Book Markers 05.09.13

Children’s Books Powwow

    Children’s books: So many think they can write them; so few actually do so with skill. Now, for Children’s Book Week, the Amagansett Library has rounded up some top practitioners for panel discussions starting at 6 p.m. this Saturday and continuing next Saturday, May 18.

    First up is “Curiouser & Curiouser,” in which authors and illustrators will reveal where they find inspiration and how they approach their work. Among the participants are Kate and Jim McMullan, the team behind the popular and colorful “I Stink!” line of books, who will discuss “distilling facts for the very youngest.” Melvin and Gilda Berger of Scholastic’s Question and Answer series will speak of nonfiction, and the view from the fiction side will be given by Maureen Sherry, the author of “Walls Within Walls,” a young-adult novel. Erica (“Fish Finelli”) Farber will address how fiction and nonfiction can be blended.

    On the 18th at the library, also at 6 p.m., children’s books reviewers will gather to shed light on what they do and why they sometimes disagree.

Interactive Writing

    At work on a writing project? For 60 bucks, why not take it to a writing coach for a session “overlooking the potato fields” in Southampton on Monday? Debra Scott’s the name, and from 6 to 9 p.m. she’ll welcome newbies as well as the experienced. The focus will be on “creating memorable characters, powerful dialogue, and the all-important beat sheet,” according to a release. Pointers and feedback have been promised.

    Registration, more information, and private sessions are at 237-1040 or [email protected].