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!