Breezers in Your Neighborhood: JANUARY! 2020!

Wow, Breezers! It's not just a new year but a new decade! And though we've been extra busy, getting ready for wik'20--P.S. There's SO much this year to bring your career into focus! Register today and join us!--we've heard from some "starting the year off write" members who also have exciting plans for this month:


Tuesday, January 7th

In Alabama, from author Claire Datnow: A Behind the Scenes Glimpse into How Writers Create Science and Nature Related Narratives. The author's firsthand adventures researching and writing her Eco Mystery series will provide a road map for connecting with readers/audiences in an engaging and meaningful way. A lively discussion will follow and refreshments will be served.

When: 5:00 to 7:00 PM
Where: Hoover Public Library
             Fitzgerald Room
             Hoover, AL

This event is free but Claire asks that you RSVP to her at cldatnow@me.com. She'll have signed copies of her most recent eco mystery, The Adventures of the Sizzling Six: Monarch Mysteries available for purchase.


Also today in Florida:

Local Liaison Suzanne Purvis invites you to the monthly meeting of SCBWI Southern Breeze. It starts at 10:30 AM and they'll be meeting in the Santa Rosa Mall Food Court at Fort Walton Beach. And here's what you should bring:

1. A writing craft tip, craft book title, or a writing blog you enjoy
2. Up to 500 words of your current work-in-progress if you would like critique or positivity pass
3. OR up to three illustrations for critique or positivity pass.

It's free, y'all, so join in this fun critique group opportunity from Southern Breeze! (P. S. They meet year round!)


January 15

Deadline for applications to be submitted for the Liz Conrad Award! See the Southern Breeze website here for more information about this opportunity for our illustrators and then apply!






Wednesday, January 22nd

It's the Pre-Pitch Party! We're having a Zoom meeting from 7:00 to 9:00 PM (Eastern Time) for all those Breezers attending wik'20 who've signed up for the Pitch Party. We'll work on those :30 pitches and get them pitch-perfect for the agents and editors on the Pitch Panel.

If you've never attended an online meeting before, you'll find Zoom as easy as clicking on a link so come join us! And even if you're just thinking about registering for wik'20 and signing up for the Pitch Party, please feel free to join in the fun. It's free (but it's for members only! The link to the Zoom meeting will be in our Wonderful Wednesday newsletter coming out on January 8th.)

Questions? Contact Cathy Hall at southern-breeze-ara2@scbwi.org.


Saturday, January 25th

In Georgia, join Local Liaison Rhonda Knight for a writer's workshop:

When: 1:00 to 4:00 PM
Where: Suwanee Public Library
             361 Main Street
            Suwanee, GA

In this workshop, you'll practice how to get started in writing a children's book or story, and you'll practice how to write as a Co-author or team. There will be opportunity to share your work for feedback, so come join the fun! This event is co-sponsored by the Gwinnett Public Library, and as always, it's free. Rhonda Knight's books will be available for purchase following the workshop.

The start of a new year is the perfect time to start a new habit. So attend one of our SCBWI Southern Breeze free events in your area and watch your writing or illustrating soar! And if you have an event coming up, let us know! Contact Cathy Hall (southern-breeze-ara2@scbwi.org) with all the details before the first of the month in which your event will occur. We love to spread the word!