrote an eight-page article describing her plein air painting techniques for the International Pastel Artist Magazine. International Artist magazine included Bonnie's plein air artwork in an article featuring her as one of "America's Leading   Landscape Painters" among other notable artists. She is an award-winning participant (and sometimes judge) in many Invitational and open Plein Air competitions including; Tucson Plein Air, Door County Plein Air, Cedarburg Plein Air and the Rocky Mountain Plein Air. Southwest Art Magazine identified Bonnie as "an artist to collect". Bonnie has twice received the Outstanding Pastel painting award in the Fine Art Studio Online International Bold Brush painting competitions. Additional publications include: American Artist Magazine (cover and article), The Artist Magazine, The Pastel Journal, North Light Magazine, The Best of Flower Painting 2-North Light Books, A Brush with Life-self-published Blurb Books, and Door County Magazine, including the cover of the annual Philanthropy issue.

Fees

If 12 or more students attend class (all teaching days): $250
If 11-10 students attend class (all teaching days): $255
If 9-8 students attend class (all teaching days): $295
If 7-6 students attend class (all teaching days): $360
_____________________________________

Room & One Dinner Fee plus tax: $220
(There are 3 nights’ accommodations included in the “Room & One Dinner Fee” listed above.)

Itinerary

Wednesday, Sept 3
Check-In to your unit at Dillman’s (check-in time is 3:00)
5:00 Welcome Reception (included in package)
6:00 Dinner at Dillman’s (included in Room and Meal Package. $28 additional for day students.)

Thursday – Sept 4
Breakfast On Own
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
Lunch On Own

Meals are on your own. All accommodations have cooking facilities. You may preorder box lunches and dinners for meals to be taken alone or with your group in: your studio, the lodge deck, cafe, or your accommodation. (Pre-ordering for lunches and dinners is required.)

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Class in Session

Friday – Sept 5
9:00 a.m. – Noon Class in Session
NOON Champagne Toast & Dessert (included in package)
4:00 p.m. Class ends and depart resort after packing

 

Optional Events – Sign Up Required / Subject to Change:
Thursday @ Noon  Pontoon Ride on White Sand Lake (no charge)

Thursday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)
Friday 5:00 p.m. Dine-Around Dinner (Depart from Lodge Lobby)

Dine-Around Dinners: Registration required at the front desk, meet at 5:00 p.m. in the main lobby for carpooling.

Day students are welcome to attend the Welcome Reception and Farewell Reception (included in your package). You are also invited to join the class dinners (additional fee). PAL’s (Participants at large) can vacation at Dillman’s for $40 per night for accommodations. Costs for box lunches and dinners are additional.