Thérèse Makes a Tapestry, Part 2: Author, Alexandra S. D. Hinrichs

22 Friday Jan 2016

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Today, we present Part Two of the series featuring the author and illustrator of the historical fiction children’s picture book, Thérèse Makes a Tapestry.

Alex_gettyAlexandra S. D. Hinrichs, an SCBWI member, is the author of this beautiful book. Set in the time of King Louis XIV’s reign of France (1643-1715), Thérèse’s father is a painter who travels with the king; their family lives at the Gobelins Manufactory where world-famous tapestries are made (and are still being made today!). Although women and girls are not permitted to weave, Thérèse practices at home. The book reveals how Thérèse surprises those around her.

Alexandra’s background includes historical researcher for American Girl, substitute youth services librarian, and children’s bookseller. She has two young boys. This is her debut children’s picture book.

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Thérèse Makes a Tapestry, Part 1: Illustrator, Renée Graef

20 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Illustrator's Gallery, Illustrator's Perspective

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Today, we present Part One of the series featuring both the illustrator and author of the historical fiction children’s picture book, Thérèse Makes a Tapestry.

Graef_Promo_MedRenée Graef, an SCBWI member, is the illustrator of this beautiful book. Set in the time of King Louis XIV’s reign of France (1643-1715), Thérèse’s father is a painter who travels with the king; their family lives at the Gobelins Manufactory where world-famous tapestries are made (and are still being made today!). Although women and girls are not permitted to weave, Thérèse practices at home. The book reveals how Thérèse surprises those around her.

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Interview with Brenda Drake of Pitch Wars

13 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by in Community Corner, Great News!, Industry News

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Each quarter we try to spotlight something helpful to writers and provide them with appropriate information. This week I have an interview with BRENDA DRAKE, founder of PITCH WARS. Read on to find out more about this interactive and free service for writers.

Brenda Drake Author Photo32

Brenda Drake

 

CHRISTINE VAN ZANDT: What is Pitch Wars?

BRENDA DRAKE: Pitch Wars is a contest where published/agented authors, editors, or industry interns choose one writer each, read their entire manuscript, and help the writers to shine it up for agents. The mentors also help with their mentees’ pitches to get them ready for the agent round. Writers send applications (query and first chapter of manuscript) to the four mentors that best fit their work. The mentors then read all their applications and choose the writer they want to mentor for the next two months. Then we hold an agent round with tons of amazing agents making requests.

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LA Regional News

06 Wednesday Jan 2016

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

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Happy New Year to all of our Los Angeles SCBWI Members from the Regional Team and Board!

This year, Writer’s Day has an exciting new format that you won’t want to miss.

On Saturday, March 12th, we will be at the beautiful Skirball Cultural Center. Registration opens January 10th. Click on this link for the full details: http://losangeles.scbwi.org/events/la-writers-day-16/.

Main Stage: In the Magnin Auditorium, there will be a morning of talks by publishing professionals and author presentations in the afternoon. Each talk will allow time for questions from you, the audience. We will also have door prizes and the Sue Alexander Service and Encouragement Award.

Some of our faculty and their presentations:

wd2016_Bowen wd2016_Stein wd2016_Ohi wd2016_LaFevers

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Illustrator’s Gallery: Angela Dominguez

23 Wednesday Dec 2015

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Writing about my busiest day now as an illustrator and author is a little tricky. In the past, it would have included teaching. For almost six years, I have taught at the Academy of Art University while pursuing my publishing career. Teaching is incredible. I’ve learned so much about the process of creating a book by explaining it to eager, enthusiastic students. However, working two full time careers at the same time, like I’m sure many of you know, is both physically and mentally draining.

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Volunteer in the Spotlight: Beth Navarro, Co-editor of Kite Tales

16 Wednesday Dec 2015

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Beth Navarro6847 100dpi copyWhen I joined SCBWI I was still a bit hardened from working the grind as an actor in Hollywood. Though it did have its good moments, acting really wore down my love for storytelling. I was desperate to find it again. I knew it was there. While working at Vroman’s bookstore I finally realized that writing for kids and teens was my medium.

The first SCBWI event I attended was LA Writer’s Day, and the warmth and support I felt from the get go was exactly what I needed (even though I’m pretty sure I didn’t speak to one person and was happy the outfit I chose matched the walls). Not long after that, the opportunity arose to become a co-editor of Kite Tales, the newsletter for the Southern California tri-regions. Continue reading →

Illustrator’s Perspective by Daniel Howarth

09 Wednesday Dec 2015

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Daniel Howarth

 

Heidi, my wife and the author of How to Catch a Falling Star, will no doubt argue about the origin of this story and the ‘superstition’ it is based on. But what I do know, is that we have been catching leaves, usually whilst walking the dogs … or kids, since we first met back in 1991. And for those who aren’t familiar with the notion, if you catch a falling leaf before it hits the ground then you are granted a wish. Not as easy as it sounds, even on a blustery day when it appears to be snowing leaves. The last leaf that falls from the tree being the most magical.

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Poet’s Perspective: How to Become a Poet by Alexander Trivas

02 Wednesday Dec 2015

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alex One of the greatest things about writing poetry myself and teaching it to both children and adults is that you are never too young or too old to express your truth. Whether you are experiencing the wild highs and lows of high school dating or marriage, whether you are a child or parent coping with divorce, or whether you are a child or a grandparent eating sticky popsicles in the summertime, through poetry you can capture what it means to love, feel fully alive, and be human.

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News from the Internet: Scrivener by Ronna Mandel

25 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by in Industry News

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Before starting this article, I asked my writer friends if they’d heard of Scrivener. Some had, others hadn’t. Several had even purchased it, but then did nothing more. The majority, however, admitted they were intimidated by Scrivener and, prior to my research, I fell into that category. I hope then that this brief introduction, meant to pique your curiosity rather than teach you how to use the software program, will get you over to their website, LiteratureandLatte.com, to see more of what Scrivener can do.

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Agent Jamie Weiss Chilton talks about SCBWI’s Writers’ Retreat

20 Friday Nov 2015

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SCBWI’s interview with agent Jamie Weiss Chilton is filled with industry insight.JamieWeissChilton_by_Roxyanne_Young

CHRISTINE VAN ZANDT: What is an agent’s role at the SCBWI Writers’ Retreat?

JAMIE WEISS CHILTON: Each faculty member at the retreat facilitated several workshop groups (five writers per group). The writers read aloud from a work-in-progress and received feedback on those pages. I was so impressed by the participants’ openness to feedback, and I could see the revision process beginning during the group’s discussions. I enjoy giving feedback and especially love the great group discussions that develop during these workshop sessions. The revisions I heard on the last day, during the First Pages read-aloud session, were fantastic. Writers give each other great advice—it’s evident to me of what a great critique group can do for authors and illustrators, which leads me to your next question . . .

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