25 Friday Nov 2016
Posted in Author's Perspective, Tips and Tools
I’ve never written a book proposal and I don’t have an agent, but I’m the author of more than a dozen non-fiction books for kids. How did I do it? I’m a writer for hire!
Many publishers create certain series, concepts, or titles “in house,” but they often need help doing the dirty work – you know, the writing part of it. So they’ll bring in freelancers who can bring their ideas to life. I’m one of those freelancers. Continue reading
23 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted in Illustrator's Perspective
I mainly work in visual storytelling, which is a fancy way of saying I like to draw pictures that tell a story. Throughout the years, this has meant working in animation, editorial, and now, children’s books. Drawing and writing for kids is something I’ve always wanted to do, because when I was a kid, I loved stories and movies and books, but I wanted more of them to look like me (rather selfishly, I admit). This is a pretty common thread amongst a lot of creators and storytellers I meet. We become artists so we can add to the mix and enrich the narrative with our perspectives and experiences and dreams. Continue reading
18 Friday Nov 2016
Posted in Great News!
Tags
authors, community, news, picture books, poetry, SCBWI members, YA, young adult
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!
Joan Bransfield Graham’s poem “Tuck a Poem in Your Head” is featured in former U.S. Children’s Poet Laureate Kenn Nesbitt’s new poetry anthology One Minute Till Bedtime, which debuted on November 1st.
Betsy Rosenthal’s An Ambush of Tigers was selected as a 2016 Notable Children’s Book in the English Language Arts and consequently, she has been invited to serve on a panel at the upcoming National Council of Teachers of English annual convention.
16 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted in Toot Your Horn!
Tags
authors, community, illustrators, middle grade, picture books, published, publishing, SCBWI members, YA, young adult
Living Fossils: Clues to the Past, by Caroline Arnold, illustrated by Andrew Plant, Charlesbridge, ages 7-10, Picturebook Nonfiction, ISBN: 978-1-58089-691-7, released 06/02/2016.
09 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted in Contests & Grants, Writers Days
Ever wonder what happens to the manuscripts that win first place in SCBWI-L.A.’s writing contests? We did. As the contest for Writers & Illustrators Day 2017 opens, we talked with our 2016 winners to find out how the award affected them and where their manuscripts are now.
All four of our winners talked about the huge boost in confidence that winning gave them. The award created courage to keep trying — writing, revising, querying, and learning. Continue reading
02 Wednesday Nov 2016
Posted in LitMingles!
Tags
community, illustrators, middle grade, picture books, SCBWI events, SCBWI members, writer, young adult
We at the SFV-Glendale LitMingle are dedicated to the pursuit of writing and illustrating children’s literature. We support, guide, and nurture budding authors and illustrators as well as established authors and illustrators. Our goal is to create quality works of fiction, non-fiction and poetry that educate, entertain, and inspire children of all ages. Continue reading
26 Wednesday Oct 2016
Posted in Writers' Retreat
Every year SCBWI hosts a members-only retreat that provides space, support, and permission to write—an ideal experience for writers at vari
ous stages of the creative process. On the final day, attendees have a chance to present their work to some of the most talented editors and agents in the business. To prepare for this moment, SCBWI faculty crafts three days of carefully planned and protected writing time.
The buzz from years past caught my attention and I was motivated to sign up the day registration opened. This opportunity meant time alone with my story without having to worry about the pressing responsibilities of life. Continue reading
19 Wednesday Oct 2016
14 Friday Oct 2016
Posted in Community Corner
SCBWI Summer Conference 2015
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is a dynamic community of professionals and aspirings. Read on for a member’s story about how SCBWI has influenced their work and connected them to publishing professionals, life-long friends, and the tools they need to share their stories with children of all ages.
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators has changed my life for the better in many ways. It’s hard to explain how a group of book writers and illustrators can do that, but they have. I’m not sure where to start, so I’ll start at the beginning: I’m a writer, who also draws. I worked in animation for many years and have recently worked in children’s books both as a writer and an illustrator.
12 Wednesday Oct 2016
Posted in Ask an Editor
Tags
“Ask an Editor” is a forum wherein SCBWI members submit questions that are answered as part of our quarterly Kite Tales blog.
Dear Editor – Word count requirements confuse me. Should I try to reach a certain number before I submit my novel? Does it really matter? —Rob, Studio City
Dear Rob – An ideal reference for word count is SCBWI’s annual publication, The Book: The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, available to SCBWI members at https://www.scbwi.org/online-resources/the-book/. The printed version is a bargain at $6.25 plus shipping, or download the PDF for free. Continue reading
Kite Tales 