Writers & Illustrators Conference

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Diversity Kidlit Publishing

A Peek into the Slovakian Children’s Book Market

Petra Nagyová Džerengová (Author, News and TV-journalist and Founder of Verbarium)

Did you know books by Singaporean author, Emily Lim, were translated and will be sold in Slovakia in 2017? Take a tour of the Slovakian children’s book market, find out how it’s similar or different from the Singaporean book market, and how books from small countries can enter foreign markets.

L16, The Pod Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

Creating Books that Matter

James Mayhew (Author and Illustrator)

What are the themes that matter to you the most? A session on how to find your passions and share them, to create meaningful books that deserve to be published.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit

Educating the Heart through Books

Leslee Udwin (Founder & CEO, THINK EQUAL)

Rape, violence and abuse- how do we make sense of and meet atrocities in the world? Recipient of Swedish Anna Lindh Human Rights Award, Leslee Udwin, argues that the lack of children’s books from an early age, together with a dearth of social and emotional learning in education, bring about lasting social problems.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

Take Self Promotion Back

Amy Ng (Editor, illustrator and writer, Pikaland Media)

Marketing yourself can often feel forced or unpleasant. Learn how to take charge of your self-promotional plans without losing yourself in the process. In this session, Amy will discuss effective strategies for building an online presence.

Tea Break

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Illustration & Book Design

Illustrations Beyond the Page

Orit Bergman (Author and Illustrator)

What happens to your illustrations upon leaving the page? Book artist, Orit Bergman, takes you into the fascinating world of storytelling with pop-up architecture and body painting.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Diversity Kidlit

Folklore Finesse: Retelling and Synthesis of Contemporary Stories

Tutu Dutta (Author)

Do you find yourself in a tug-of-war between traditional and contemporary when writing about folklore? Sit in for this session as the speaker discusses retelling of folklores and weaving folktales with new stories.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit YA

Robots, Aliens and Time Machines

Hassan Hasaa’Ree Ali (Author)

Speaking of futuristic spaceships and time travelling, Hassan will talk about writing science fiction— with a catch. He writes sci-fi in Malay. Hassan will share why writing sci-fi in his Mother Tongue is important and contributes to Singapore’s literary scene.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit

Divorce, Death and Other Difficult Topics

Petra Nagyová Džerengová (Author, News and TV-journalist and Founder of Verbarium)

Over time, more authors written on difficult topics in children’s books, but its inclusion in kidlit is still contentious. Petra draws on her books and examples such as Astrid Lindgren’s The Brother’s Lionheart, arguing that it is necessary to open discussions about these issues with children.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit YA

Get Real: Writing Non-fiction

Holly Thompson (Author, Teacher)

Seek inspiration from the real world. Then research and write. Learn creative methods to writing non-fiction for children and discover engaging approaches both expository and narrative. There will be time for a speed brainstorming session.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

[PANEL] The Sky is the Limit: Expanding Your Repertoire

Orit Bergman (Author and Illustrator), James Mayhew (Author and Illustrator), David Liew (Illustrator)

A children’s author who writes plays, a children’s book illustrator who designs stage sets and another illustrator who paints at concerts come together in this panel. They will share stories of how each of them pushed boundaries and expanded their fields, and how you can too.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Country of Focus

Performing a Folktale

Emilia Nazir (Secretary General, INABBY), Galuh Larasati (Author)

Passing down folktales is tricky, but Emilia and Larasati explore an excellent way of doing so- through art expression. Join this session as they discuss the complexities of telling Indonesian folktales through art expression while adequately reflecting their cultural beliefs.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Kidlit YA

Deep Point-of-View: What It Is, What It Does, and How to Write It

Kathleen Ahrens (Professor, Department of English at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, and member of the Board of Advisors, Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators)

Writing in deep point-of-view allows writers to succinctly show the emotions their character is feeling, without telling the reader what these feelings are. This talk will review the basics of point-of-view, and explain the concept of deep point-of-view using multiple examples from recently published novels. Writers should bring several pages from their own middle-grade or young adult novel and be prepared to do short writing exercises so that they can incorporate this technique into their own work.

Lunch

L16, The Pod

Speed Pitching (Writing)

Andrea Pasion-Flores (General Manager, Anvil Philippines), Cynthea Liu (President, Starts With Us, Inc. and Executive Director of the Bryan Johnson Foundation), Lydia Leong (Publishing Manager, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia)), Yong Shu Chiang (Director/Commissioning Editor, Bubbly Books), Petra Nagyová Džerengová (Author, News and TV-journalist and Founder of Verbarium)

In this Speed Pitching session, AFCC Writers and Illustrators Conference delegates have 5-10 minutes to pitch their children’s books ideas to literary agents and publishing representatives from USA, Slovakia, Singapore, and Philippines. This could be your chance to get your works published! Find out more about submissions.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit YA

Managing Your Novel: Post-its, Charts and Book Maps

Holly Thompson (Author, Teacher)

Writing a novel requires more than setting aside writing time; it requires organisation and thoughtful management. Discover the range of tools available for visualising your novel and keeping track as you progress through your project — from large sticky notes, to easy-to-create tables and charts, to writing software.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

Painting with Lines and Language

Briony Stewart (Author and Illustrator)

In this interactive session, Award-winning author and illustrator of children’s fiction, Briony Stewart reveals some of her techniques for creating lyrical language and visual narratives in books for children.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Country of Focus

Please Tell Me a Story Again! - Bibliotherapy for Hospitalised Children with Cancer

Ida Farida (Liaison Officer, INABBY), Tety Elida (Lecturer; Vice President, SACL)

This session will focus on the therapeutic impact of telling stories using different mediums, especially books for hospitalised children with cancer in a public hospital in Jakarta. Ida and Tety will tell you about the storytelling programme carried out by Society for the Advancement of Children's Literature (SACL) since 1993.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Diversity Kidlit

[PANEL] Writing About Us

Sierra Mae Paraan (Author, Education Specialist), Varsha Seshan (Author), Wai Chim (Author), Daniel Tayona (Creative Director, CANVAS—Center for Art, New Ventures and Social Development)

The speakers in this panel have one thing in common- they fight to make hidden voices heard. Sit in for this session as they speakers from various countries discuss how they advocate for more inclusive kidlit.

L16, The Pod

Speed Pitching (Writing)

Andrea Pasion-Flores (General Manager, Anvil Philippines), Cynthea Liu (President, Starts With Us, Inc. and Executive Director of the Bryan Johnson Foundation), Lydia Leong (Publishing Manager, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia)), Yong Shu Chiang (Director/Commissioning Editor, Bubbly Books), Petra Nagyová Džerengová (Author, News and TV-journalist and Founder of Verbarium)

In this Speed Pitching session, AFCC Writers and Illustrators Conference delegates have 5-10 minutes to pitch their children’s books ideas to literary agents and publishing representatives from USA, Slovakia, Singapore, and Philippines. This could be your chance to get your works published! Find out more about submissions.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Diversity Kidlit Library

The World’s Collection in a Castle

Christiane Raabe (Director, International Youth Library)

Founded by Jella Lepman in 1949, the International Youth Library was the first library which dedicated its work to systematically collect and promote children’s literature from all over the world. Today the library is a renowned centre of international children’s and youth literature with a diversified annual programme, a non-school related education facility and a centre for international researchers. In her session, the Dr Christiane offers insights in the library’s programmes committing to the founder’s mission. 

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Kidlit

How Social Media Turned Me Into #KidLitDaddy

Don Bosco (Founder, Super Cool Books)

Don Bosco, Super Cool Books author and publisher, will explain how digital marketing and social media took him from self-published kidlit author to international content entrepreneur. Expect to learn some counterintuitive but effective lessons that will help any content creator connect with a bigger audience, accelerate growth and have more fun.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit

Improvise Your Way Out of Writer’s Block

Jane Vejjajiva (Freelance Writer)

You’ve probably experienced getting stuck while writing. How can you get un-stuck? Techniques may vary, but Jane’s favourite method is improvisation. Learn how you can use unpredictability to come up with a story.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit Picturebook Writing Publishing

Is It Correct Politically to be Politically Correct in Children’s Books?

Sayoni Basu (Primary platypus, Duckbill Books)

If Roald Dahl, Maurice Sendak or Dr Suess had submitted their manuscripts to publishers today, there is a good chance that they would have been rejected. Are we becoming too mealy-mouthed and prudish in the content we create for children?

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit YA

[PANEL] First Pages: Writing Critique

Lee Battersby (Author), Cynthea Liu (President, Starts With Us, Inc. and Executive Director of the Bryan Johnson Foundation), Susan Long (General Manager, Straits Times Press)

Writers are invited to submit their best first page of an unpublished manuscript to be read and commented on by a panel of international publishing experts before an audience. Find out more about submissions.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Diversity Kidlit

Hide-and-seek: Hidden Elements in Asian Folklores in Kidlit

Tutu Dutta (Author)

Many of us might not recognise the wide use of elements in Asian folklore in contemporary popular culture. Author Tutu Dutta will expound on books that include mythical creatures and what that means for kidlit today.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit

[PANEL] Authors’ Discussion: Who Gets to Write Asian Stories?

Wai Chim (Author), Paolo Fabregas (Comic Artist and Executive Creative Director of Publicis Manila, Inc.), Heidi Shamsuddin (Author), Holly Thompson (Author, Teacher)

As the message of diversity becomes more prevalent in publishing, it is crucial to ask who gets to create Asian stories. Join the content creators in this session as they give their stand on this question.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

Illustration Games

Briony Stewart (Author and Illustrator)

You’re invited to play! Yes, you read that right. Get ready to boost your endorphins, let your creative juices loose and uncage your playful side. Be surprised at the imaginative characters you conjure just by having fun.

L16, The Pod

Rights Exchange

As part of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content, The Book Council is organising its very own Rights Exchange (RX). Publishers and agents from across Asia and around the world can come together for a unique opportunity to sell and/or exchange book rights and translation rights, negotiate co-publishing deals and other agreements. Find out more about submissions.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit YA

Not So Happily Ever After: Strange and Spooky Tales

Lee Battersby (Author), Heidi Shamsuddin (Author)

Children love the thrill of books that casts shadows. Create a narrative that chills and excites the imagination. Heidi Shamsuddin will uncover dark and spooky folklores in Asia while Lee Battersby will explore techniques that will give your readers a scare.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Comics

Comic Adaptation: From Novel to Graphic Novel

Lefty (Comic artist; Co-founder of Gilamon Comics)

Pick up your pencil and transform a novel to a graphic novel. Join Lefty as he walks through the process, from discussions about original scripts and story breakdowns, to character design and mediums to use, and gain insights into creating comics.

L5, Imagination Room Country of Focus Illustration & Book Design

Indonesian Illustrators: Getting International Recognition

Grace Kusnadi (Founder, Popcon Asia), Maria Christania Winardi (Illustrator and Graphic Designer)

Come learn more about illustrations in Indonesia! Grace will expound more on Popcorn Asia, a new avenue for illustrators to increase their local and international trade and consumer reach.

Tea Break

L16, The Pod

Rights Exchange

As part of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content, The Book Council is organising its very own Rights Exchange (RX). Publishers and agents from across Asia and around the world can come together for a unique opportunity to sell and/or exchange book rights and translation rights, negotiate co-publishing deals and other agreements. Find out more about submissions.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

Illustrated Novels: Building a World

Ary Nilandari (Author), Andie Tong (Illustrator)

Why do illustrations in novels draw readers? We take a look at two illustrated novels from the East and West— Ary will share about how manga-style illustrations in her novel Keo&Noaki series engage readers with the story, while Andie will talk about capturing excitement in the illustrations in The Zodiac Legacy series, and how illustrated novels are different from comics.

L5, Possibility Room Illustration & Book Design

Thinking Out of the Box: Unusual Illustrations

Eric Wong (Illustrator and Graphic Designer (Creative Director), Regent Media Pte Ltd), David Liew (Illustrator)

Illustrators have tried to include a 3D world on a 2D page. But then again, there are some who embrace the 3D world and literally build a story with their illustrations. Step into a new dimension with Eric Wong who will talk about using photo-illustrations with cardboard drawings, and David Liew who will introduce you to other illustrated 3D worlds.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Kidlit YA

[PANEL] Reaching for the Stars in Sci-fi

Kari Love (Creative Technologist & Soft Roboticist), Hassan Hasaa’Ree Ali (Author), Monica Lim (Author and Founder, Hedgehog Communications)

Get your gadgets and gizmos ready for a timeless adventure with the speakers, Kari, Hassan and Monica, as they navigate through the world of science-fiction and help you gravitate readers towards your story.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit

[PANEL] Books Teachers Wish Authors Would Write

Rilla Melati (Director, Creative Content Development, Mini Monsters Limited), Myra Garces-Bacsal (Educator, Reviewer, Blogger), Nadine Bailey (Teacher librarian, Canadian International School)

Creators can step into the shoes of a teacher for one hour and learn what makes a book a treasured find. From beautiful illustrations to didactic language, speakers discuss their views on relevant and useful books children need and love.

L16, The Pod

Rights Exchange

As part of the Asian Festival of Children’s Content, The Book Council is organising its very own Rights Exchange (RX). Publishers and agents from across Asia and around the world can come together for a unique opportunity to sell and/or exchange book rights and translation rights, negotiate co-publishing deals and other agreements. Find out more about submissions.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

Picture Books as Theatre: Creating Drama in Illustrations

James Mayhew (Author and Illustrator)

From opening the cover to raising the curtain, a picture book is like a theatrical experience for a child, with the illustrator as set designer, costume designer, actor and director. Discover how books can creature suspense and drama through the turning of the page.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Country of Focus

Mother Tongue in a Land with Over 700 Languages

Johnny Tjia (Language researcher, Sulinama Foundation), Felicia Utorodewo (Former Director, SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Language)

As Indonesia modernises, Mother Tongue and folktales take on an important role in improving children’s literacy skills. Dr Felicia will expand on how SEAMEO QITEP engages children and build the knowledge of their own tradition and culture, and Johnny will accentuate the necessity of telling children folktales in their Mother Tongue.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Comics Illustration & Book Design

Making Sense of the Singaporean and Indonesian Comics Scene

Rizqi Rinaldy Mosmarth (Author, Illustrator, Editor, Publisher, Teacher), JF Koh (Writer and editor)

Join Rizqi and JF as they delve into the Singaporean and Indonesian comics scene and identify the latest comic creators, trends and organisations, and analyse the comics market in the two neighboring countries.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit

Creating a Book from the End to the Beginning

Motti Aviram (TV Director & Children’s Content Developer)

Instead with starting with a story, Motti talks to kids directly to find out their needs. Together with a team of writers, behavioural experts, children’s focus groups and copywriters, he develops books that invite children to participate more actively.

Lunch

L1, Visitors Briefing Room

Pitch Perfect. The Ultimate Pitch-Ready Workshop! (2 sessions in duration)

Marc Checkley (Founder, Creative Director IO CREATIVE)

Do you have an amazing idea or series concept but no clue how to bring it together and pitch it to the right people? Never fear, this fun pitch workshop provides all the necessary tools, skills, feedback and info to make you a pitch-pro! There will be no stopping you! 

Note: Please note that this workshop spans across 2 sessions, and is mandatory for all Speed Pitching (Media) participants. To apply for Speed Pitching (Media), please click this link.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit

Turning up the Tension: Creating Page-turning Fiction

Angela Cerrito (SCBWI Assistant International Advisor and Author)

Get ready to refine your novel and give it a more confident voice. This hands-on revision workshop will guide you in n-depth writing exercises designed to analyse and increase the tension in your narrative.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Diversity Kidlit Publishing

Book Watch: Investigating ASEAN Markets

Thant Thaw Kaung (Founder and CEO, Myanmar Book Centre), Sanny Djohan (Publisher, PT Kuark Internasional), Edmund Wee (Publisher & CEO, Epigram Books), Selina Lee (Vice President, Scholastic Asia)

Heads-up! 5 publishing experts come together to give you fresh insights into the children's book market in the ASEAN region. Find out what readers are looking out for, and learn about prospects in the publishing industry in ASEAN. This session is held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN.

L5, Possibility Room Comics Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

[PANEL] The Creators League

David Liew (Illustrator), Marco Sparmberg (Founder/organizer, StoryCode Singapore ), JF Koh (Writer and editor), Maisarah A.S (Municipal Liaison, NaNoWriMo (Singapore Chapter))

No person is an island. In this panel discussion, members from different creator communities band together to talk about how groups push them to greater heights and gives them an edge.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room

Pitch Perfect. The Ultimate Pitch-Ready Workshop! (2 sessions in duration)

Marc Checkley (Founder, Creative Director IO CREATIVE)

Do you have an amazing idea or series concept but no clue how to bring it together and pitch it to the right people? Never fear, this fun pitch workshop provides all the necessary tools, skills, feedback and info to make you a pitch-pro! There will be no stopping you! 

Note: Please note that this workshop spans across 2 sessions, and is mandatory for all Speed Pitching (Media) participants. To apply for Speed Pitching (Media), please click this link.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Country of Focus

Books For Indonesian Girls By Indonesian Girls: How Children’s Books Shape Perspectives of the World

Robyn Soetikno (Writer)

Lack of information can be detrimental, especially to a girl on the verge of puberty. Misinformation can lead to health issues, insecurities, even personal safety. Most receive advice from mothers and friends, but many things might be left unsaid. Indonesian author Robyn Soetikno explains how kidlit can shape a girl’s understanding of puberty and self-worth in Indonesia.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit Publishing

Ask the Right(s) Question

Christel Meijer (Foreign Rights Manager, Ambo|Anthos), Thomas Nung Atasana (Literary Agent, Borobudur Agency)

How can your work stand out in a sea of rights? What makes a good rights pitch? Find out more about international rights market as the speakers give their take on questions about rights.

L5, Possibility Room Kidlit YA

Authors Debate: Who Writes Better Books- Introverts or Extroverts?

Cynthea Liu (President, Starts With Us, Inc. and Executive Director of the Bryan Johnson Foundation), Don Bosco (Founder, Super Cool Books), Lee Battersby (Author), Angela Cerrito (SCBWI Assistant International Advisor and Author)

Be it whether you are an extrovert, or introvert, or maybe even an ambivert, you are welcome to this debate. Does personality beget writing? How much does one’s character influence his or her talent or style? Speakers, Cynthea, Don, Lee and Angela, give their perspectives on the topic.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Country of Focus

Indonesian Children’s Publishing in New Era: Opportunities and Challenges

Thomas Nung Atasana (Literary Agent, Borobudur Agency), Remon Agus (Managing Director, Zikrul Hakim Bestari Publishing)

How do Indonesian children’s books stand in the world? Publisher Remon Agus discusses the market and consumer trends in Indonesia and literary agent Nung Atasana talks about Indonesian rights.

L5, Imagination Room Kidlit Publishing Translation

Making the Right(s) Choice with Translation

Christel Meijer (Foreign Rights Manager, Ambo|Anthos)

Get started on your journey with a translation rights workshop. Christel Meijer gives an overview of the basics of selecting titles for a foreign rights catalogue, setting up strategies, researching foreign markets, pitching for specific markets, negotiating and selling rights to publishers, film or theatre producers.

Note: This is a 90-minute session

L5, Possibility Room

[PANEL] First Look: Illustration Critique

James Mayhew (Author and Illustrator), Orit Bergman (Author and Illustrator), Daniel Tayona (Creative Director, CANVAS—Center for Art, New Ventures and Social Development)

First Look is an opportunity for illustrators who are considering publishing a picture book to share their illustrations with a panel of international publishing experts who will view the illustrations and comment on the illustrations before an audience. Find out more about submissions.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Diversity Kidlit

Once Upon A Time in Singapore and the Philippines
Filipino Grandmother Grimm and Singaporean Faery Tales - Subversions and Cultural Appropriations

Myra Garces-Bacsal (Educator, Reviewer, Blogger), Sarinajit Kaur (Teaching Fellow, Early Childhood and Special Education Academic Group, National Institute of Education)

This session would look at cultural strategies of appropriation in Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang (The Stories of Grandmother Basyang), early 20th century Filipino fairy tale stories of Severino Reyes - and the Singaporean spin-offs to four foreign fairy tales as seen in Little Red in the Hood and Hansel and Girl-Girl to cite two. The presentation would show how identities are constantly being remade as we shape and claim ownership over our own narratives and come up with our own happily-ever-afters.

L16, The Pod Diversity Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

Children’s Literature Lecture: Books from the Island of Story-Tellers

PJ Lynch (Author and Illustrator)

In recent years Irish writers and illustrators have gained huge success in the field of Children’s Literature. Ireland’s Children’s Laureate, PJ Lynch, makes a personal survey of some of his country’s outstanding creators of books for children. From Hans Christian Andersen Award winner, Martin Waddell, and the author of Guess How Much I Love You, Sam McBratney, to the hugely influential Oliver Jeffers in the area of picture books, and from multi-million selling Artemis Fowl author, Eoin Colfer to writers such as Louise O’Neill and Sarah Crossan who are taking today’s international YA market by storm, Lynch extolls great Irish successes and explores some possible reasons for this disproportionate out-pouring of talent.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room Diversity Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

A Champion for Children’s Books – the Role of the Children’s Laureate in Ireland

Elaina Ryan (Director of Children’s Books Ireland / Arts Manager, Children’s Books Ireland)

From advocating for school libraries to raising the profile of illustrators, from storytelling in unusual places to drawing big pictures, learn about Ireland’s Laureate na nÓg (Children’s Laureate).

L5, Possibility Room

[PANEL] Cross-Platform Summit Keynote and Meet the Commissioners

Justin Deimen (Group Managing Partner, Aurora Media Holdings Inc.), Leslie Lee (Executive Director of Programming, Operations and Character Voices, Media Networks Group at The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia)), Syahrizan Mansor (Vice President, Nickelodeon, Asia at Viacom International Media Networks), Sanoop Luke (Lead, YouTube Kids & Learning, SEA + ANZ), Marc Checkley (Founder, Creative Director IO CREATIVE), Ryo Leong (Senior Director, Programming, Youth Segment, MediaCorp Pte Ltd)

What are you looking for? We pose this question to the commissioners, and get an inside scoop on the latest trends in commissioning and learn how creators can convince commissioners that their idea is a worthy investment.

L5, Imagination Room Diversity Kidlit

Books@Blogs

Mary Iphigene D. Daradar (Teacher, Psychologist, Consultant, Blogger, Gathering Books), Eileen Sim (Blogger)

Have you considered blogging about books? Get a bird’s-eye view of kidlit with two bloggers, Eileen Sim (of Picture This Book) and Mary Iphigene Daradar (of Gathering Books). How do they target their readership, stand out from other book bloggers, and keep their blogs relevant to readers, creators and publishers?

Tea Break

L16, The Pod Illustration & Book Design

Portfolio Review

David Liew (Illustrator), Briony Stewart (Author and Illustrator), James Mayhew (Author and Illustrator), Orit Bergman (Author and Illustrator), PJ Lynch (Author and Illustrator)

At this exclusive AFCC session, delegates get a special chance to have a one-to-one consultation session with illustrators from Asia and around the world and show them their children’s book illustrations. Find out more about submissions.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Country of Focus

Indonesian Digital Books: Mizan Publishing

Irfan Amalee (CEO, Mizan Application Publisher)

The book industry is now facing a big challenge. In the digital world, the book industry is required to adapt to the changes. It is easier for consumers to change reading habits from print to digital, but it is not as easy for publishers to change the business model. Join Irfan as he elaborates on the future of digital books and app books in Indonesia.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room

Story-Hacking: A Journey of Narrative Creation

Marco Sparmberg (Founder/organizer, StoryCode Singapore )

Do not miss this hands-on story-hacking workshop. Participants will embark on a unique narrative journey. Passing through various stations, each “story-hacker” will use various methods and (physical) tools to create multiple narrative layers. Final results will be documented, presented and discussed among the groups.

Note: Please note there are only 25 slots for this session. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

L5, Possibility Room

The Importance of Being Earnestly Collaborative

Suzanne Ryan (Founder, CEO and Executive Producer , SLR Productions)

Collaboration is key in today’s competitive and ever changing content world. But how to best do it? What are the potential hurdles to be aware of? The secrets will be revealed in this open and honest discussion with award winning producer Suzanne Ryan LIVE via Skype from Australia.

L5, Imagination Room

[PANEL] New Horizons for Intellectual Property

Christel Meijer (Foreign Rights Manager, Ambo|Anthos), Jyotirmoy Saha (Founder and CEO, August Media Holdings), Trina Ha (Director, Legal, Intellectual Property Office of Singapore)

Thanks to new technologies and storytelling avenues, the many ways to exploit intellectual property have multiplied even more. Learn about the different forms beyond print that your IP could take from experienced individuals in the buying, selling, and legal sectors.

L16, The Pod Illustration & Book Design

Portfolio Review

David Liew (Illustrator), Briony Stewart (Author and Illustrator), James Mayhew (Author and Illustrator), Orit Bergman (Author and Illustrator), PJ Lynch (Author and Illustrator)

At this exclusive AFCC session, delegates get a special chance to have a one-to-one consultation session with illustrators from Asia and around the world and show them their children’s book illustrations. Find out more about submissions.

L5, Imagination Room

Why Puppets?

Motti Aviram (TV Director & Children’s Content Developer)

The advantages and disadvantages of casting puppets in children's TV shows. The essential knowledge needed in the field of incorporation puppets into children's TV shows or movies.

L5, Possibility Room

Storytelling Across Platforms

Jyotirmoy Saha (Founder and CEO, August Media Holdings)

Cross-platform storytelling involves creating content that engages an audience using various techniques that permeate their daily lives. This session tracks the creation and production of Barangay 143, an upcoming action drama title by August Media, and all its forays on digital, mobile, TV and licensed products.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room

Story-Hacking: A Journey of Narrative Creation

Marco Sparmberg (Founder/organizer, StoryCode Singapore )

Do not miss this hands-on story-hacking workshop. Participants will embark on a unique narrative journey. Passing through various stations, each “story-hacker” will use various methods and (physical) tools to create multiple narrative layers. Final results will be documented, presented and discussed among the groups.

Note: Please note there are only 25 slots for this session. Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Country of Focus

The Place of Young Writers in Indonesia

Murti Bunanta (Children’s Literature Specialist and President, SACL and INABBY ), Renny Yaniar (Children's Books Author)

Two authors dive into this contentious question. Dr Murti Bunanta discusses the role of publishers, schools and parents in helping children to read well, as Renny Yaniar looks at young writers in Indonesia in changing the face of Indonesia’s publishing.

Lunch

L16, The Pod

Speed Pitching (Media)

Justin Deimen (Group Managing Partner, Aurora Media Holdings Inc.), Jyotirmoy Saha (Founder and CEO, August Media Holdings), Leslie Lee (Executive Director of Programming, Operations and Character Voices, Media Networks Group at The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia)), Karen Tang (Senior Manager, Content & Multiplatform Programming, Nickelodeon, Southeast Asia, Viacom International Media Networks), Ryo Leong (Senior Director, Programming, Youth Segment, MediaCorp Pte Ltd), Sanoop Luke (Lead, YouTube Kids & Learning, SEA + ANZ)

Speed Pitching (Media) gives conference delegates a chance to pitch their ideas to any one of our panellists for a chance to get their ideas commissioned. Whether it is an idea for a television series, web series, transmedia project or an interactive app, delegates can sign up for a pitching slot and have 5-10 minutes to sell their ideas! Find out more about submissions.

L5, Imagination Room Comics

How to Create a Graphic Novel the Advertising Way

Paolo Fabregas (Comic Artist and Executive Creative Director of Publicis Manila, Inc.)

Nothing is more daunting or challenging. If only there was an efficient way we could create our original story faster. Paolo Fabregas will introduce the Advertising Way of Creating a Graphic Novel. Creative advertising agencies have mastered the art of churning out effective ideas in limited time. Paolo discovered that this same creative procedure can be used to create a graphic novel. You can use it too to write stories.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room

Bringing Stories to Life Using AR and VR

Gerald Cai (Managing Director & Co-Founder, SnapLearn by MXRi)

The rapidly growing fields of AR and VR open up exciting new avenues for storytelling. The SnapLearn publishing tool allows creators of children’s content to turn their existing physical books into digital content platforms, as well as create new cross-platform stories that bridge the physical and digital realms!

L5, Possibility Room

20 Years of Hi-5 and its Continued Relevance

Julie Greene (Executive Creative Director & Executive Producer, Hi-5 )

Hi-5 is a world-renowned pre-school show that has adapted to stay relevant, while still keeping to its core values and message. Join Executive Creative Director & Executive Producer of Hi-5 Julie Greene as she discusses the show’s core values and educational foundations. She will explain how this makes Hi-5 relatable and relevant to an international audience and how it’s managed to do so since its creation in 1998.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Country of Focus

Indonesian Mysteries and Historical Fiction

Herdiana Hakim (Writer, Researcher), Yovita Siswati (Author)

Historical stories have appealed to young readers across the world for centuries. Yovita and Herdiana will let you in why Yovita’s stories Misteri Kota Tua and Misteri Kampung Hitam are popular in Indonesia and what makes them special.

L16, The Pod

Speed Pitching (Media)

Justin Deimen (Group Managing Partner, Aurora Media Holdings Inc.), Jyotirmoy Saha (Founder and CEO, August Media Holdings), Leslie Lee (Executive Director of Programming, Operations and Character Voices, Media Networks Group at The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia)), Karen Tang (Senior Manager, Content & Multiplatform Programming, Nickelodeon, Southeast Asia, Viacom International Media Networks), Ryo Leong (Senior Director, Programming, Youth Segment, MediaCorp Pte Ltd), Sanoop Luke (Lead, YouTube Kids & Learning, SEA + ANZ)

Speed Pitching (Media) gives conference delegates a chance to pitch their ideas to any one of our panellists for a chance to get their ideas commissioned. Whether it is an idea for a television series, web series, transmedia project or an interactive app, delegates can sign up for a pitching slot and have 5-10 minutes to sell their ideas! Find out more about submissions.

L5, Possibility Room

Writing Screenplays for Children’s Film & Television

Motti Aviram (TV Director & Children’s Content Developer)

The three basic principles of writing for children. An essential toolbox for people who want get to know their target audience better.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Comics Illustration & Book Design

[PANEL] Asian Comics: What Makes Them Special?

Rizqi Rinaldy Mosmarth (Author, Illustrator, Editor, Publisher, Teacher), Lefty (Comic artist; Co-founder of Gilamon Comics), Paolo Fabregas (Comic Artist and Executive Creative Director of Publicis Manila, Inc.)

What gives Asian comics an edge? Do they stand out from international comics? Comic creators look at the characters, setting and style in Asian comics and discuss what sets them apart or makes them different.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room

[PANEL] Writing for Video Games

Ian Gregory Tan (Co-Founder & Creative Director, Witching Hour Studios), Andre Pong (Designer, Gattai Games)

Modern-day video games now have some of the best stories of any form of media. However, unlike non-interactive media, stories don’t always come first. Learn how technology and gameplay interacts with video game scripting, and both informs it and is informed by it from three (four?) video game writers.

L5, Imagination Room Diversity Kidlit

Biblio-therapy: Its Place in Children’s Literature

Dimity Powell (Author)

Dimity explores the value of creating biblio-therapy themed diverse picture books and debates their usefulness in combating various social issues affecting children. She’ll discuss what works, what doesn’t and why.

L5, Imagination Room

Refresh Your Futures: New Horizons from Soft Robotics

Kari Love (Creative Technologist & Soft Roboticist)

Science fact and fiction intermingle, with real innovations inspiring storytelling, and artistic visions inspiring researchers. Infuse your potential creative present and futures by exploring soft robotics, bio-inspired robotics, and space.

B1, Multi-Purpose Room Kidlit Illustration & Book Design

From Fairy Tales through History and Back Again

PJ Lynch (Author and Illustrator)

Author and illustrator of The Boy Who Fell Off The Mayflower, and illustrator of The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, Ireland's Children's Laureate, PJ Lynch talks about his love of myths and fables as well as his fascination for true historical figures and events, and how he brings them together in his story-telling in words and in pictures.

L1, Visitors Briefing Room

[PANEL] Freelance Does Not Mean Free

Darren Tan (Freelance Digital Artist), JC Wong (Senior Storyboard Artist, Ubisoft Singapore), Gary Choo (Senior Concept Artist, Illustrator)

Being a freelancer essentially means running your own small business, and freelance artists have to effectively navigate and balance between the creative and business side of their freelancing. Join successful freelancing visual artists Darren Tan, JC Wong, and Gary Choo as they discuss the trials and tribulations of freelancing for video games, movies, comic books, and more.

L5, Possibility Room

Writing for Teens and Tweens

Noel Price (Writer, Director and Producer)

What characterises a ‘teen/tween’ audience and what challenges do writers face in catering to them? Noel Price, a writer- producer who achieved global success in this area addresses these questions.