26 Wednesday Jul 2023
Posted in Writers' Retreat
From September 29–October 1, 2023, writers will once more gather at the beautiful Holy Spirit Retreat Center in Encino, CA, for the first Los Angeles Working Writer’s Retreat since 2019. Attendees will have the opportunity to get feedback on their work from five faculty members who are either literary agents or editors. Between scheduled critique sessions, attendees will have time to write and revise (or nap, if they so choose!).
Continue reading19 Wednesday Jul 2023
Posted in Ask an Editor, Tips and Tools
Tags
#AskanEditor, authors, Christine Van Zandt, editor, middle grade, novel, picture book, publishing, writing tips, YA
“Ask an Editor” is a quarterly forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered as part of our Kite Tales blog.
Hi Christine–When I queried my YA novel to a few agents, one sent me an “R&R” (revise and resubmit) request. Should I do this?—Effie, Los Angeles
12 Wednesday Jul 2023
Posted in Community Corner, Illustrators Day, SoCal, Tri-Regional News, Writers Days
Tags
agents, authors, editors, illustrators, Laura Taylor Namey, Lauren Rille, Lisa Johnston Hancock, Lucy Hamilburg, Megan Ilnitzki, Reggie Brown, Savannah Brooks, SCBWI community, SCBWI members, SCBWI SoCal, Scott Sussman, Tina Athaide, Writers & Illustrators Day
by Beverly Plass, RA SoCal SCBWI
Join SCBWI SoCal at Cal State University Fullerton or on Zoom on October 7, to learn about craft and book publishing, connect with professionals in the industry, and mingle with other SCBWI attendees.
SoCal’s FALL HARVEST WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS DAY will take place Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can attend in-person at California State University, Fullerton OR participate via Zoom. Lunch is provided for in-person attendees.
Continue reading05 Wednesday Jul 2023
Tags
authors, CenCal Writer's Day, editors, illustrators, Jaime Zollars, Jen Rofe, Karen Jameson, Kitty Donohoe, Lin Oliver, Melissa Manlove, Mona Alvarado Frazier, Patrice Karst, SCBWI community, SCBWI members
by Ann Rousseau Smith, SCBWI CenCal News Liaison
Join SCBWI CenCal for Writer’s Day 2023!
WRITER’S DAY: SPARK THE FIRE WITHIN is a two-day event this year. The first day is in-person at a new location, the Camarillo Library, on Saturday, September 9. Doors open at 8:45 am, coffee and pastries for early arrivers. Event begins at 9:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Lunch will be provided.
Day One includes writing contests, written critiques, first lines feedback, 4-corners critique meet-up, door prizes, book sales, and a tour of the Camarillo Library Children’s Room, aka the Pirate Ship.
Continue reading28 Wednesday Jun 2023
Tags
authors, craft, digital, illustrator tips, illustrators, improv, Laura Hunt, process, SCBWI community, SCBWI members, sketch comedy, watercolor, writers
In SCBWI-L.A.’s latest Twitter Banner Contest, illustrators were asked to submit their most creative response to our prompt: KITE NIGHT. The winning contestant’s artwork is featured on the Los Angeles Region SCBWI Twitter profile until the next contest, with a feature article published here on Kite Tales.
We’re excited to announce Laura Hunt as our winner! Laura is an author-illustrator who grew up in Connecticut and now resides in Los Angeles with her college sweetheart, young son, and old Yorkie. Her dummy received an honorable mention from PB Party 2023. Her comedy writing background includes writing sketches on a house team for the Upright Citizens Brigade, and her work has been featured on Funny or Die and HuffPost.
Read on to learn more about Laura, her tools and tips, and what inspires her work.
Continue reading21 Wednesday Jun 2023
Posted in Central Coast, Industry Conferences, Industry News, Tri-Regional News
Tags
Beatty Award, California Library Association, Lisa Kerr, Mark H. Parsons, Peach Rebellion, SCBWI members, Wake Sleepy One, Wendelin Van Draanen
by Mark H. Parsons
The California Library Association awarded this year’s prestigious John and Patricia Beatty Awards (“The Beatty”) to two CenCal SCBWI members.
Founded in 1989, the Beatty annually honors the creator of “a distinguished book for children or young adults that best promotes an awareness of California and its people.” The winners are selected by a committee of children’s librarians from throughout California.
Continue reading14 Wednesday Jun 2023
Posted in Community Corner, Great News!, Toot Your Horn!
Be heard.
Whether you’re a PAL member, independently published, or pre-published, Kite Tales wants your stories about your experiences in kid lit. Writers, illustrators, translators, editors, publishers, agents, teachers, librarians, and more welcome!
Continue reading07 Wednesday Jun 2023
Posted in Toot Your Horn!
Tags
board book, Graphic Novels, middle grade, nonfiction, picture book, published, publishing, SCBWI community, SCBWI members, young adult
SCBWI members’ publishing news is something to celebrate here at Kite Tales! Check out whose book is coming to a platform near you or around the world. Horn-tooting and digital high fives welcome in the comments!
31 Wednesday May 2023
Posted in Community Corner, Great News!
SCBWI loves celebrating our members’ successes and noteworthy news, and there are many! Read on to find out who’s got something to shout about. Digital high-fives welcome in the comments!
Continue reading24 Wednesday May 2023
Posted in Author's Perspective, Industry News
Tags
#WNDB, Are You There God? It's Me Margaret, authors, diversity, Judy Blume, Little Divas, middle grade, Philana Marie Boles, publishing, We Need Diverse Books
by Philana Marie Boles
Since its inception in 2014, I have applauded the refreshing “We Need Diverse Books” initiative. Yet internally, as a multi-published author, I’ve also whimpered a weary cry whenever I see those words. I’ve wanted to remind anyone who will listen, “But we’re here. We’ve always been here. Diverse books just need to be seen and supported.”
Continue reading
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