02 Wednesday Sep 2015
Posted in Author's Perspective
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How long have you been an SCBWI member?
10 years
What do you write?
I write middle grade novels. My first published novel is a middle grade mystery fantasy. I’m currently working on a middle grade contemporary.
28 Friday Aug 2015
Posted in Agent's Perspective
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agents, Alexandra Penfold, Barry Goldblatt, Brenda Bowen, conferences, SCBWI events, SCBWI members
The 2015 SCBWI Summer conference had an impressive line-up of agents including Alexandra Penfold, Barry Goldblatt and Brenda Bowen. There is a good amount of information out there answering questions about how to get an agent and how to write a fabulous (the ever elusive and tricky) query letter, but much less talked about is what happens once an agent’s interest is piqued. We wanted insider information on how these top of the line agents work with potential clients. They were kind enough to take time out of their busy conference schedules to talk with us.
26 Wednesday Aug 2015
Posted in SCBWI Summer Conference
“In Reverence of Resonance”
At the 44th Annual SCBWI Summer Conference, the esteemed Mem Fox, Queen of children’s storybooks, told us that there are really only two themes in all of literature: the “Quest” and the “Stranger Comes to Town.” As a first-time conference goer, I certainly felt like the ‘stranger come to town’ as I navigated my way through the biggest Summer Conference to date – a whopping 1,173 people attending from 19 countries (including France, Japan, Spain and Bangladesh!) and 48 states represented. But with over 400 “pre-published” new attendees just like me, I knew I wouldn’t be alone for long.
19 Wednesday Aug 2015
Posted in LitMingles!
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Writing means sharing. It’s part of the human condition to want to share things – thoughts, ideas, opinions. ~ Paulo Coelho
Sherman Oaks Library
On the fourth Monday of the month co-coordinators Karen Sampson and Jennifer S. Pitts gather together with a friendly group of writers and illustrators at the Sherman Oaks Library, in the heart of the beautiful San Fernando Valley. Their goal is to help Schmoozers assuage the solitary art of writing and illustrating while fulfilling their natural human desire to share.
12 Wednesday Aug 2015
Posted in Illustrator's Gallery
Drawing is Therapy and Dirty Dishes are Annoying
I’m not entirely sure how strange a concept this is to other creative folks, but I’ve discovered that while I’m working on illustrations for a book, I’m thinking about everything. I mean, really…all the things. My mind jumps back and forth from the decorations in my childhood bedroom, to my friend’s desire to own a corgi, to my failed attempt at making beef stew the night before, to wondering if I remembered to take the garbage out. I try to block out that last type of thought because those are the distractions that have the ability to make me get up and lose focus. For instance, all of a sudden desperately needing to do the dishes; that stuff can wait. Or can it? Gah!
05 Wednesday Aug 2015
Posted in Illustrator's Perspective
WILL HILLENBRAND is a celebrated author and illustrator whose published works include over sixty books for young readers. In addition to his own self-illustrated titles, he has illustrated the works of writers and retellers including Verna Aardema, Judy Sierra, Margery Cuyler, Judith St. George, Phyllis Root, Jane Yolen, Karma Wilson, Maureen Wright, Daniel Pinkwater and Jane Hillenbrand. Will has lived almost all of his life in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he grew up as the youngest of four boys. He now lives in Terrace Park.
29 Wednesday Jul 2015
Posted in Critique Day
What happens when a bunch of children’s literature writers gather together in a creative venue? The answer is a day of creative expression and constructive critique. The SCBWI Peer 2 Peer Critiquenic took place at the Skirball Cultural Center a couple of months ago. The weather graced us with a perfect spring afternoon. Arriving early, and carrying my lunch bag, I stepped up to the check-in table. The registration process was organized and easy. I was the first in my group (young adult) to arrive and was assigned to welcome the rest of the party. I waved a cute animal mask courtesy of SCBWI, greeted and mingled with fellow friendly writers. It was wonderful to run into others I’d meet through various schmoozes.
22 Wednesday Jul 2015
Posted in Industry Conferences
Yay! So you have signed up for the summer conference this year. That is exciting; but now what? It’s overwhelming! Three days of keynotes, breakout sessions, intensives, portfolio showcase, a costume gala, lunch, dinner, hotel… OMG! So much to think about.
15 Wednesday Jul 2015
Posted in Central Coast
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Writers’ Day 2015
Mark your calendars! SCBWI CenCal Writers’ Day 2015, “Steps to Success,” will be held Saturday, October 17, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, at California Lutheran University’s Preus-Brandt Forum.
Whether you are new to the world of writing for children or you have many books under your belt, please join us for a dynamic day filled with the latest information on craft, submitting your work, securing an agent, and marketing from industry professionals. Be inspired by local success stories. Learn more about friendly, fun-loving SCBWI CenCal and all we have to offer.
08 Wednesday Jul 2015
Posted in SoCal
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We hope everyone is enjoying summer, but it’s time to mark your calendars for our upcoming Editor’s Day on October 3, 2015 at Cal State University Fullerton!
Editor’s Day is packed with plenty of opportunities for our attendees, including Manuscript Critiques, Pitch Sessions, a pre-conference Friday night Illustrator’s art exhibit, First Pages Panel, Portfolio Displays, Promo and Tear Sheet Critiques, lunch with the editors, PAL Book displays, book signings, and book giveaways. Don’t miss out on this fabulous chance to connect with industry professionals!
Kite Tales 