Ever wonder where children’s book authors find the inspiration and ideas for their books? Author/illustrator Will Hillenbrand discusses this topic and more with authors George Ella Lyon, Saadia Faruqi, and Brittany J. Thurman.
Thanks to our Writer’s Room sponsors, the McClure Family Fund and the Spalding University Naslund-Mann Graduate School of Writing!
Author + Speaker Lineup
Saadia Faruqi was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States when she was 22 years old. She writes the Yasmin series and popular middle-grade novels such as Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero.
George Ella Lyon is a poet, writer, teacher, musician, and social activist with Appalachian roots and a global reach. She has published five poetry collections, a novel and memoir for adults, novels and poetry for young people, and many children’s picture books.
Brittany J. Thurman is the author of Fly, from Caitlyn Dlouhy Books. She is the co-author of Fearless: Boulevard of Dreams, by Mandy Gonzalez. Brittany holds an MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University. During her graduate years at Carnegie Mellon University, Brittany’s plays were produced in Aspen, Colorado, and on New York’s City’s Theatre Row.
WILL HILLENBRAND is a celebrated children’s author and illustrator whose published works include over 70 books. He uses a combination of traditional drawing methods and direct impression media to create his magical illustrations.
