Events & Workshops
Mentor Text Book Club | August 2025 | PICTURES OF HOLLIS WOODS by Patricia Reilly Giff
Our Mentor Text Book Clubs are where we all read a book together, and then have a discussion about it as writers from a craft perspective.
For August we will read the young adult book PICTURES OF HOLLIS WOODS by Patricia Reilly Giff.
The expectation is that you will have read the book before the meeting (or at least not be upset that you'll be spoiled 😉 ).
Even if you didn't love the book overall, come anyway, because discussing the craft elements can help you articulate what didn't work for you as a reader. Analyzing those aspects can strengthen your own writing by helping you recognize what to avoid or improve upon.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
7:00 pm ET to 8:00 ET
This event will be recorded.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Note: This one is happening on the third Tuesday and not the usual second Tuesday.
Mentor Text Book Club | July 2025 | THE COLLECTORS: STORIES edited by A.S. King
Our Mentor Text Book Clubs are where we all read a book together, and then have a discussion about it as writers from a craft perspective.
For July we will read the young adult anthology THE COLLECTORS: STORIES edited by A.S. King.
M. T. Anderson, e. E. Charlton-Trujillo, A.S. King, David Levithan, Cory McCarthy, Anna-Marie McLemore, G. Neri, Jason Reynolds, Randy Ribay, and Jenny Torres Sanchez have each written fiction based on a prompt from Printz-winner A.S. King.
https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-collectors-an-anthology-a-s-king/19685114?ean=9780593620281&next=t
The expectation is that you will have read the book before the meeting (or at least not be upset that you'll be spoiled 😉 ).
Even if you didn't love the book overall, come anyway, because discussing the craft elements can help you articulate what didn't work for you as a reader. Analyzing those aspects can strengthen your own writing by helping you recognize what to avoid or improve upon.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
7:00 pm ET to 8:00 ET
This event will be recorded.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Note: This one is happening on the third Tuesday and not the usual second Tuesday.
Mentor Text Book Club | June 2025 | GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow
Our Mentor Text Book Clubs are where we all read a book together, and then have a discussion about it as writers from a craft perspective.
For June we will read the young adult contemporary GATHER by Kenneth M. Cadow.
The expectation is that you will have read the book before the meeting (or at least not be upset that you'll be spoiled 😉 ).
Even if you didn't love the book overall, come anyway, because discussing the craft elements can help you articulate what didn't work for you as a reader. Analyzing those aspects can strengthen your own writing by helping you recognize what to avoid or improve upon.
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
7:00 pm ET to 8:00 ET
This event will be recorded.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Note: This one is happening on the third Tuesday and not the usual second Tuesday.
Mentor Text Book Club | May 2025 | IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES by Katherine Rundell
Our Mentor Text Book Clubs are where we all read a book together, and then have a discussion about it as writers from a craft perspective.
For May we will read the middle grade fantasy IMPOSSIBLE CREATURES by Katherine Rundell.
The expectation is that you will have read the book before the meeting (or at least not be upset that you'll be spoiled 😉 ).
Even if you didn't love the book overall, come anyway, because discussing the craft elements can help you articulate what didn't work for you as a reader. Analyzing those aspects can strengthen your own writing by helping you recognize what to avoid or improve upon.
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
7:00 pm ET to 8:00 ET
This event will be recorded.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Note: This one is happening on the third Tuesday and not the usual second Tuesday.
SCBWI New England Spring Conference
https://www.scbwi.org/events/2025-new-england-spring-conference
I am presenting two workshops:
THE MINI BLUEPRINT: DISTILL YOUR NOVEL ON A SINGLE PAGE - Christy Yaros
Good for: Craft - Drafting, Word Choice, Plotting & Planning
Audience: Middle Grade/Young Adult Authors
In this hands-on workshop, we'll create a one-page "mini blueprint" that reveals your story's foundation through an editor's or reader's lens. Together, we'll explore 13 key elements—including character motivation, central conflict, and story stakes—to uncover what drives your novel and identify areas needing clarity. You can use this blueprint at any stage of writing to maintain focus, strengthen revisions, or reconnect with your story's purpose. By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap to guide you forward with confidence, whether you're just beginning, deep in drafts, or preparing to query.
STORY STUDIO: WEAVING THEME INTO YOUR STORY - Christy Yaros
Good for: Craft - Drafting, Word Choice, Plotting & Planning
Audience: Middle Grade/Young Adult Authors
Your story is more than just a plot—it’s about what your book is trying to say. The best novels don’t just entertain; they resonate with readers on a deeper level. But how do you weave theme seamlessly into your characters, conflicts, and subplots without making it feel forced or like it was an afterthought?
In this interactive session, you’ll:
✔ Uncover your story’s core theme and explore how it shapes your protagonist’s journey.
✔ Map out key emotional moments that reinforce your theme naturally.
✔ Deepen your story’s impact through contrast, conflict, and subplots.
✔ Walk away with actionable strategies to strengthen your story’s thematic depth.
Through live writing exercises and guided reflection, you’ll develop tools to integrate theme organically—so your story’s message lingers long after the final page. Perfect for both drafting and revising writers—bring your work-in-progress!
Mentor Text Book Club | April 2025 | THE BLETCHLEY RIDDLE by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin
Our Mentor Text Book Clubs are where we all read a book together, and then have a discussion about it as writers from a craft perspective.
The expectation is that you will have read the book before the meeting (or at least not be upset that you'll be spoiled 😉 ).
Even if you didn't love the book overall, come anyway, because discussing the craft elements can help you articulate what didn't work for you as a reader. Analyzing those aspects can strengthen your own writing by helping you recognize what to avoid or improve upon.
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
7:00 pm ET to 8:00 ET
This event will be recorded.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Mentor Text Book Club: THE UNTEACHABLES
Our Mentor Text Book Clubs are where we all read a book together, and then have a discussion about it as writers from a craft perspective.
For August we will read the middle grade novel The Unteachables by Gordon Korman.
Pay attention to:
Multiple POV
Humor
Whatever elements you've identified for yourself as knowledge gaps for your own craft
https://gordonkorman.com/from-the-unteachables
The expectation is that you will have read the book before the meeting (or at least not be upset that you'll be spoiled 😉 ).
Even if you didn't love the book overall, come anyway, because discussing the craft elements can help you articulate what didn't work for you as a reader. Analyzing those aspects can strengthen your own writing by helping you recognize what to avoid or improve upon.
This event will be recorded.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program.
This event is $15 for nonmembers.
March Mentor Text Book Club | REZ BALL
It’s time for our March Mentor Text Book Club!
Every month we will dig into a middle grade or young adult novel together, focusing on a specific craft aspect.
Author Nancy Tandon will facilitate the discussion with Christy Yaros.
March’s book is REZ BALL by Byron Graves. ✨
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Info Session (Evening) for March—August 2024 Crafting KidLit Cohort
This is an info session for prospective new members for the Spring 2024 session.
Get a tour of the community, hear from current members, and ask whatever questions you have!
Go to https://christyyaros.com/group-coaching for more info about the program.
Register here.
Info Session (Daytime) for March—August 2024 Crafting KidLit Cohort
This is an info session for prospective new members for the Spring 2024 session.
Get a tour of the community, hear from current members, and ask whatever questions you have!
Go to https://christyyaros.com/group-coaching for more info about the program.
Register here.
Point of View for the Win with Editor Karen Boss
In this 90-minute hands-on craft workshop, Charlesbridge editor Karen Boss will delve into writing from third-person close POV.
This event is free for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching program.
February Mentor Text Book Club | AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE
It’s time for our February Mentor Text Book Club!
Every month we will dig into a middle grade or young adult novel together, focusing on a specific craft aspect.
Author Nancy Tandon will facilitate the discussion with Christy Yaros.
February’s book is AMERICAN AS PANEER PIE by Supriya Kelkar. ✨
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Fireside Chat with Author Rajani LaRocca and Book Coach Christy Yaros
Join us for a casual and intimate evening with acclaimed children's author Rajani LaRocca, who won the Newbery Honor for her book Red, White, and Whole.
January Mentor Text Book Club | THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END
It’s time for our January Mentor Text Book Club!
Every month we will dig into a middle grade or young adult novel together, focusing on a specific craft aspect.
Author Nancy Tandon will facilitate the discussion with Christy Yaros.
November’s book is THEY BOTH DIE AT THE END by Adam Silvera ✨
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
If you are not a member of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program, after you pay you will receive more instructions on what is expected of you for this meeting.
Character Workshop: Show Don't Tell
Join us for a hands-on workshop where we will learn and practice some show don't tell techniques using your specific character.
Come with a character in mind to apply the concepts to, whether one you're starting to develop or one you think you know well already 😉
This event will be recorded and there will be hand outs.
When:
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
7:00 pm — 8:00 pm ET
Where:
Zoom
Cost:
FREE for Crafting KidLit Group Coaching Program members
$25 for nonmembers
Info Session for January 2024 Crafting KidLit Cohort
This is an info session for prospective new members starting January 1.
Get a tour of the community, hear from current members, and ask whatever questions you have!
Go to https://christyyaros.com/group-coaching for more info about the program.
Register here.
End of Year Reflection + Q1 Planning
The year is winding down (I know, I'm sorry)... it's time to review your 2023 writing and make a plan for Q1 2024!
In this interactive workshop for writers, we'll cover the key steps for assessing your progress so far and setting yourself up for success. Let's strategize for a productive Q1 2024, whatever that means to YOU.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Info Session for January 2024 Crafting KidLit Cohort
This is an info session for prospective new members starting January 1.
Get a tour of the community, hear from current members, and ask whatever questions you have!
Go to https://christyyaros.com/group-coaching for more info about the program.
Register here.
Yes You Belong Here: Turning Obstacles Into Stepping Stones! with Nancy Tandon and Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
In this virtual workshop, two recovering posers and award-winning middle grade authors will meet you where you are to share examples of when obstacles made quitting feel like the right decision. If you’re on the verge of giving up, come learn how to turn “insurmountable” roadblocks into stepping-stones to success!
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
October Mentor Text Book Club | ALONE
It’s time for our October Mentor Text Book Club!
Every month we will dig into a middle grade or young adult novel together, focusing on a specific craft aspect.
Author Nancy Tandon will facilitate the discussion with Christy Yaros.
October’s book is ALONE by Megan E. Freeman ✨
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
If you are not a member of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program, after you pay you will receive more instructions on what is expected of you for this meeting.
Write On: Q4 Planning for Your Writing Goals
The year is winding down (I know, I'm sorry)... it's time to review your 2023 writing goals and make a plan to finish strong in Q4!
In this interactive workshop for writers, we'll cover the key steps for assessing your progress so far and setting yourself up for success as we head into the final months of 2023. Let's strategize for a productive Q4, whatever that means to YOU.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Novel Kickoff hosted by Sara Gentry
Join us in Novel Kickoff, a free virtual event running September 18-22 for anyone who wants to write (or is currently writing) a novel. Hear from our featured expert guests, and come away with tips and inspiration for your next novel.
I’ll be talking about project management for writers!
September Mentor Text Book Club | THE LAST CUENTISTA
It’s time for our September Mentor Text Book Club!
Every month we will dig into a middle grade or young adult novel together, focusing on a specific craft aspect.
Author Nancy Tandon will facilitate the discussion with Christy Yaros.
September’s book is THE LAST CUENTISTA by Donna Barba Higuera ✨
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
If you are not a member of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program, after you pay you will receive more instructions on what is expected of you for this meeting.
Info Session for September 2023 Crafting KidLit Cohort
This is an info session for prospective new members starting September 1.
Get a tour of the community, hear from current members, and ask whatever questions you have!
Go to https://christyyaros.com/group-coaching for more info about the program.
Register here.
Info Session for September 2023 Crafting KidLit Cohort
This is an info session for prospective new members starting September 1.
Get a tour of the community, hear from current members, and ask whatever questions you have!
Go to https://christyyaros.com/group-coaching for more info about the program.
Register here.
Raising Conflict Among Your Characters: Using Four Personal Styles with Fred Lindgren
In this interactive workshop, we will introduce the idea of four Personal Styles: Thinker, Driver, Gatherer, and Exciter. We will look at examples of characters who represent each style in well-known stories. We will discuss whether these styles appear in our stories and share other ways of distinguishing characters while creating compelling conflicts that drive momentum. You'll leave with concrete takeaways to immediately apply this tool to your own writing.
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $10 for nonmembers.
August Mentor Text Book Club | ONE OF US IS LYING
It’s time for our August Mentor Text Book Club!
Every month we will dig into a middle grade or young adult novel together, focusing on a specific craft aspect.
Author Nancy Tandon will facilitate the discussion with Christy Yaros.
August’s book is ONE OF US IS LYING by Karen McManus ✨
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
If you are not a member of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program, after you pay you will receive more instructions on what is expected of you for this meeting.
Mentor Text Book Club KICKOFF with author Nancy Tandon
Announcing our Mentor Text Book Club!
Every month we will dig into a middle grade or young adult novel together, focusing on a specific craft aspect.
Author Nancy Tandon will lead our discussions. For this first meeting, we will go over HOW to "close read" a book as a mentor text and how to apply it to your own writing.
Our first book is WAITING FOR NORMAL by Leslie Connor ✨
This event is FREE for members of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
If you are not a member of the Crafting KidLit Coaching Program, after you pay you will receive more instructions on what is expected of you for this meeting.
Adult Characters in MG & YA with editor Alison Weiss of Pixel+Ink
Editor Alison Weiss from Pixel+Ink will be joining us for a workshop/discussion on how to handle the adult characters in our MG & YA novels.
This event is FREE for Crafting KidLit Coaching Program members.
This event is $25 for nonmembers.
Info Session for Summer 2023 Crafting KidLit Cohort
Find out about the next session of my group coaching program—Crafting KidLit, starting July 1, 2023.
For more information, check it out here.