Breezers In Your Neighborhood - September

Breezers In Your Neighborhood
September Events

Southern Breeze is kicking up some dust! 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood is a monthly post to list where you can find our authors & illustrators as they are out in the community. Come out and support your local members and invite others to do also!

Alabama:

• 
  

Florida Panhandle:

Georgia:

• NAME: Nancy Raines DayDATE: 9/4/15TIME: 6 - 8 p.m.ADDRESS: Brunswick Public Library, 208 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520DESCRIPTION: signing What in the World? Numbers in Nature, my brand new rhyming picture book celebrating things in the natural world that come in sets from one to ten and beyond. Kirkus called it "textured, visually rich, and gracefully simple." Related crafts for kids will be on hand.
  -----------------------------------------
• NAME: Nancy Raines DayDATE: 9/12/15TIME: 1 - 3 p.m.ADDRESS: G. J. Ford Bookshop, 600 Sea Island Road, #6, St. Simons Island, GA 31522DESCRIPTION: signing What in the World? Numbers in Nature, my brand new rhyming picture book celebrating things in the natural world that come in sets from one to ten and beyond.
  -----------------------------------------
• NAME: What's Your Story? Turning Your Life Into Fiction.
  DATE: Saturday, September 12, 2015
  TIME: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
  ADDRESS: N.E. Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, 30022
  DESCRIPTION: Led by Deborah Wiles. "In this workshop you will learn how to access your personal narrative -- your own life history — and turn it into “story” whether your interest is in picture books, poetry, or novels. You’ll also work with specific techniques and models. Bring notebooks and a WIP.”   Register to attend by contacting Stephanie Moody, SCBWI Local liaison: stephanie@Moodyviews.com or Librarian Karen Swenson - 770-360-8820 karen.swenson@fultoncountyga.gov
  -----------------------------------------
• NAME: Coastal GA Member Meeting
  DATE: September 19, 2015
  TIME: 4:00-6:30
  ADDRESS: Residence of Phyllis Limbacher Tildes,   Skidaway Island, Savanah, Georgia
  DESCRIPTION: Phyllis has sent the members in her area an invitation and will handle the connection(s).
  -----------------------------------------
• NAME: North GA East Special Event
  DATE: September 26, 2015
  TIME: 10-11:30
  ADDRESS: Dawson County Public Library 
  DESCRIPTION: Lola Schaefer will be a speaker, She will talk about character driven fiction and non fiction picture books.
• 
  

Upcoming October Events...

Regional Event:

• NAME: WIK '15
  DATE: October 16-17, 2015
  TIME: All day event
  ADDRESS: Spain Park High School in Birmingham, Alabama
  DESCRIPTION: The conference includes your choice of 32 breakout sessions with industry professionals – something for everyone, writers, illustrators, beginners, published and not-yet-published! Space in each session is limited. Register to ensure the sessions you want are available.

Alabama:

• 
  

Florida Panhandle:

• 
  

Georgia

• NAME: Tracey M. Cox
  DATE: October 31, 2015
  TIME: 9 am - 5 pm
  ADDRESS: Ocilla, Georgia
  DESCRIPTION: Books Love & Taters Book Festival. Tracey will be signing books.

~DEADLINE FOR OCTOBER EVENTS IS SEPTEMBER 27TH~

:::Leave a Comment:::

Let us know if you plan to attend an event.

What other events do you know of not listed?

Is there another regular post you would like to see?

Leave us your thoughts!

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Breezers In Your Neighborhood - August

Breezers In Your Neighborhood
August Events

Southern Breeze is kicking up some dust! 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood is a monthly post to list where you can find our authors & illustrators as they are out in the community. Come out and support your local members and invite others to do also!

Alabama:

• NAME: Melissa Shultz-Jones
  DATE: August 3, 2015
  TIME:
  ADDRESS: 1721 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Al 35209
  DESCRIPTION: Gallery show at the Homewood Public Library

Florida Panhandle:

• NAME: Nancy Raines Day
  DATE: Saturday, August 29, 2015
  TIME: 1:00-4:00 PM
  ADDRESS: The Book Loft, 214 Centre Street, Fernandina Beach FL 32034
  DESCRIPTION: Signing Way Down Below Deep, my nonfiction, rhyming picture book reaturing deep ocean creatures

Georgia:

• NAME: Patricia Cruzan
  DATE: Saturday, August 22, 2015
  TIME: 4:00-6:00 PM
  ADDRESS: Holliday, Dorsey, and Fife Museum, 140 W. Lanier Avenue, Fayetteville, GA 30214
  DESCRIPTION: Book Signing and Author Presentations

Upcoming September Events...

Georgia:

• NAME: What's Your Story? Turning Your Life Into Fiction.
  DATE: Saturday, September 12, 2015
  TIME: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
  ADDRESS: N.E. Spruill Oaks Library, 9560 Spruill Road, 30022
  DESCRIPTION: Led by Deborah Wiles. "In this workshop you will learn how to access your personal narrative -- your own life history — and turn it into “story” whether your interest is in picture books, poetry, or novels. You’ll also work with specific techniques and models. Bring notebooks and a WIP.”   Register to attend by contacting Stephanie Moody, SCBWI Local liaison: stephanie@Moodyviews.com or Librarian Karen Swenson - 770-360-8820 karen.swenson@fultoncountyga.gov
  -----------------------------------------
• NAME: Coastal GA Member Meeting
  DATE: September 19, 2015
  TIME: 4:00-6:30
  ADDRESS: Residence of Phyllis Limbacher Tildes,   Skidaway Island, Savanah, Georgia
  DESCRIPTION: Phyllis has sent the member sin her area an invitation and will handle the connection(s).
  -----------------------------------------
• NAME: North GA East Special Event
  DATE: September 26, 2015
  TIME: 10-11:30
  ADDRESS: Dawson County Public Library 
  DESCRIPTION: Lola Schaefer will be a speaker, She will talk about character driven fiction and non fiction picture books.

~DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER EVENTS IS AUGUST 28TH~

:::Leave a Comment:::

Let us know if you plan to attend an event.

What other events do you know of not listed?

Is there another regular post you would like to see?

Leave us your thoughts!

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Breezers In Your Neighborhood - July

Breezers In Your Neighborhood
July Events

Southern Breeze is kicking up some dust! 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood is a monthly post to list where you can find our authors & illustrators as they are out in the community. Come out and support your local members and invite others to do also!

Alabama:

• 
  

Florida Panhandle:

• 
  

Georgia:

• NAME:   Tracey M. CoxDATE:   July 16 at 2 pm
  PLACE:   Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library
  CITY:   Fitzgerald
  DESCRIPTION:   Super Storyteller (a/k/a Tracey M. Cox) will make an appearance at the Summer Reading Program discussing some Super Hero books and how you can be like a super hero by reading. (Reading Arachnabet book and sharing a craft too)
• NAME:   Patricia CruzanDATE:  July 27
  PLACE:   Fayette County Public Library

Upcoming August Events...

Georgia:

• 
  

~DEADLINE FOR AUGUST EVENTS IS JULY 28TH~

:::Leave a Comment:::

Let us know if you plan to attend an event.

What other events do you know of not listed?

Is there another regular post you would like to see?

Leave us your thoughts!

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Don’t Get Stranded on an Island – the Value of Critique Groups by Christi Whitney

Don’t Get Stranded on an Island – the Value of Critique Groups

Sometimes being an author can feel like getting stranded on a deserted island, just off the mainland. You can see other artists around you. Some are paddling desperately in the water, fighting to stay afloat. Others are building beautiful structures in the middle of civilization, having great success in all they do; while there you are, on your own, attempting to navigate the daunting world of writing—which sort of feels like sitting on the beach, trying to light a fire with wet wood.

For me, one of the most important factors of my writing has been joining a critique group. Nothing else has proven to be quite as productive as finding that little clan of people who are going through the same journey. We call our group Trail Mix—and with good reason. We all met thanks to SCBWI, and we’re as unique and varied a bunch as you could possibly throw together. We span the realm of children’s books, from illustrators to picture book writers to middle grades and young adult. We have a myriad of outside careers and interests. We are many different ages and come from assorted backgrounds. Our love of books brought us together, but it didn’t stop there.

We provide encouragement and a shoulder to cry on, yes. Those things are certainly important. But we also provide critique—deeply thought-out and constructive help in every area. It’s not enough to get together and just commiserate. You’ll feel better, but no one will improve her skills. You have to be willing to be vulnerable as the artist and brutally honest as the reader, and we’ve managed to create a beautiful balance in our group. But most importantly, we have become great friends. Nothing could be better than that.

Trail Mix meets once a month, but our communication extends far beyond that. We regularly communicate through our Facebook page, emails, and even phone calls and texts—whenever we need advice or a second set of eyes, someone in our group is always there to meet the challenge, whether it’s a sweet hug or a swift kick in the pants.

I honestly don’t think I would’ve kept moving forward in my quest for publication for my YA novel Grey had it not been for my critique group. It’s been a long road, but now that I’ve found a home for my series and the first book is out, I can say it’s largely due to their support.

It’s a lonely place, sitting at your computer, lost in the worlds you create in your head. Friends and family, although incredibly supportive, don’t always understand your battle with writer’s block or your struggle to find the missing piece in a chapter that’s literally driving you insane. It’s amazing to have a group of people who truly get me as a writer and constantly help me develop my craft. If I have one piece of advice to offer any aspiring writer, it’s this: find at least one other person to travel with on this journey. Don’t be an island.

- Christi J. Whitney

ABOUT CHRISTI:

Christi writes novels for the YA and NA markets. She is a theatre nerd who makes costumes on shoestring budgets, dabbles as an actor and director, and manages to drink lots of coffee.

Visit her website to read more about her and her book, GREY.

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTI:

• Website: www.christijwhitney.com
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/christiwhitney
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christi-J-Whitney/220577227350?ref=hl

Don't Forget!!!
Southern Breeze offers a crit group survey form < http://goo.gl/forms/onpPedf7IL >
This survey is for SCBWI Southern Breeze members who are looking for critique groups or a manuscript exchange,  or are in an existing crit group that is open to new members?

:::Leave a Comment:::

What do you think about critique groups?
Do you have any fears with critique groups?
What challenges have you found with critique groups?


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Breezers In Your Neighborhood - June

Breezers In Your Neighborhood
June Events

Southern Breeze is kicking up some dust! 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood is a monthly post to list where you can find our authors & illustrators as they are out in the community. Come out and support your local members and invite others to do also!

Alabama:

• NAME:  Anita Saxena
  DATE:  June 4 to August 6th
  TIME:  Thursdays 4:00PM to 5:00 PM
  PLACE:  Pelham Civic Complex 500 Amphitheater Road
  CITY:  Pelham
  DESCRIPTION:  Pelham Writing Workshop "HOW TO WRITE A NOVEL"  In this10-week course learn how to develop a concept into a full length, middle grade, young adult, or adult novel. Contact pelhamwritingworkshop@gmail.com to sign up and for more information.

Florida Panhandle:

• 
  

Georgia:

• Author Speed Dating event
  June 8-9
  GLMA Conference
  Peachtree City
  If you are interested, contact Jodi (thank you, Jodi!): wheelertop@comcast.net
• NAME:   Shelli Johannes-Wells
  DATE:   June 8/9
  PLACE:   GLMA Summer Institute
  CITY:   Peachtree City
  DESCRIPTION:   (Faculty with Julie Stokes/Literacy Coordinator for Dalton Middle School)
• NAME:   Tracey M. Cox
  DATE:   June 12 at 2 pm
  PLACE:   Clinch County Public Library
  CITY:   Homerville
  DESCRIPTION:   Super Storyteller (a/k/a Tracey M. Cox) will make an appearance at the Summer Reading Program discussing some Super Hero books and how you can be like a super hero by reading. (Reading Arachnabet book and sharing a craft too)
• NAME:   Shelli Johannes-Wells
  DATE:   June 19 - 23
  PLACE:   Southeastern Writer's Conference (Epworth By The Sea at St. Simons, GA)
  CITY:   St. Simons,
  DESCRIPTION:   Faculty/signing
• Name: Patricia Cruzan
  Date: June 27, 2015
  Time: 1:00-3:00
  Event Name: Poetry Reading
  Address: Fayette County Public Library, Fayetteville, GA
  Description: Poetry Celebration

Upcoming July Events...

Georgia:

• NAME:   Tracey M. CoxDATE:   July 16 at 2 pm
  PLACE:   Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Library
  CITY:   Fitzgerald
  DESCRIPTION:   Super Storyteller (a/k/a Tracey M. Cox) will make an appearance at the Summer Reading Program discussing some Super Hero books and how you can be like a super hero by reading. (Reading Arachnabet book and sharing a craft too)
• NAME:   Patricia CruzanDATE:  July 27
  PLACE:   Fayette County Public Library

~DEADLINE FOR JULY EVENTS IS JUNE 29TH~

:::Leave a Comment:::

Let us know if you plan to attend an event.

What other events do you know of not listed?

Is there another regular post you would like to see?

Leave us your thoughts!


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Breezers In Your Neighborhood - May

Breezers In Your Neighborhood
May Events

Southern Breeze is kicking up some dust! 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood is a monthly post to list where you can find our authors & illustrators as they are out in the community. Come out and support your local members and invite others to do also!

Alabama:

• NAME: Heather L. Montgomery
  DATE: May 2, 2015
  PLACE: Athens-Limestone Public Library (Alabama)
  TIME: TBD, http://www.alcpl.org/event/local-author-fest/
  ADDRESS: 603 S. Jefferson St., 
  CITY/STATE: Athens,  AL 35611
  DESCRIPTION OF EVENT: Local Author Fest. The brand new Athens-Limestone County Public Library is celebrating local authors! There will be panels of authors presenting, books to buy, and discussions. Several Breezers will be participating - come join us!
• NAME:  Ramey Channell
  DATE:  May 3rd
  PLACE:  Mer Faire, an arts and literature festival
  CITY:  Fairhope
  DESCRIPTION:  Author book signing
• NAME:  Nell Branum
  DATE:  May 11th
  CITY: Hoover
  DESCRIPTION:  SCBWI Smooze for Birmingham area. Nell and her 92-year-old mother will be talking about the books they have self-published, one of which just won a Gold Medal in the Benjamin Franklin Awards Young Reader Nonfiction category.
  For those interested in attending, please contact Irene Latham (liaison) at irenelathambooks@gmail.com for directions.
• NAME:  Aileen Kilgore HendersonDATE:  May 16, 2015PLACE:  Cahaba Lily Center TIME:  8:00 amADDRESS:   Main StreetCITY:  West BloctonDESCRIPTION OF EVENT:  ANNUAL CAHABA LILY FESTIVAL. I will be signing books with Charles Adams all day.  At 3:30 p.m. I'll be telling stories. James Day will be another author there.  Larry Davenport will speak.  Guided tours of the restored coke ovens and to the river to see the lilies.  Lunch is free provided by the ladies of West Blocton.

Georgia:

• Name: Patricia Cruzan
  Date: Saturday, May 2, 2015
  Place: Peachtree City Library
  Address: 201 Willow Bend Drive
  City/State: Peachtree City, GA
  Description: Book Signing
• Name:  Writer's Workshop, "Do You Know Who Your Audience Is?"Date:  
  Saturday, May 2, 1 until 3 PMPlace:  Five Forks LibraryAddress:  2780 Five Forks Trickum Rd.City:  LawrencevilleDescription:  Join best-selling kidlit authors, Vicky Alvear Shecter and Laurel Snyder as they share the differences between YA and Middle Grade stories. And if you've attended our workshops before, you know we work on those first pages, so bring your MG or YA first page for feedback (as time allows).
• Name: Trisha Slay
  Date: 5/7/15 (Thursday)
  Place: Lumpkin County Library
  Time:  5:00 - 7:00 pm 
  Address: 342 Courthouse Hill
  City/State: Dahlonega, GA 30533
  Description of Event: Reading & Book Signing as part of the North Georgia Authors Guild
• NAME:   Shelli Johannes-Wells
  DATE:   May 9th
  PLACE:   Atlanta Writer's Conference
  CITY:   Atlanta
  DESCRIPTION:   faculty/signing
• NAME:   Faye Gibbons
  DATE:  May 21 at 7 PM
  PLACE:  Berry College on the Ford Campus
  CITY:   Rome
  DESCRIPTION:   Speaking engagement
• NAME:   Flora Rosefsky
  DATE:  May 31  at 2-4pmPLACE: The Sycamore Place Gallery & Studios
  ADDRESS:  120 Sycamore PlaceCITY:   Decatur
  DESCRIPTION:   Workshop for both the novice and experienced artist – use your imagination in a risk-free environment where experimenting in new ways to think and work is encouraged.

UPCOMING JUNE EVENTS...

GEORGIA

• Author Speed Dating event
  June 8-9
  GLMA Conference
  Peachtree City
  If you are interested, contact Jodi Wheeler: wheelertop@comcast.net
• NAME:   Shelli Johannes-Wells
  DATE:   June 8/9
  PLACE:   GLMA Summer Institute
  CITY:   Peachtree City
  DESCRIPTION:   (Faculty with Julie Stokes/Literacy Coordinator for Dalton Middle School)

~DEADLINE FOR JUNE EVENTS IS MAY 30TH~

:::Leave a Comment:::

Let us know if you plan to attend an event.

What other events do you know of not listed?

Is there another regular post you would like to see?

Leave us your thoughts!


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Book Inspiration for Toni B. Rhodes, The Writing On the Walls

Book Inspiration for Toni B. Rhodes, The Writing On The Walls

For as long as I can remember history has been my passion. I love trying to imagine how people lived in the past -- what they thought, how they dressed, what they ate, how they lived their lives on a day-to-day basis. When I started writing educational materials about 20 years ago, I was naturally drawn to writing about history and social studies. Unfortunately, history is the least liked subject for most students, so I've tried to find unique ways of approaching the study of history.

For 11 years I worked at Emory University, and one day I found myself in the dusty, subterranean Theology Library. (I can't remember why I was there.) I stumbled upon a book titled Medieval English Graffiti. I was immediately fascinated by the 200 rubbings of medieval graffiti taken from English churches by a woman named Violet Pritchard. Apparently, people scrawled writing and pictures on the walls of their churches quite frequently. That was a surprise to me!

The idea for an educational activity book started percolating in my imagination. Studying medieval and ancient graffiti could be a way to get kids interested in history! Well, after ten years of starts and stops, my book The Writing on the Walls: Discovering Medieval and Ancient Graffiti will be published in May this year (2015) by Prufrock Press.The book is intended for grades 6 - 8 to supplement the study of the cultures of medieval England, ancient Pompeii (Roman Empire), and ancient Athens (Greece). 

ABOUT TONI B. RHODES:

My love of history goes back to my dad, who was an artist and amateur historian. On family vacations we had to stop and read every historical marker and tramp across every Civil War battle field. We visited Colonial Williamsburg and most of the Indian mounds in Pinellas County, Florida, where I grew up. As a child, I don't think I was too happy about our family explorations, but as the years passed, the love of history slowly began to rub off on me. When I became a teenager and learned to cook, I made my dad "Jailhouse Chili" -- supposedly a recreation of the spicy hot dish served to prisoners in the Wild, Wild West. My dad loved it, even though it gave him heartburn for a week, but I don't think my mom was excited about having to buy all those hard-to-find and unhealthy ingredients.

After getting a Master's Degree in education and teaching for ten years, I started writing educational materials. Guess what subject I chose to write about -- history! (and social studies, too).

Visit Toni B. Rhodes' website to read more about Toni and her books. 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood - April

Breezers In Your Neighborhood
April Events

Southern Breeze is kicking up some dust! 

Breezers In Your Neighborhood is a monthly post to list where you can find our authors & illustrators as they are out in the community. Come out and support your local members and invite others to do also!

Alabama:

• NAME: Birmingham area Night Writers critique groupDATE: April 8 and April 22CITY:  Birmingham
  DESCRIPTION:  For more information, contact Claudia at pearsoncrz@earthlink.net

• NAME: Birmingham area Lunch Writers critique groupDATE: April 14 and April 28PLACE: Hoover Public Library
  CITY:  Birmingham
  DESCRIPTION:  For more information, contact Mark at markmcclintock3@charter.net

Georgia:

• Name: Tracy WalkerDate: April 10-11Place: Georgia Mountain Storytelling FestivalAddress: Young Harris CollegeCity/State: Young Harris, GADescription: Telling stories with Sweet Sunny South

• Name: Patricia Cruzan
  Date: Saturday, April 11, 2015
  Place: The Mill Amphitheater
  Address: 106 Temple Street
  City/State: Villa Rica, GA
  Description: 2015 Spring Arts Festival 
  
  

~DEADLINE FOR MAY EVENTS IS APRIL 29TH~

:::Leave a Comment:::

Let us know if you plan to attend an event.

What other events do you know of not listed?

Is there another regular post you would like to see?

Leave us your thoughts!


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Writing a News Release by P.J. Shaw

Writing a News Release
by P.J. Shaw

P.J. Shaw wrote a great blog post on her blog, Wren Cottage Blog, about news releases...

"At this weekend’s Southern Breeze Springmingle 2015 in Decatur, Ga., I promised to post a sample news release. Below, is one I wrote for..."

Click   ~HERE~  to see P.J.'s great example of a news release.


:::LEAVE A COMMENT:::
Let us know what other generalized tips you would like to see featured on the Southern Breeze Blog.
Do you have a great tip?
What do you do to promote your books?

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ABOUT P.J. SHAW:
As a writer, editor, and  public relations specialist, P.J. Shaw (Peggy J. Shaw, Meg McLaughlin) brings strong academic credentials and more than 30 years of professional experience to editorial projects. She is the author/editor of some 50 traditionally published books for children and adults, and works with clients who have book manuscripts to develop, press releases, theses or dissertations to write, or new books to publicize. Shaw also writes for magazines and newspapers,  and offers public relations services to corporations, small businesses, educational institutions, and individuals. Follow her on Twitter, connect at Linked In, or call 615•516•1256.

Hello from Tracey M. Cox, new Web Master

Working Behind the Scenes

Hello everyone. I'm Tracey M. Cox and have recently volunteered to become webmaster for Southern Breeze. I'm already the Local Liaison for South Georgia (Ocilla, Tifton area).

 I've been writing professionally for 15+ years now. Now that I'm back in SCBWI, I feel I will be more prepared for whatever challenges await me.

I know that volunteering and working behind the scenes can be a rewarding experiences. I like to think of  it as gardening. It's nice to smell pretty flowers and admire them. BUT, getting your hands dirty, planning, planting, nourishing, and tending a garden. Then seeing your hard work come to fruition. It's an amazing experience. 

I'm up for challenges.  :) 

What's in store for me as a volunteer?

• I hope to help others through their writing experiences. I know I've had some great people give me advice I still take to heart. 
• I plan on having a small smooze later this year for the South Georgia area. So get ready SoGA Peeps!  :)  
• I am gathering a list of people who would like to guest blog for us OR have an announcement OR event OR or or or... Give me a jingle! We want to celebrate with you.  Email me at: tracey@traceymcox.com with the subject line: SB Blog Post. 
• I am honing my web craft and stepping into the web master role. I feel like a grass-hoppah! *please tell me you got that joke*

 

What am I doing with my career?

I'm steadily writing, reading, and blogging. I have a four books scheduled to be published this year. I have six picture books published and continue marketing with them. I'm also booking school visits, and planning for the fourth Books Love & Taters Book Festival (non-SCBWI) in October. Plus I have a blog with Summer Sparks Writing Challenge, and I help with KidLit.TV.  I'm very excited to be in the fold of Southern Breeze once again.

Here's to celebrating each of your accomplishments! 

:::Leave A Comment:::

Do you have a question about volunteering?

Would you like to be a guest blogger?

Is there something you would like to see on the Southern Breeze blog?

Leave us your thoughts!

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Southern Breeze is Sprouting!

By Heather L. Montgomery

Heather Montgomery photo by Sonya Sones 

In the Southern Breeze region, members have many opportunities to grow. I came into this organization a rookie and found fertile soil.  I sprouted among a bed of helpful members, then I grew and grew and grew. Not only did I grow in my craft skills, but also in business, networking, and -- most importantly -- confidence! Most of that was thanks to my SB volunteer roles. 

Here's a little secret. . . Early on, I put myself into volunteer roles to force myself out of my little hole. At first I just led a few nature writers' outings. Then, I became a Local Liaison. Next I was Angel Coordinator at a conference. Pretty soon I was the Assistant Regional Advisor (ARA) and sprouting skills all over the place!  Putting myself into those volunteer roles made me interact with others, gave me an excuse to work closely with industry professionals, and provided me an insider's view on this business.  

For over seven years I have been deeply rooted in our region and benefited from the awesome position as the ARA. Now it is time to let other leaders sprout. On March 16th, Sharon Pegram will become your new Southern Breeze ARA. Sharon will do a fabulous job!
Sharon's not the only one who's growing with Southern Breeze this spring. We've got other volunteers in new roles:

• Paula Puckett     Membership Coordinator
• Tracey Cox     Webmaster
• Kevin Springer   Cobb County Local Liaison
• Monique Fields   Tuscaloosa Local Liaison

Each of these volunteers will be helping Southern Breeze spring forward, but they will also be helping themselves. They will be in close contact with librarians, editors, agents, published illustrators, award-winning authors. They will be growing new leaves, absorbing energy to help their career. 

What about you? Will you dig your roots into the fertile soil of a SB volunteer position? Will you soak in the nutrients offered? If so, contact Claudia Pearson, pearsoncrz@earthlink.net, and let her know what skills you want to grow.

How will you nudge yourself out into the sunshine to sprout this spring? 



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