Tags
Alexis O'Neill Volunteer of the Year Award, Elizabeth Kuelbs, Leanne Pankuch, middle grade, Paulina Hill, picture books, SCBWI community, SCBWI events, SCBWI members, young adult
by Ann Rousseau Smith, SCBWI CenCal News Liaison
The SCBWI Central-Coastal Region held its in-person Writers’ Day on Saturday, September 9, at the Camarillo Public Library. After an inspiring day of speakers and camaraderie, a few honors were presented, with the winners receiving free entry to next year’s Writers’ Day.
Congratulations to all the participants in the writing contest, including the winners:
PICTURE BOOK: Elizabeth Kuelbs for Forest of Violins
High in the Italian Alps in the Paneveggio Forest, a warm autumn breeze tumbles a spruce seed from its cone. It soon shoots roots down into damp soil, stretches its stem skyward as capercaillies strut past. Wind trills through the seedling’s fresh needles—its first musician. If it grows strong and straight, its wood may sing for others. This is the Forest of Violins.
MIDDLE GRADE/YOUNG ADULT: Leanne Pankuch for Liar’s Song
It’s 1977 and twelve year-old Dahlia “Dallie” Montgomery lives in a small town in Ontario, Canada. She dreams of being a country music star like her idol, Dolly Parton. Dallie’s daddy is a singer too, and she’s excited to perform with him in the All Canada Country Music Radio Show contest at the township fair next month. One night, while Dallie is singing and imagining her rhinestone-studded future, Mama bursts in and says they’re leaving. She takes Dallie and little brother Bean to the distant village of Lanark. Mama says they must use a fake last name and are never going back home—and that Dallie has to stop singing. She doesn’t tell Dallie why.
ALEXIS O’NEILL VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Paulina Hill
Paulina Hill, Assistant Regional Advisor for SCBWI CenCal received the Alexis O’Neill Volunteer of the Year Award for her commitment to the region. Among her many duties and contributions, her persistence and determination during the launch of the new SCBWI website, allowed the CenCal regional pages to become a working site.
Congratulations to all the winners!
For information on SCBWI CenCal events (open to all SCBWI members!), go to https://www.scbwi.org/regions/cencal
For more fantastic content, community, events, and other professional development opportunities, become a member today! Not sure if there is a chapter in your area? Check here.
Photos provided by Joan Bransfield Graham and Paulina Hill.
Kite Tales 