Have you ever dreamed about writing a picture book or novel but don’t know where to begin? Or maybe you have a manuscript completed and wish you knew the next steps. Kickstart your writing goals with Birch Tree!

A panel of local authors will answer your questions and discuss their paths to publication. They will share their best tips for getting started with writing and what to do with your draft once it’s complete. In addition to being authors, all three of the panelists are parents and will discuss how they balance busy lives with creative pursuits. There will be time for Q&A at the end and a book signing for those who wish to purchase any of the authors' books. All participants will receive a detailed handout of resources for beginning and intermediate writers.

Panelists:

Gabriella Aldeman

Gabriella Aldeman is a Panamanian American author and professional translator of children’s books. Gabriella holds degrees from Georgetown University and the College of William and Mary. Her books include Paula’s Patches (Free Spirit, 2023), Squawk of Spanish (Charlesbridge, 2024), and the forthcoming Sometimes A Dream (Versify/HarperCollins, 2027). She lives in Fairfax with her husband and two children. Please visit her at www.writebetween.com.

Alyssa Colman

Alyssa Colman is the author of the forthcoming Where Only Storms Grow (available 8/19/2025) which was recently named a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Her other books include The Tarnished Garden and The Gilded Girl, which won the 2021 Northern Lights Book Award for middle grade fantasy and was a Bank Street Best Book of the Year. Alyssa lives in northern VA and, when she's not writing, she enjoys making messes in the kitchen with her kids and scaring her husband with beginner DIY home improvements. www.alyssacolman.com

Leah Moser

Leah Moser is a children’s book author living in Virginia. With degrees in Elementary Education and Psychology, Leah has spent years as a classroom teacher. She loves sharing her passion for picture books with her husband, three children, dog, and readers of all ages. She is agented by Daniel Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency and also works as a freelance picture book editor. I Am a Thundercloud is her debut book and was released in April 2024 with Running Press Kids/Hachette. https://www.leahmoserwrites.com/

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