Bring Your Career into Sharper Focus with Wik2020: WRITERS' INTENSIVES!

Registration’s open and you want to get that Early Bird discount but…how to choose the right writers’ intensive? You want to bring your career into sharper focus but which track is best for you? There is so much to consider that we’re breaking it down for you:

First, this year, you must sign up for one track and stick with it so choose wisely, grasshoppers. Er, writers. And due to space limitations, some of the tracks will fill up quickly, so don’t wait too late or you may not get your first choice.

The schedule for the intensives is the same across the board. All the intensives start at 9:00 AM and last until 5:00 PM. Lunch for all the tracks is at the same time, noon until 2:00. So if you want to have lunch with friends or arrange rides, you can be in different tracks and you will easily be able to meet. And all the intensives are in the Homewood Library, a beautiful space that’s easy to navigate.

So now a few more details about the tracks that might help you decide:

The Picture Book Track

 Authors Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple will lead this intensive. In Picture Book 101, Part I, they’ll focus on the basics by looking at the nuts and bolts of this form. If you’re brand new to writing picture books, this intensive will get you started on the right track. If you’re experienced with picture books, you’ll get tips on how to elevate your manuscripts. And there will be homework! So if you have a manuscript you want to work on, now’s your chance to get feedback from two of the best in the business.

Picture Book 101, Part II, will look at the poetic form. Could your poem become a picture book? Or how do you make your picture book more poetic? And P.S. There’s more homework! But know that sharing any of your work in an intensive is strictly a voluntary pursuit. You are free to soak up every word—and not say a word yourself. Or you may welcome any and all advice and/or feedback. And the intensive will conclude with a Roundtable discussion, a perfect time to ask any questions and get even more professional information about the business and/or writing side of picture books.

 The Novel Track 

The novel track’s morning session will start with agent Kurestin Armada. She’ll be going deep into those all-important “first pages” so if you have a work-in-progress, here’s a great opportunity to find out what’s working and what needs work. But she'll also be looking at examples if you don't bring your own pages. And when editor Kait Feldman starts her Q and A Roundtable, you’ll learn even more. Beginner or already-published can benefit from these sessions.

The afternoon session will be led by author Janice Hardy who’ll give a master class on Plot, Setting, and Scene: Building a Strong Foundation for your Novel. Writers will learn about internal and external conflict, character arcs, bringing a scene to life, and much more. So bring your laptops and bring your pages because Hardy will take your work through exercises that’ll make your novel something that readers can’t walk away from.

The Pro Track

The Pro track is designed for those writers who are published (though you do not have to be a PAL member) who are looking for tips and advice on the business side of their career. So librarian Lisa Churchill will start with Ten Tips for the Best School Visits Ever. That’s followed by agent Rubin Pfeffer who will lead a rousing Q and A. Pfeffer will answer any question on the writing business—he’s been an editor as well—so come prepared with your questions (and you'll get frank answers)!

Afternoon begins with editor Mekisha Telfer with Raising the Stakes, and she’ll answer those questions about the challenges of working with your agent and/or your editor. She’ll also discuss the Hope of Every Child, a session on writing/illustrating for all children, including how to handle characters outside your culture, gender, religion, etc.

The Writers’ Intensives are held on Friday and they are optional; they are not part of the conference so the fee for them is extra. But ask anyone who’s attended these in-depth sessions and you’ll find they’re worth every penny!

Whew! I hope you’ve got all the information you could possibly need about the writers’ intensives! But if you still have questions, email us at southern-breeze@scbwi.org. We have all the answers—well, answers about wik2020—and we can’t wait to see what you choose! (P.S. Nothing's filled--yet!)

           REGISTER FOR WIK2020 HERE! EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT TILL JANUARY 1, 2020. 

Art Image by wik2020 brochure illustrator David SanAngelo. 

Bring Your Career into Sharper Focus with wik2020: GIFTS FOR WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS!

We asked Claudia Pearson, Co-RA of Southern Breeze, to give us a few ideas about bringing your career into sharper focus with wik2020 and she had the perfect gift idea for writers and illustrators!

 Kwanza, Christmas, Hanukkah - the season of giving is here! The holidays are a wonderful time to honor and give back to friends, recognizing the many ways they support you. But what to give your writer and illustrator friends, the ones who have provided feedback, the ones who held your hand as you waited for a response to a submission, waited for an art director or editor to notice your work?

If you ask Google or Amazon or Writer’s Digest or simply search the web for “gifts for writers and illustrators,” you’ll get recommendations like messenger bags and laptop desks, artsy tee shirts, coffee mugs, yummy chocolates, tea, and coffee, useful tools like pens and brushes, sketchbooks, binders, pencil rolls, and productivity promoters like calendars, how-to books, and software, but…

Why not give the gift of inspiration and community that comes from spending time with other writers and illustrators? Isn’t that what your friends give you throughout the year? In an occupation that can be isolating, where we typically work alone, the opportunity to get together with other creatives may be the best gift you can give your writer and illustrator friends.

Gift coupons are available for our upcoming wik20 in March. All you have to do is email Southern-Breeze@scbwi.org and we will invoice you for the amount you want to give and set up a gift coupon code you can print out or email to your friend. We can even do this anonymously if you like!

Planning to come to the conference yourself? There are a limited number of “And-One” spaces available. These are intended to increase our region’s diversity, so if you have a writer or illustrator friend from an underrepresented community who is not an SCBWI member and has never attended an SCBWI conference, after you register, send us:

1. Their name
2. Their email address, and
3. A statement about their interest in writing or illustrating for young readers, and why you think they should be included as your “And-One” for our conference.

But don’t delay! Registration is now open, and some sessions are limited by space. Those who register early will get the early bird discount and first choice on all the opportunities available.


         REGISTER FOR WIK2020 HERE! EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT TILL JANUARY 1, 2020. 

Claudia Pearson retired from her legal practice at the turn of the century to pursue her Master's Degree in Children's Literature at Hollins University. A decades long active member of SCBWI, she has served as a Regional Advisor/co-Regional Advisor for the Southern Breeze Region for almost ten years. She collects antique books and art, and is fascinated with illustration, although she is not an illustrator. Registration guru, website tech hacker, writer of silly picture books and serious middle grade novels, she persists in her dream of writing something that is publishable in the trade market.





Art Image by wik2020 brochure illustrator David SanAngelo. 

Bring Your Career into Sharper Focus with wik2020: THE PITCH PARTY

We had so much fun last year that we're having a pitch party again! I'm still so excited that I can't stand it! Because we're all about bringing your career into focus at wik2020 and I know that our panel of agents will do exactly that for those who pitch!

But I'm getting a grip on the excitement (and the exclamation points) because we have rules for this terrific event; I have to follow 'em and so do you. So let's all take a deep breath and look at how the Pitch Party works:

1.       If you’re interested in presenting a pitch (It's still FREE!), you must sign up when you register. Look for the button labeled “Start With a Pitch!”

2.       Perfect your pitch! And to help you, this year we'll be hosting a Practice Your Pitch Before the Pitch Party Party. YAY! We'll be meeting on Zoom January 22nd, 7 to 9 PM Eastern--and yes, that's FREE, too!--for anyone who'd like to practice a pitch and get feedback before facing the pitch panel. (You don't have to sign up for the Zoom meeting when you register but you will need the Zoom link. We'll be sending that link and more information in January.)

3.       Bring your pitch with you when you come for wik2020.

4.       The morning of the conference, we’ll draw names from those who have signed up. We’ll announce the names at the beginning of the Pitch Party. YOU MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE AND READY TO PARTICIPATE. If you choose at that time NOT to participate, do not line up.

5.       Each person participating will have 30 seconds to make the pitch. Yes, we've changed the time limit! ONLY THIRTY SECONDS! You may wish to read your pitch rather than memorize it. Either way, we'll stop you when you go over the limit. (See why that practice is so important?)

6.       Each member of the Pitch Panel may or may not give feedback. 

We hope to have enough time to double the number of people who pitch this year! But that means you must be prepared. So come join us at the Practice Your Pitch Before the Pitch Party Party on January 22nd! For now, here's a helpful hint from author and pitch pro Janice Hardy:

A spoken pitch is different from a written one, and a lot of writers make the mistake of writing something that reads fine, but it's too long to say properly. It's easy to get tangled up in a pitch when you're nervous. Two sentences, tops. One trick is to have your friends and family randomly ask you what your book is about to get you in the habit of just spitting it out when asked. Good practice!"

And she adds, have a good title. "It's not a must have, but my agent said she wanted to ask for my manuscript based on title alone. So it can be what hooks the agent."

The Pitch Party could be just the thing to bring your career into sharper focus! And believe me, I know how excited we all are about the Pitch Party! But calm down and concentrate because you can't participate unless you sign up for the Pitch Party when you register.


             REGISTER FOR WIK2020 HERE! EARLY BIRD OPENS ON DECEMBER 15TH. 







Cathy C. Hall is the Co-ARA here at SCBWI Southern Breeze and when she's not tossing about exclamation points indiscriminately here at the blog, she's writing other stuff. But there are still going to be lots of exclamation points (mostly in Middle Grade or Young Adult manuscripts).


If you have questions, contact her at southern-breeze-ara2@scbwi.org. She has lots of answers! (And sometimes, they're right.)

Art Image by wik2020 brochure illustrator David SanAngelo. 

Bring Your Career Into Sharper Focus With Wik2020: CRITIQUE VS. CONSULTATION

For wik2020, SCBWI Southern Breeze looked at what we could do to bring your career into sharper focus and so we’ve planned amazing intensives, an exciting conference schedule, and so much more!

Like our awesome add-on items that you will need to choose when you register. That’s why we asked our Co-ARA, Lisa Lowe Stauffer, to provide added information, advice, and a few tips from members about two of our popular add-ons: the face-to-face and the manuscript critique. You’ll be one step ahead if you read this before you register!



 Manuscript Critique vs. Agent Consultation 

How do you choose what’s right for you?

In a nutshell . . .

• Choose the manuscript critique if you want feedback from a professional about one manuscript.
• Choose the agent consultation to talk about the business side of kid lit: individualized advice on topics such as prioritizing your works-in-progress, improving your query letters, marketing, rejection analysis, honing your Internet presence, career advice, or any other topic an agent can knowledgeably discuss.

How Each Works 

For a face-to-face (formal) manuscript critique: 

You’ll be matched to a suitable pro—either an agent, editor, or (occasionally) an author.
Your time slot will be assigned and you’ll receive this information at the conference check-in.
You’ll be required to send in no more than 10 pages (including a synopsis, if desired). The deadline for sending those pages is Feb. 10, 2020, so you have time to work on your manuscript.
You’ll have 15 minutes to talk about your manuscript with your critiquer.
Look at this as an opportunity for a fun, honest discussion about your manuscript.

For the one-on-one agent consultation:

You’ll choose which agent you prefer.
You’ll choose which time slot works best for you.
You’ll be allowed—but not required—to send up to 5 pages of information ahead of time (February 10, 2020 deadline). The agent will not provide a formal critique of submitted material but may briefly discuss (if that’s what you prefer).
You’ll have 20 minutes to chat about whatever you want.


The Inside Scoop from Previous Participants

 “Which one you choose depends on what you’re looking for,” says Janice Hardy. “If you’re looking for an agent, a one-on-one is good because you get to pitch and interact with the agent. Especially if it’s an agent you’re interested in. If you’re still working on the manuscript, the critique is better. Not every agent who agrees to do a critique is looking for new clients, so you can’t count on them saying, ‘Wow this is amazing, send it to me.’ It happens, but that’s not the point of a manuscript critique.”

Janice also recommends in either situation being prepared to talk about your story. “You may get questions about the characters, plot, and conflict. Especially the conflict. You may need to show you have conflict and that it’s book-worthy.”

Debbie D’Aurelio shared this about an agent consultation that really helped her. “At the time, I had interest in my manuscript from two agents and we talked about the benefits of both agencies. I also brought a short pitch and a query letter to review and she was very honest and helpful. My advice to others is not to use the time thinking you might be represented by that particular agent. It’s a great opportunity to ask general questions about the best way to get an agent and get published, etc.”

Joan Broerman says that generally, a critique is about craft and an agent consultation is more about business. “While a manuscript may be the focus of a critique, how to market that manuscript is usually best served by a one-on-one agent consultation. Either can result in moving a manuscript closer to publication.”


Thanks, Lisa! Our members had even more helpful tips about preparing for a critique or a consultation so by February 10th, we’ll share their advice before you need to send any materials. For now, consider what’s best for you and your goals, and then register early and save with the early bird discount!

             REGISTER FOR WIK2020 HERE! EARLY BIRD OPENS ON DECEMBER 15TH. 
           
                                         
Ever since her palm-reading grandmother said she would write a book, Lisa Lowe Stauffer has been working to learn the craft. Unfortunately her palm didn’t mention how long it would take, or that SCBWI would be the key to success. She had to find out those on her own! Her debut book TWO BY TWO (Zonderkidz 2018) is available wherever books are sold.







Art Image by wik2020 brochure illustrator David SanAngelo. 

Bring Your Career into Sharper Focus with wik2020! EARLY REGISTRATION

Wik2020—Writing and Illustrating for Kids 2020—is coming March 13th and 14th to Homewood, Alabama! SCBWI Southern Breeze has lots to offer the writer and/or illustrator looking to bring his or her career into sharper focus and we can’t wait for you to join us! Get ready to register on December 15th when we’ll be opening our early registration!

There’s a very good reason why you should register early for wik2020. In fact, there are lots of good reasons so let's focus on...

THE TOP TEN REASONS TO REGISTER EARLY FOR WIK2020: 

10. Have you seen our schedule? It’s amazing! But we’re in a beautiful new space this year so some sessions will have limited enrollment due to the size of the session room. Take a look here at all the sessions and then register early to get exactly what you want!

9. And check out the Intensives! You want to reserve your space there, too! And really, we’d love for each and every person who registers to get exactly what they want at wik2020. But those rooms for each track can only hold so many and you know that old cliché, right? If you want your worm—er, track—then register early!

8. Let’s talk numbers. Because conferences have costs and we do everything we can to keep our costs reasonable. And that includes the discount with early registration. If you want to save money--$25 to be exact!—register early! Because on January 1st, the Early Bird registration flies away!

7. Another way to save money is the RA Scholarship to attend the conference. We’ve answered all sorts of questions about the RA Scholarship over at our new Conference FAQ page here, so take a look and see if you qualify to apply. But only the early birds will get this deal because when they’re gone, they’re gone!

6. And illustrators! Have you sent in your application for the Liz Conrad Award? You have till January 1st so the winner of the award won’t be determined until after the early registration date closes. BUT if you win, your registration fee will be refunded! So technically, it’s not about early registration but it is about saving money. That counts, right?

5. Want to stay at the Aloft Hotel where all the action is? Yep, there’s only a certain number of rooms available at the conference rate. First callers, first served! So register early and reserve a room at the Aloft Hotel at the same time!

4. You know that feeling you get around the holidays when you’re just a teeny bit overwhelmed and you wish you had something relaxing, something just for you? And here’s wik2020, opening registration on December 15th, just when you need it. And you’ll save money, too! Ahhhhh.

3. Not to mention that other feeling, the thrill of marking off something on your To Do List in December. (So I won’t mention it but you know I’m talking about registering early for wik2020, right?)

2. And early registration means $25 in your pocket for something else. Like a manuscript critique or a one-on-one. And I really hate to bring this up, but those one-on-ones fill up fast. The early registration guarantees you a better chance of getting your selection.

1. So not to put too fine a point on it, but the early bird is also the wise and frugal bird. Be smart, be a saver, and get that discount when early bird registration opens on December 15th!

Make 2020 the year that brings your writing or illustrating career into sharper focus. See how at wik2020!

                                                           REGISTER HERE! 

(Early registration opens on December 15th and lasts till January 1st, 2020. All links will go live on that date!)

Breezers In Your Neighborhood: DECEMBER!

Already December and we've had a busy year for Breezers! Even now, we have one more workshop scheduled. And remember, if you have a book signing or a book launch or an appearance at a book fair, let us know. We can't come out and support you if we don't know where you'll be!

Ongoing through December 15th

The Illustrators' Mentorship has a few slots left as of today. Registration for the mentorship only is open through December 15th or until slots fill up. See this post for more information or go to the Southern Breeze website here.


Saturday, December 7th

What:  Writing Middle Grade vs. Young Adult
Where:  Hampton Park Library
              5345 Settingdown Road
              Cumming, GA
When:   10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Join authors Christi J. Whitney, Tosha Sumner, and Colleen Bennett to learn the craft of writing for these diverse markets in today's market. They'll cove concepts and techniques that distinguish chapter books from young adult books for their target audiences, such as voice, vocabulary level, maturity content, authenticity, and word count.

As always, it's free! Bring your questions and bring your friends for this program brought to you by SCBWI Southern Breeze and the Forsyth County Public Library.




Sunday, December 15th

Registration opens for wik'20! We want to bring your career into sharper focus and we think wik'2020 will give you the vision to see how you can get there! We'll also be taking a keen look here at the Southern Breeze blog at all we're offering, so come back often! We have lots for you to see at wik2020!

Welcome to Our Spanish-Speaking Writers and Illustrators!

Southern Breeze is a richly diverse area with more languages spoken in some communities than almost any other area in the United States, and we know our region is brimming with stories from all these varied cultures! But did you know that SCBWI is a global community with resources for these writers and illustrators? There are regions all over the world, and once you become a member, you’ll have access to world-wide help. Today, we'll look at what SCBWI offers our Spanish-speaking community of writers and illustrators.

We asked Malena F. Alzu, the SCBWI Spanish Language Coordinator, to share a welcome to our Spanish-speaking members (and all those who are interested in joining us!):

Bienvenidos al mundo de la creación para niños y jóvenes en español. SCBWI, como asociación internacional, también apoya a escritores e ilustradores que utilizan otras lenguas, como el español, ofreciendo recursos sobre ese mercado. 


Resources in Spanish, SCBWI website

La Cometa. SCBWI’s free electronic bulletin in Spanish with interviews, contests from Spain and Latin America, news about SCBWI, reports of events of the children’s book publishing Latin American market,tips and proposals, and articles by members.

Blog Spain and online critique groups in Spanish. Contact Malena at slc@scbwi.org.

Articles translated from THE BOOK (only for members).

Facebook-SCBWI en español, info about the Publishing market from Spain and Latin America. Remember, Facebook-SCBWI in Spanish is available to all! So if you know Spanish-speaking writers or illustrators, invite them to explore SCBWI and join us!

Language feature (members profile) helps us to detect Spanish-speaking members!

Spanish Speaking Market: Children’s book production in Spain, Mexico, Central, and South America is extremely diverse. Big corporations like SM, Santillana, Norma, Alfaguara, Edebé, Edelvives, FCE, Ekaré have offices in most Spanish-speaking countries and many are very strong in the educational Market. Besides, there are hundreds of independent high quality publishing houses as well. Be aware that in this market it is unusual to work through agents.

If you have questions or suggestions, you can always contact Malena at slc@scbwi.org. And check out the Southern Breeze website here where we have more detailed information--and in Spanish!

November Is For Illustrators!

November is a busy month for Southern Breeze illustrators! You have just a few days before these awesome art opportunities open:

 Annual Illustrators’ Mentorship

 Opens for Registration November 15th- November 30th 

Every year we invite our Illustrators to take part in this program with a children’s book Art Director or professional illustrator to gain insight into the process of creating children’s books. Craft development, valuable critique, and career advice are typical benefits received from participating in the mentorship program.

This year’s mentor is Saho Fujii, Senior Art Director, Little Brown Books for Young Readers.

The mentees are given detailed assignments from the mentor and will work 6 – 8 weeks to develop work based on a prompt provided. Feedback will be given throughout the process and final art will be critiqued and displayed at Illustrator’s Day in March. Participants will have a finished portfolio piece by the end of the program.

There is limited space (only 10 spots available!) in this program and participants are chosen on a first come first serve basis. We sold out within the first day last year so register early! You’ll find the link to register at the Southern Breeze website here. (The registration link will go live on November 15th.)


Liz Conrad Illustrator Award Applications 

Accepted November 15th – January 1st 

In honor of illustrator Liz Conrad, who created many wonderful children’s books, Southern Breeze has established a merit based award for our regional illustrators.

This year’s judge for the award is Christy T. Ewers at the CAT Agency. For more information about Christy, see the agency website here.

The Liz Conrad Award will be given to one promising illustrator in the children’s book field and will provide:

Free attendance at our Illustrators’ Day/Illustrator’s Intensive
Free attendance at our annual Conference
Review comments from the judge determining the recipient of the award

The Liz Conrad Award is open to Southern Breeze SCBWI members only. If you would like to apply, email your application and submission to Southern-Breeze-IC@scbwi.org beginning November 15th (deadline: January 1, 2020). Please use email subject: LIZ CONRAD 2020 (You can find the application and further instructions on the Southern Breeze website here.)

As always, if you have questions, contact the Southern Breeze Illustrator Coordinator, TeMika Grooms at Southern-Breeze-IC@scbwi.org.

Breezers in Your Neighborhood: NOVEMBER!

That's right, Breezers, we're already to November, and we're starting off the month with a book launch!


Friday, November 1

Join Randi Pink for the launch party of her second novel, GIRLS LIKE US!



She'll be at Avondale Villa, 4220 Woodvale Road, in Birmingham, AL from 5:30 to 7:30. Wine and light refreshments will be served, and afterward, Randi will be signing copies of her book, which will be available for purchase from local bookseller, Little Professor.


November 1 - November 30

To see the latest launches of many of our Southern Breezers, check out the BookStop pages at the SCBWI website. If you go to the box labeled "Select Region Name", you'll go directly to all our authors, both traditionally and indie published. And P.S. Books are available to purchase from the BookStop pages.


Tuesday, November 5

PAL Coordinator, Heather Montgomery, has scheduled a Zoom meeting for our published and listed members. The online meeting is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM Central Time. The topic is "All About Conferences." Bring your questions and bring a tidbit from a conference you've attended or bring a tip for how to get the most out of these events.

Reminder to PAL members: Make sure your membership is current and your email is correct so that you'll receive all the information you need for our PAL-related events and meetings. And if you've recently become a PAL member, update your SCBWI profile information as soon as possible! Questions? Contact Heather at sipsey21@hotmail.com.


Sunday, December 1

Join TeMika Grooms for a Sunday Write-In! It's the Atlanta Children's Book Writers and Illustrators meet-up, so bring your laptop and/or sketch books for creative fun!

Where: Decatur Public Library, Lower Level
             215 Sycamore Street
             Decatur, GA

When: 1:00 to 3:00 PM

Note: This event is free but limited to 12 persons due to space limitations so reservations are required! RSVP here!
           

Sneak Peek WIK

It may only be October but something wonderful this way comes!

It's Wik'20--Writing and Illustrating for Kids--and here are a few hints on who'll be presenting our picture book INTENSIVE:

So is it Jane Yolen or is it Heidi Stemple? 

Answer: It's both! And Heidi Stemple will present a session for non-fiction writers, too. Details are coming soon for Wik'20, March 13th and 14th in Birmingham, Alabama at the Homewood Library! 

And The Winners Are...

Say hello to Debbie D'Aurelio, the Southern Breeze Writing Contest Coordinator! It takes a lot of work to bring the contest together, from gathering judges, to handling all the entries, to getting the results out to all the members. And speaking of results, here's Debbie with big news!

The 2019 Southern Breeze Writing Contest has come to an end. We had a record number of entries in the Illustrated Text and Middle Grade categories this year. The competition was very tough and the judges across all three categories were very complimentary of the entries. The professional judges emphasized that creative writing and NEW ideas were the key to success! They recommended studying your genre and making sure your manuscripts stand out. 

And the winners are . . . 

Illustrated Text

1st - Secretly Poppy The Finder of Lost Things by Candice Marley Conner

2nd - One Bright Star by Amy Dees

3rd - The Sock Who Lost His Friend by Anne Weaver

Middle Grade

1st - Trex by Christyne Morrell

2nd - Rocket Captain by Randall Bonser

3rd - Maybe This Time by Johnna Stein

Young Adult

1st - Fall to Me by Brenda Posey

2nd - Persistence by Kara Bietz

3rd - Secrets Rise by Lisa Stauffer

BIG congratulations to all our winners! And a big thank you to Debbie D'Aurelio for all her hard work!

For all those who participated, check your inboxes in the next week or so for feedback from the judges. Use your professional critique to polish those manuscripts because even if you didn't win today, you could end up published in the future. And to think that it started with the Southern Breeze Writing Contest!

Breezers in Your Neighborhood: OCTOBER!

No time for small talk 'cause we've got BIG doings this month!


Saturday, October 5

Our Local Liaison for North Georgia (West) is Shanda McCloskey and she's brought together a group of seven writers and illustrators for a panel you won't want to miss:

What: Confessions of a Kidlit Critique Group

When:  Saturday, October 5th
              10:30 Am to 12:30 PM

Where:  Hampton Park Library
              Cumming, GA

The Trail Mix Critique Group will speak candidly about what makes success, what keeps them writing, how to critique a friend's writing, and how a successful critique group comes together. Find out this group found (and lost!) agents, dealt with rejection, juggled life, got published, and how each one's journey is so very unique.

Trail Mix is an eclectic assortment of children's book writers and illustrators who have been meeting for almost ten years, all aspiring to be traditionally published. Some have been published, some not yet. Come hear these Southern Breezers tell all--and as always, our Local Liaison events are free!


Sunday, October 6

Southern Breeze Illustrator Coordinator, TeMika Grooms, is always up to something artsy! If you're a creative, join her at this Sunday meet-up:

What: Sunday Write-In

When:  1:00 to 3:00 PM

Where:  Kavarna
              707 East Lake Dr.
              Decatur, GA

Creating does not have to be a solitary process! Join this meet-up group as they set the time aside to create with writers and illustrators of children's books. ALL ARE WELCOME! Bring your sketch books, pencils and paper, and enjoy the process. There will be time for critiques at the end.


Saturday, October 12

Our Local Liaison in the Coastal area, Melissa Miles, received feedback asking for an illustrator event. So Melissa checked around and found a Southern Breezer happy to help:

What: What It Takes to Get Published (from Author/Illustrator Phyllis Tildes)

When:  10 AM to Noon

Where:  Starland Studios
              114 W. 42nd Street
              Savannah, GA

Author/ Illustrator Phyllis Tildes is a PAL member with over 20 books published by Charlesbridge. She'll share her methods and discuss her publication journey, so bring your questions, and bring a friend. It's free!

Saturday, October 26th

Wednesday, October 30

Mark your calendars for a Lunch and Learn with Lin Oliver, co-founder and Executive Director of SCBWI. And P.S. She's also a New York Times best-selling author of children's books! She and Henry Winkler will be in the Atlanta area for a special appearance in the evening but she's always happy to meet local SCBWI members, so we're firming up the details of place and time for this special lunch. We'll post the particulars as soon as we do!

ART CALL!

Southern Breeze Illustrator Coordinator TeMika Grooms has announced an art call:

Southern Breeze Illustrators, it's that's time again! We are seeking a talented illustrator to share his or her work on our conference brochure.

Send your samples of art and spot illustrations to be featured on our marketing materials. The art will be seen by our faculty of art directors, editors, and agents for children's books--submit your best work! Details and directions on how to apply can be found on the Southern Breeze website at the Illustrators Lounge: https://southern-breeze.scbwi.org/illustrators-lounge-2/

You must be a member to apply.
Regular and student memberships are available: https://www.scbwi.org/join-scbwi/

DEADLINE FOR THIS ART CALL IS NOVEMBER 1, 2019!

Note: Selected artist receives complimentary attendance to Illustrator's Day!

(Featured Artist: Shannon Day at Shannon Day Illustration.)

Breezers In Your Neighborhood: September!

How is it September already? But that's what the calendar says, so let's see what our Southern Breeze members are up to this month:

Sunday, September 8

Join TeMika Grooms for a Sketch Crawl at the High Museum in Atlanta, GA. You'll view the works of Maira Kalman in the exhibit, "The Pursuit of Everything: Maira Kalman's Books for Children." Afterwards, you'll meander through the museum for inspiration. This event is open to writers and illustrators. Meet at the Children's Exhibit Hall at noon at the High Museum of Art, 1280 Peachtree Street, NE, Atlanta, GA.

Saturday, September14th

It's not too late to sign up for nErDcampGA! nErDcamp is a free literacy event where teachers, librarians, authors, and illustrators get together to discuss reading, writing, and books. We have several Breezers who'll be there, including Jennifer Swanson, Shanda McCloskey, Monique Fields, R. Gregory Christie, and Lola Schaefer. Tickets are still available (they're free!) so see the website for more information about this nerdy event in Lawrenceville, Georgia!




Saturday, September 21

Author Sucheta Rawal will be at JapanFest with her Beato Goes To book series, including Beato Goes to Japan. JapanFest takes place at Infinite Energy Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, Georgia. Sucheta will be selling and signing books both Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 6 PM.

Also on Saturday, we have an SCBWI Southern Breeze Workshop at the Five Forks Library in Lawrenceville, Georgia. If you're an aspiring author or illustrator, here's an opportunity to hear a panel of published authors and illustrators share their experience and tips of the trade. There will be plenty of time for questions, and bring the first page of your manuscript or a sample from your portfolio for feedback. It all starts at 1:00 at the Five Forks Public Library--and it's FREE!



Thursday, September 26

Author Sucheta Rawal's having a book launch party at the Consulate of Brazil in Atlanta and all Breezers are invited! Click on the flyer to expand it and get all the information for Beato Goes to Brazil.

Saturday, October 5th

Because this next event is the first Saturday of October, we're including it in September, too!

It's Confessions of a Kidlit Critique Group, with a panel of SEVEN children's book writers and illustrators (some published, some not) from the Trail Mix Critique Group. Come hear the good, the bad, and the ugly, straight from these Breezers: Shanda McCloskey, Christi J. Whitney, Jaclyn Paris, Colleen Bennett, Shannon Marrs, Bonnie Clark, and Kim MacPherson. It's all happening at the Hampton Park Library, 10:30 to 12:30. Click here for more information.

Breezers in Your Neighborhood: Labor Day Weekend at the DBF! (Part III)

We've got something for everyone at the AJC Decatur Book Festival, happening Labor Day weekend in Decatur, Georgia! You can find the detailed list of talks, panels, and live drawings, along with the times our members will be appearing here at the Southern Breeze website. But here's a sneak peek of book covers and the activities, authors and illustrators. Recognize one of your Breezer friends? Come out and bring your friends and say hello! (And if you don't know us yet, come out and make a new friend in the kidlit writing world!)

Look for these SCBWI books (and authors and illustrators!) at Booth #405 on Sunday, starting at noon:

We're starting with an illustrator Sketch-Up! Join Miles Davis and Tara Garrigan for drawing fun.

Judi Howe will give tips on teaching hard history.

Join Sheri Dillard for a fun storytime that preschoolers will love!

Author Monique Fields explains how real life can spark a book idea.

Need inspiration? Author Loie Chambers has it covered.

Illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss will show the step-by-step process of making words come to life, and you'll want to stick around for her Sketch-up!

Teri Polen will talk about making the leap from indie publishing to traditional publishing.

It's all about birds with author Heidi Stemple. Want to learn how to call owls? Be there!

We'll have an illustrators panel where you can ask questions of Miles Davis, Tara Garrigan, Art Roche, Laura Freeman, and Tatjana Mai-Wyss. What do you want to know about illustrating children's books?






Cool off at a storytime with Melinda Falgoust, author of Ten Little Crawfish.

Tara Garrigan will help you draw and create your own characters (no matter what your skill level may be).

The struggle is real, finding books for 13 and 14-year-old readers. Author Theresa Kiser can help.








Join Christyne Morrell for storytime with Bob the Bunny and a bit of magic.

Peggy Shaw will share a not-to-be-missed talk about the ten things that make a good book editor.

Author Susan Riley has a mystery for you to solve in this secret message hands-on activity.

Come celebrate the 50th anniversary of man walking on the moon with Heidi Stemple.






You can read all about Saturday here on the Southern Breeze blog, and remember, books will be available for purchase and authors and illustrators may appear in more than one time slot during the day. But if you want your purchase specially autographed, make sure to be there when the author or illustrator is signing. So check the schedule here and make your plans!

To find out more about the AJC Decatur Book Festival, including parking and where you can find our booth, check out the DBF website here. We can't wait to show you all that SCBWI and Southern Breeze has lined up for you, so come spend the day with us on Saturday, August 31st or Sunday, September 1st for Breezers in the Neighborhood at the DBF!

Breezers in Your Neighborhood: Labor Day Weekend at the DBF! (Part II)

We've got something for everyone at the AJC Decatur Book Festival, happening Labor Day weekend in Decatur, Georgia! You can find the detailed list of talks, panels, and live drawings, along with the times our members will be appearing here at the Southern Breeze website. But here's a sneak peek of book covers and the activities, authors and illustrators. Recognize one of your Breezer friends? Come out and bring your friends and say hello! (And if you don't know us yet, come out and make a new friend in the kidlit writing world!)






Look for these SCBWI books (and authors and illustrators!) at Booth #405 on Saturday afternoon, starting at 2 PM:

Come join illustrators Shanda McCloskey and Laura Murray for a Sketch-up! (That's live drawing,y'all, and so interesting to watch artists talk through the process while they sketch!)

Author Nathaniel Lachenmeyer (The Singing Rock and Other Brand New Fairy Tales) will talk about the art of writing graphically.

Author Nina Moreno will speak about connections and selling a novel.

Let Shelli R. Johannes introduce you to Cece, a budding and inquisitive scientist, at her storytime.

You'll have fun with author Jodi Wheeler-Toppen and her dog and cat interesting facts!

Michael Lackey, multi-published author, answers all your questions.







Join Doris Brown as she reads her book, Pauly Penguin and Friends, a storytime for kids age 5 to 10.

Come hear Loie Chambers' inspiring story about never giving up on your dream!

Learn the ropes about developing exciting characters for your books from author and illustrator, Miles Davis.

Judi Howe will give a talk about what to do (or not to do) when it comes to teaching American history. Suitable for parents and educators.

Storytime with Christian author, Vanessa Fortenberry. (There may be laughing and singing!)

Author Rhonda Knight wants you to know how to keep your children mentally tough through books!








You can read all about Saturday morning here on the Southern Breeze blog, and remember, books will be available for purchase and authors and illustrators may appear in more than one time slot during the day. But if you want your purchase specially autographed, make sure to be there when the author or illustrator is signing. So check the schedule here! And stay tuned to the blog this month for more highlights of the Sunday authors and illustrators at the festival.

To find out more about the AJC Decatur Book Festival, including parking and where you can find our booth, check out the DBF website here. We can't wait to show you all that SCBWI and Southern Breeze has lined up for you, so come spend the day with us on Saturday, August 31st or Sunday, September 1st for Breezers in the Neighborhood at the DBF!