Author Archives: Jessica Chrysler

Though The Show Mustn’t Go On—The Contest Still Can: Announcing The 2020 Writer’s Day Contest Winners!

08 Wednesday Apr 2020

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Los Angeles, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

by Karol Ruth Silverstein, SCBWI-L.A. Contest Coordinator

The SCBWI-L.A. is thrilled to be able to bring good news to some of our members at a time that’s been so difficult for all of us. 

Let us begin by expressing a hearty thank you to our anonymous judges for selecting the 2020 honorees. As usual, manuscripts were submitted in four categories: Young Adult, Middle Grade, Picture Book, and Other (which includes poetry and non-fiction). If you’d like to contact any of the winners to request their manuscript or discuss publication, please let us know in the comments below!

This year, the first-place winners in each category will receive a manuscript critique from one of our faculty members plus free tuition to either the rescheduled 2020 Writers Day event or to next year’s Writer’s Day.

SAG_Winner

Here are the 2020 honorees: Continue reading →

The Sue Alexander Grant Is Open For Submissions March 30-May 11, 2020

27 Friday Mar 2020

Posted by in Contests & Grants, SAG, Writers' Retreat

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , ,

by Jennifer Rawlings

I know applying for the Sue Alexander Grant is scary, but ignoring your dreams and goals is even scarier.

Not only did I not tell a single soul I was applying for the Sue Alexander Grant, I wrote an entire novel in secret. That’s right. Not even my husband knew I was writing a YA Novel—I just wanted to do the work then hope and pray someone liked it.

black and red typewriter

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

Continue reading →

Harold Underdown on Revising with an Editor’s Eye

06 Friday Mar 2020

Posted by in Writers Days

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

WD20_UnderdownHarold Underdown is an independent editor and publishing consultant, with over 30 years of experience in children’s publishing. He’s the author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Children’s Book Publishing and has worked as an in-house editor for Macmillan, Orchard, and Charlesbridge. The collegiate atmosphere of publishing is what drew him to editing and developed his passion for helping writers bring out their vision.

He will be sharing his expertise at Writers Day on March 28 and leading a pre-conference revision workshop for those lucky enough to have grabbed a spot. (You can sign up for the waitlist here.) He’s also been generous enough to share some tips with us at Kite Tales.

Continue reading →

Four Counties, Four LitMingles

22 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by in Central Coast, LitMingles!, Tri-Regional News

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

by Ann Rousseau Smith, SCBWI CenCal News Liaison

SLO County Mingle

San Luis Obispo County Mingle

The SCBWI Central-Coastal region offers regular, free meet-ups, known as LitMingles. All LitMingles are hosted by volunteers. Whether you want to connect with other writers, learn about craft, or build a community of support, your LitMingle hosts are ready to plan for your needs.

Our County Mingles were newly created in 2019, and our current LitMingle hosts are Allison Crotzer Kimmel, Kern County; Claire Noland, San Luis Obispo County; Mari Talkin, Santa Barbara County; and Lori Anaya, Ventura County. I wanted to check-in and see how the meet-ups are progressing. 

ANN ROUSSEAU SMITH: Welcome to the Kite Tales blog! What is the purpose or mission of a LitMingle, either in general or more specifically for your County Mingle?

Continue reading →

Your 2020 Guide to Book Festivals, Conventions, and SCBWI Events

15 Wednesday Jan 2020

Posted by in Industry Conferences, Industry News, Writers Days

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Need a creative pick me up? How about a new avenue for book promotion? Or maybe you just need some quality time with like-minded writers and illustrators working on their craft. SCBWI has you covered on the craft of kidlit and our region’s list of local book festivals and conventions is sure to broaden your creative perspectives!

SCBWI Sponsored Events for 2020

MARCH 28
Writers Day
Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles
WritersDay_Panel_2019
Dive into craft and “Discover the Words Worth Keeping” with a full day of keynotes, critiques and agent pitch sessions. A special pre-event intensive with Harold Underdown will also give a new perspective on approaching revision to polish your work in progress. Contests, manuscript reviews and scholarships will also be available. Need more insight? Read author Charlotte Offsay’s recap of last year here.

Continue reading →