Need a Writing Boost? Enter the 2021 Writers Day Contest!

12 Friday Mar 2021

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

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by Brenda Scott Royce, SCBWI-L.A. Contest Coordinator

Photo by Suzy Hazelwood on Pexels.com

“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” — novelist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr

While our annual SCBWI-L.A. Writers Day will look somewhat different this year (we’ll be meeting virtually!), one thing that hasn’t changed is the contest. As usual, the manuscript contest is open to all who register for the event, and there’s no additional fee to enter. Submissions will be accepted in four categories: Picture Book, Middle Grade novel, Young Adult novel, and Other (which includes non-fiction and poetry). Winners receive a free written critique from one of the Writers Day faculty members PLUS free tuition to Writers Day 2022 (or equivalent). Winners and runners-up will be acknowledged in Kite Tales. 

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From Written to Spoken Word—Part Two: Writing for Audio

10 Wednesday Mar 2021

Posted by in Author's Perspective, Tips and Tools

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by Amy Rubinate

Photo Credit: Ron Butler and Erin Bennett

Audiobooks are an increasingly important part of the literary marketplace, and there is a high likelihood that every book will become an audiobook sooner or later. In light of this shift in the market, authors may wonder if they need to keep the audio version in mind when writing, and adjust their writing style to accommodate this medium. I would suggest that the answer is yes, even if the changes are subtle or few. But let’s start with the easiest adjustment: using audiobook techniques to your advantage as part of the writing process.

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#KTIllustrates 2021 Contest Winner: Sienna Kim

03 Wednesday Mar 2021

Posted by in #KTIllustrates, Illustrator's Perspective

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In SCBWI-L.A.’s first #KTIllustrates contest, illustrators were given a few lines from an old nursery rhyme to inspire them: “If your heels are nimble and light, you may get there by candle-light.” The entries could be in any form (spot, spread or cover design) and in any medium. The winner receives a gift certificate to ArtSupply Warehouse and is featured on the Los Angeles Region’s social media pages.

Congratulations goes to Sienna Youngsun Kim, our winner of the #KTIllustrates 2021 contest! Read on to learn more about Sienna and to view her wonderful work, filled with whimsy and delight.

Sienna Kim’s Winning Illustration

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Attention PAL Nonfiction Authors: Be an SCBWI Mentor in 2021!

24 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in Contests & Grants, Mentorship Contest

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by Nicole Maggi  

Last June, I handed in a major rewrite on a write-for-hire project, took a deep breath, and turned my attention to a new venture: the SCBWI-L.A. Mentorship. I had spent several weeks earlier in the spring selecting the recipient of the Mentorship, and I was excited to get to work with my mentee, pre-published author Edward Underhill. 

2020 mentor Nicole Maggi.

Over the course of the summer, as the pandemic grew worse and the world darkened, and my own creative spark began to dim, working with Ed was a beautiful bright spot, like a brilliant star in a moonless sky. His novel, a joyous trans coming-of-age rom-com, was a true escape every time I opened the manuscript.  

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Toot Your Horn!

17 Wednesday Feb 2021

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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 hi-fives welcome in the comments!

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From Written to Spoken Word – Part One: Bringing Stories to Life

10 Wednesday Feb 2021

Posted by in Author's Perspective, Tips and Tools

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by Amy Rubinate

Studio in Session: Dark room with several computer monitors and recording equipment.
Photo Credit: Ron Butler and Erin Bennett

There is an adage in the audiobook industry that the right narrator can make a bad book good, and a good book great. I like to expand on that by saying that the pairing of a great narrator and a great book is a kind of alchemy that creates a new art form all its own. Audiobooks bring a written story to life—not on page or stage or screen, but through the physical act of storytelling.

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Great News!

03 Wednesday Feb 2021

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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!

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An Interview with Karen Jameson, Picture Book Author

27 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in Author's Perspective, Central Coast, Tri-Regional News

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by Ann Rousseau Smith, SCBWI CenCal News Liaison

Karen Jameson is the author of Moon Babies, illustrated by Amy Hevron (Putnam, 2019). Her most recent book is Woodland Dreams, illustrated by Marc Boutavant (Chronicle, 2020). More stories are in the works. She was awarded the Sue Alexander Grant for the Working Writers Retreat (SCBWI-L.A.) for her lyrical picture book Woodland Dreams. Karen has retired from teaching to write full-time. She took a moment to answer some questions for the Kite Tales blog.

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Ask an Editor: Critique Groups Today

20 Wednesday Jan 2021

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“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered as part of our quarterly Kite Tales blog.

Hello Christine – I think I’m ready to join a critique/workshop group. How do they work now that we can no longer meet in person, and how do I know someone won’t steal my ideas? Thanks.

—Maggie, Los Angeles

Hello Maggie – The information in my June 20, 2018 post with tips for finding a critique group through reputable sources such as SCBWI remains valid. Before the pandemic, critique groups revolved around WHO (writer’s category or genre) and WHEN/WHERE (time and location of meeting). Let’s take a look at what’s happening now. Continue reading →

#KTWriteOn with Agent and Author Eric Smith: Take It One Page at a Time

13 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in #KTWriteOn

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Welcome to the Kite Tales Writing Challenge: #KTWriteOn. Each writing challenge is crafted by a kid-lit publishing professional to help spark ideas, renew creative energy, and get your work moving out into the world.

This exercise was created by Eric Smith, a Young Adult author and literary agent with P.S. Literary living in Philadelphia. His latest novel, Don’t Read the Comments, was published by Inkyard Press in January 2020, and was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults nominee. His upcoming books include You Can Go Your Own Way (Inkyard Press, November 2021), and the anthology Battle of the Bands co-edited with Lauren Gibaldi (Candlewick, September 2021). Today he’s sharing some wisdom with us on how to be present for our own work regardless of what’s going on around us.

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