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!