STORY SPROUTS ANTHOLOGY REVEALS INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO PUBLISHING Contributing Authors Create Submissions During One-Day Writing Workshop What happens when linguistic lovers and tale tellers workshop together? Inspiration. Wonder. Discovery. Growth. Magic. Brave and talented, the 19 writers featured in this anthology accepted a challenge to workshop, write, revise, polish, and submit two stories - in public, under the pressure of a six-hour deadline, with the promise of publication. In a revolutionary new approach to writing and publishing, the Children's Book Writers of Los Angeles turned convention upside down with Story Sprouts: CBW-LA Writing Day Exercises and Anthology 2013. A fresh take on an old classic, the Anthology uncovers the creative process in its raw form, celebrating the seeds of story generation. The process offers a rare view into the building blocks of composition. Framing the authors' contributions are the 10 writing exercises that guided them along their journey, as well as tips and techniques shared at the workshop. Guided by the writing exercises and handouts, anthology authors produced two pieces - one "On Writing" and the other a fictional piece based on a photo prompt. Anthology pieces range from poetry and narrative essay to flash fiction and picture book manuscripts. The innovative publication is in line with CBW-LA's values - support and education for writers, amateur and experienced alike. By including the workshop prompts and advice, writers of all ages, levels and ability may follow along from home and enjoy an experience similar to workshop attendees. CBW-LA Founder and Story Sprouts co-editor N.A. Windsor drew on her experience as an English teacher and her passion for the world of children's literature to determine the format of the workshop and lead the participants through their exercises. CBW-LA Publications Editor and Story Sprouts co-editor Alana Garrigues, a freelance journalist and creative non-fiction writer, translated the workshop into a narrative form and edited the 38 manuscripts included in the book. Story Sprouts Includes: -Workshop Handouts on Four Short Literary Forms (Poetry, Flash Fiction, Essay, Picture Book Manuscript) -Online Resources for Writers -38 Original Pieces from Published and Emerging Kid Lit Authors -10 Writing Exercises -Character, Conflict and Photo Prompts -Insight into the Writing Life Ideal for: -Writing Groups -Inspiration -Overcoming Writing Blocks -Teachers -Students -Writer Workshops Anthology Authors: Stacy Yamaoka Anderson Tiffani Barth Cacy Duncan Abi Estrin Diane H. Fisk Alana Garrigues Angie Flores Glenn Jason Hanna Kristina F. Jordan, M.A. Lucy Ravitch Donna Marie Robb Diane Sepulveda Robinson Nora Rodriguez Lissa Ross Lynne Southerland Christal Terry Kathryn Thornton Cameron S. Ulyate Nutschell Anne Windsor Anthology Editors: Alana Garrigues Nutschell Anne Windsor About Story Sprouts: This is the first edition of Story Sprouts, slated to be an annual Writing Day Anthology Workshop for Los Angeles area children's book writers. The workshop is open to CBW-LA members and guests alike. Follow us at facebook.com/CBWLA to stay tuned about future workshops and events. About CBW-LA: The non-profit 501(c)3 CBW-LA was founded in 2010 in Torrance, California. CBW-LA provides education and inspiration for published writers and writers on the road to publication. We offer a venue where writers, members of the publishing industry, educators, libraries, and other members of the Los Angeles community involved in promoting children's literature and literacy for children may share knowledge and information about the industry. CBW-LA members and guests enjoy affordable monthly writing workshops and seminars, monthly critique sessions, industry tips, a quarterly newsletter, online forums and a supportive, nurturing environment to improve their writing skills. For additional information visit www.cbw-la.org or www.storysproutsanthology.com