Teaching and Speaking
Workshops, Conferences, and Writers’ Retreats
Ongoing & Upcoming
Deborah moderates the Forum on Writing for Children, where authors and publishing professionals talk about their work and answer questions from the audience. Eight programs a year, four each semester, are open to the public.
Forum on Writing for Children, Fall 2009
Tuesday, September 15—What Reviewers Look For
Elizabeth Devereaux has been reviewing books and editing children’s book reviews since the early 1990s. Most recently she was the Publishers Weekly Children’s Reviews Editor. Her children’s reviews also appear in the New York Times Book Review, and she has curated and moderated children’s book events at the Strand Book Store in New York City.
Tuesday, October 13—Picture Book Panel
Meet five publishing professionals who will share their expertise in writing, illustrating, and publishing picture books. You’ll have an opportunity to direct questions to award-winning author-illustrators Geoffrey Hayes, Tad Hills, and Amy Schwartz, together with Anne Schwartz and Lee Wade of Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House.
Tuesday, November 3—Richard Peck
Richard Peck has written more than twenty novels for middle grade readers, teens, and adults. He received the Newbery Medal for A Year Down Yonder, a Newbery Honor for A Long Way from Chicago, the Margaret A. Edwards Award for his distinguished body of work, and the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America.
Tuesday, December 8—Pat Cummings
Pat Cummings has written and/or illustrated more than 35 titles, including Angel Baby and the Talking with Artists series. She teaches children's book illustration at Parsons and Pratt. Pat has worked as a producer and writer for Nickelodeon's Gullah Gullah Island and currently cohosts Cover to Cover: A Talk Show About Children's Books and the People Who Create Them
Forum on Writing for Children, Spring 2010
Tuesday, February 9 – How Agents Work
Meet Tracey Adams and Josh Adams of Adams Literary, who will share their insider knowledge of publishing. Adams Literary is a full-service agency representing children’s book authors and artists. The staff nurtures the creativity of their clients and maintains close relationships with editors and publishers in New York City and around the world.
Tuesday, March 2 – Marketing and Selling Your Book—Panel
Meet three publishing professionals who will share their expertise. You’ll have a chance to direct questions to: Camilla Corcoran, National Account Manager, HarperCollins Publishers; Kate Kubert Puls, Publicist and Author Manager; Sharon Hancock, Executive Director of School and Library Marketing, Candlewick Press.
Tuesday, April 27 – Michael Rex
Michael Rex has written and illustrated twenty books for children, including the best-selling Goodnight Goon: A Petrifying Parody, which School Library Journal deemed “a clever offering.” His newest parody with “lively cartoon illustrations” is The Runaway Mummy, “a spooky take on another classic tale and an eerie, laugh-filled story.” (School Library Journal)
Tuesday, May 4 – Stephanie Calmenson
All of Stephanie Calmenson’s books have humor, even the nonfiction. Rosie: A Visiting Dog’s Story was featured on Fox TV and in Sesame Street magazine, and is a Junior Library Guild selection. Kirkus Reviews called Good for You: Toddler Rhymes for Toddler Times “joyously exuberant. Calmenson's verses enlighten and entertain."
Tickets at The New School Box Office, Mon–Fri 1–7 p.m.;
call 212-229-5488. Admission $5.00
Readings at 66 West 12th Street, Room 510.
For more information: 212-229-5611.
Deborah is also an MFA Mentor at Simmons. Elaine Dimopoulos worked on a novel for her mentorship. She says:
“I came to Deborah Brodie with 54 pages and a very particular idea of what I thought my novel was about. She pushed me to defend my choices and to reexamine my characters and plotline. The process was, at times, quite painful — at other times, exhilarating. Ultimately, though, I love the story that fought its way onto the page and that continues to emerge.
“Deborah helped me learn about myself and how I work. Lessons learned, a list of mantras:
- Not every project is publishable. I may have to write 100 pages to produce ten good ones; likewise, I may generate five novels before the sixth is publication-ready.
- Dessert first! I ought to write first the parts of a story that are the most vivid in my head, the parts I am most excited to write.
- When creating character, avoid clichéd extremes — e.g., the cynical teen, the out-of-touch mom. Character ‘happens’ best when I’m not forcing it.
- Many children’s books are serious; too few are humorous. One of the semester’s especially interesting discoveries: If I strive for hilarity when writing a scene, it comes out only mildly (but satisfyingly) amusing, and the writing has a light and lively quality (if I, and Deborah, do say so!).”
Recent Highlights
Jean Feiwel, Senior Vice President and Publisher, Feiwel & Friends and Square Fish Books:
“The art and craft of a Book Editor is something that — within the context of a publishing house — is not taught anymore, and what a loss that is for editors and authors, and for their books.
“Deborah’s Master Class was a deep, instructive, nurturing, and comprehensive tutorial on the editorial process in its many facets. It should be required for people embarking on and truly interested in a publishing career.”
Holly Brady, Director, Stanford Professional Publishing Courses
“Deborah has a unique ability to create a nurturing, fear-free environment for writers as she provides them with practical, hard-nosed advice on how to get their work done.”
Mary Ann Sabia, Vice President and Associate Publisher:
“The time that Deborah Brodie spent with our staff was inspirational and informative. Deborah is a natural teacher and moderator. One of the things that impressed me most was her ability to take individual concerns and questions and respond to them within a relevant big-picture context.
“Deborah is not only warm and caring, but also extremely knowledgeable and passionate about this industry. She understands and appreciates the challenges and benefits of both small and large houses.”
Yolanda LeRoy, Editorial Director:
“Deborah is a consummate editor. She possesses that rare blend of exceptional intelligence, creativity, business acumen, and people skills.”
Neil Watson, Executive Director, Katonah Museum of Art, Katonah, New York:
“Deborah Brodie happens to be one of those genius editors who can both communicate and inspire. For our ‘How To Get Published in Children's Books’ panel at the Katonah Museum of Art, she gave practical advice, warm encouragement, and in-the-trenches anecdotes—all of which left the audience feeling a little dizzy with new knowledge and raring to go.”
Robin Koontz, SCBWI Oregon Regional Advisor and author:
“We had the good fortune to have Deborah as part of our conference faculty, and in fact, we invited her to come back! She is truly a warm and giving person with a relentless passion about the craft of writing and doing it well. Her experienced advice and encouragement left us all feeling ‘We can do this!’”
Anna Olswanger, conference coordinator, author, and literary agent at Liza Dawson Associates:
“When Deborah Brodie spoke at the Jewish Children's Book Writers Conference at the 92nd Street Y, she talked about the difficult goal of balancing life and work. She urged writers to stay centered without losing the joy in writing. ‘Write your favorite parts first,’ she said. ‘Don't be afraid.’ The audience quickly discerned that Deborah does what she says. She is centered. She is joyful. She is, unsurprisingly, an excellent speaker and teacher.”
Deborah created and taught the Writing for Children Workshop and two Literary Salons in June 2007 and 2008.
Luis Jaramillo, Associate Chair, Writing Program, The New School:
“I couldn't hope for a more professional, enthusiastic, knowledgeable colleague. Deborah Brodie is an untiring editor and champion of student work, and I know from the career trajectories of some of her former MFA students that not only is Deborah encouraging and tough, but she also gets students published.”
Two students reflect on their experiences in the Summer Writers Colony workshop:
Charlotte Doyle:
“Deborah forged a workshop atmosphere of respect and trust that allowed us to become a loving and supportive group—despite our differences in age, culture, and writing experience. As we listened to her comments, we learned to do close, respectful readings without losing a sense of overall intent and shape. We learned to cheer each other on as the evident progress appeared.”
Margaret Crocker:
“Under Deborah's guidance, our workshop and Salon buzzed with creativity, commentary, and camaraderie. I was sad to see it end!”
One Salon guest was Ann M. Martin, bestselling author of the wildly successful Baby-sitters Club series, as well as the Newbery Honor winner A Corner of the Universe. She says:
“I found a roomful of students who were enthralled not only by the material and their experiences in the course thus far, but by Deborah herself. She had clearly captured her students and fanned their interest in the subject matter. Deborah is a highly respected and sought-after editor, and her students are lucky to learn from one of the best.”
For more information about academic credit, tuition, and housing, please visit www.newschool.edu/summerwriters.
Elizabeth Partridge, author of the Printz Honor Book John Lennon: All I Want Is the Truth:
“Our small writing group invited Deborah Brodie to come and teach us for a week. We each ponied up a sixth of her fee, and stayed at the largest house belonging to two of our members. Half of each day was devoted to writing, the other half to prompts and manuscript critiquing. Deborah’s insights were incredible, and put many of us into a flurry of new work, as well as ah-ha! revising. In the evenings we ate, laughed and relaxed. I have high regard for Deborah’s ability to critique, as well as to lead group workshops. Two thumbs up!”
Tom Birdseye, author of Airmail to the Moon:
“Although a fiction writer by trade, I have to make nothing up when it comes to the benefit of a retreat with Deborah Brodie. Not only does she bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to share, but — most important — complete commitment. You will grow as a writer. That's a fact!”
Patricia Wittmann, author of Go Ask Giorgio!
“With her extensive editorial experience, Deborah knows how to ask the ‘right’ questions to encourage you to view your manuscript with new eyes and take it to the next level. Most of all, Deborah is passionate about good writing. Passionate in a way that is invigorating and highly contagious — attending one of her workshops is a rare experience indeed!”
Gary Hines, author of Midnight Forests:
“Deborah’s review of my manuscripts proved invaluable! There’s nothing like having a world-class editor right at your fingertips. Too bad it couldn’t have been longer than a week. She also held lively discussions with us and passed on writing exercises and techniques that I’m still finding helpful.”
Suzanne C. Johnson, author of Fribbity Ribbit!
“The group segments were fresh and productive, and even more so, for me, were the private sessions. Deborah’s coaching was insightful, specific and frank. She was clearly committed to guiding me into tapping my own writing potential—some of which I truly did not know existed. Retreats with Deborah Brodie are empowering.”
Anna Grossnickle Hines, author of Pieces: A Year in Poems and Quilts, winner of the Lee Bennett Hopkins Award for Excellence in Poetry:
“At the two retreats I did with Deborah, we did a great deal of laughing and a lot of hard work. Her encouragement to open possibilities and explore by writing snippets, scenes, bits of scenes, the parts that most appeal to you — ‘Dessert First!’ Deborah calls it — is invaluable in getting a story started or, if you are further along, ‘unstuck.’ And if you need a little help finding your dessert, Deborah is generous with stimulating prompts and questions.”