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!

Book Journey: A Long Journey with Phyllis Limbacher Tildes

Author and Illustrator Phyllis Limbacher Tildes’ New Board Book

It took me over twenty years to get that first contract in 1993 for Counting on Calico (released close to my 50^th birthday in 1995). And now I am excited to announce my twentieth book for Charlesbridge to be released in May, Baby Animals Day and Night. It features, two diurnal animals (chipmunk and otter) and two nocturnal animals (bobcat and skunk).  It is the third in my series of black and white baby board books. The popular for newborns, Baby Animals Black and White,came out in 1998 and is in its 21^st printing and has won awards. Baby Animals Spots and Stripes was released in 2015. I am thrilled that these books are often the very first book an infant will see.  Parents and grandparents have sent me many photos with babies as young as two weeks old, fascinated by my bold black and white images that actually help to create neural connections in newborn brains. Readers are always surprised to see that the last spread in each of these titles shows human babies with toys of the animals presented in full color.

This series came about after the success of one of my earliest books for Charlesbridge, Animals Black and White (1996),which is still in print. It is a nonfiction book for children ages 4-7. They have to guess what animal is mentioned in the text by looking at the bold pattern, then turning the page to see the animal in its habitat. My editor at the time suggested doing a similar book for infants. Having been a graphic designer for many years, I loved creating these strongly patterned books. And I always enjoy researching and writing about wildlife. I have just finished the artwork for two more board books which will be released next January and am beginning the art for another. This time they are in full color.

If you have done the math, you know I am well past middle age. The enthusiasm for this making of books has not waned. I tell anyone wishing to enter this business, it takes talent, persistence, and luck in equal measure. And luckily I have a wonderful critique group here in Savannah that helps me to continue creating books to instill a sense of wonder.

To learn more about my books : www.charlesbridge.com