PAL Luncheon at #SpringMingle - #SBreeze17

PAL Luncheon at SpringMingle
from Cathy C. Hall

As the PAL Coordinator for Southern Breeze, I get to hobnob with a lot of VIPs!

Oh, wait. You’re thinking “Very Important People” and I’m thinking “Very Interesting PALs.” That’s why I love our conferences. At Springmingle’17, I’ll catch up with the latest news from that author whose book has just released or the writer whose poem landed in Baby Bug or the illustrator whose work is highlighted in…well, Highlights!

But perhaps more importantly for our PALs is the opportunity Springmingle’17 provides for them. We’ll get together at the close of the conference, Sunday at 12:30 in the 4^th Floor Conference Room, Decatur Library, for the PAL Lunch. When you register, don’t forget to order your lunch ‘cause we have lots of upcoming events for our PAL members to discuss!

And if you’re not sure whether you are a PAL member, look for me or any PAL member. We’re the ones wearing a blue button and we’ll try to answer any questions you have. Because in SCBWI, everyone is a Very Important Person! 

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! Click  :::HERE::: to log in and register.

~See you in March~

2016 #SBreeze Writing & Illustrating Contest Winners...

2016 #SBreeze16
Writing & Illustration
Contest Winners

Illustrated Texts (fiction and nonfiction)

1^st Place Last Pick, by Colleen Bennett

2^nd Place Duck, Duck, Goose, by Sheri Dillard

3^rd Place This is a Book to Read with a Worm, by Jodi Wheeler-Toppen

Middle Grade Novels

1^st Place (tie) Miss Black Gold, by Jessica Vitalis, and Harvey the Bedazzler, by Dana Edwards

2^nd Place Trailer Park Unicorn, by Mark McClintock

3^rd Place Freedom Feet, by Joan Broerman

Young Adult Novels

1^st Place: The Veritas Project, by Catherine Black

2^nd Place: Desert Secrets, by Connie Fleming

3rd Place (tie): Between Never & Always, by Tosha Sumner

The Symbiotes, by Tim Carroll

Illustrations: A Day in the Life of a (Animal)

1^st Place: Honeybees by Narges Jafari

2^nd Place: Garden Kittens by Melissa Schultz-Jones

3rd Place: George the Giraffe by Blythe Russo

Be sure to sign up for our blog's email notifications! We will be announcing next year's contest. Not to mention our monthly Breezers In Your Neighborhood will be starting back and we're getting ready for SpringMingle. So many things and you don't want to miss one post! 
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Announcing 8 on Eight!

Announcing 8 on Eight!

As writers, we all know how important it is to polish our opening lines. But that’s sometimes easier said than done. How do we know we’ve hooked the reader? How can we be sure an editor is going to fall in love with our material? (At Spring Mingle, Senior Editor Stacey Barney said she knows on the first page if she’s going to offer on a manuscript––the very first page!).

Don’t panic!  8 on Eight is here to help. Designed by members of The Winged Pen, this monthly contest is designed to give one lucky kidlit (PB, MG, or YA) writer feedback on his or her opening 8 lines from at least eight experienced writers.

To enter this month’s contest, simply leave a comment on their blog, after 8 pm est tonight. But hurry! Entries will be drawn from the Triwizard cup at 8 pm on May 1^st.

:::Leave a Comment:::

Let us know what you think of this contest.

What other contest do you know of that you would like to see featured?

Leave us your thoughts!

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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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WIK '15 Registration is OPEN!

Registration has now opened for the WIK '15 conference for SCBWI members!!!

Don't wait until the workshops you want to attend are full - attendance for many is limited to only 25, and there is Something for Everyone! From beginners to pros, from picture book writers and illustrators to "new adult" authors, craft, marketing, from how to find an agent, to maintaining that relationship once it is established.

You can find more information about the conference on the SOUTHERN BREEZE WEBSITE. While there, be sure to read up on our faculty list and the workshops that are being provided.

Members register now at 

https://southern-breeze.scbwi.org/events/writing-and-illustrating-for-kids-conference-2015/

Registration for non-SCBWI members will open on August 15, 2015.

See you all in October!

PS) Starting tomorrow, we will be highlighting different workshop presenters and optional activities every day.

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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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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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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Hello from Sharon Pegram - Our New Assistant Regional Advisor

Sharon Pegram, New Assistant Regional Advisor

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sharon Pegram, and I’m stepping into the role of Assistant Regional Advisor as Heather steps out of it. I write weird novels and have been a member of SCBWI since 2006. Recently, while organizing stacks of paper to avoid revising my work-in-progress, I excavated my whole writing history: nine years laid out like geological layers.

• My first personalized rejection, from an editor I had heard at Springmingle.
• Directions to my first critique group, from the friendly Southern Breezer who invited me to visit hers.
• The first time a professional asked to see more of my work, on a critique from WIK.

And on everything—programs, contest flyers, newsletters—names of people who used to be strangers but now are friends. Southern Breeze’s fingerprints are all over my life, especially in recent years. Serving as conference coordinator for WIK 2012 and 2013 allowed me to get to know the regional leadership team and to look behind the curtain a bit at the furious whirl of activity that goes on all the time to make Southern Breeze’s programs happen. Stepping into that whirlwind feels daunting and exciting, maybe a little crazy, but the good kind.

Southern Breeze is filled with talent and energy. Our volunteer leadership is extraordinary. I’m delighted and honored to get to work with them and you.

About SHARON PEGRAM:

Sharon Pegram was a school librarian before she became a stay-at-home-mom. She writes science fiction and fantasy from her home northeast of Atlanta. When not writing, she reads (well), cooks (well), and games with her son and husband (not-at-all well, but it is funny to watch). Her two ancient cats do the important literary job of keeping her behind in the chair.


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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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A Word from Kathleen Bradshaw

What a privilege it has been to serve as Co-Regional Advisor this past year. It’s been like a helicopter ride. From the vantage point of the leadership team, I saw both the work being done within our region and our relationship to SCBWI at the national level. It has been amazing.

I saw a small army of volunteers work to make our semiannual conferences successful, and something wonderful happening beyond that. Breezers throughout our region are stepping out and creating opportunities to grow their craft, share their knowledge, and make connections.

Perhaps it’s the discovery that other creative people experience the same wonder, fear, doubt, and determination that makes us want to grow the friendships we make at SCBWI events. Once we take time away from our attics and ateliers, we enjoy fellowship, we share ideas, and we find inspiration. I hope you will take a moment and discover this for yourself. There are wonderful events coming up in 2015, all organized by volunteers with hearts that care about our craft and about you as a member of Southern Breeze.

SCBWI-sponsored events are listed on the web site. Impromptu meet ups, as well as planned events are posted by all our members on the Southern Breeze listserv, SCBWI Southern Breeze Facebook page, the Southern Breeze PAL Facebook group, and on Twitter.

How would you go about organizing an event in your area? Anyone can plan an informal get-together and use the listserv and social media to announce it. For official Southern Breeze events, you’ll need approval of the Regional Advisors. You might want to contact your Local Liaison to work with them. If you’re not sure who your LL is, check the web site (http://southern-breeze. scbwi.org/about-us/contact-us/) for the person nearest you. If there isn’t someone in your area, perhaps you would consider serving in that role.

Meanwhile, save the dates of March 13-15 for Springmingle and Illustrators’ Day 2015. There are some big changes this year, and it’s going to be great! We have outstanding faculty members for both events and the incomparable Meg Medina for the writer’s intensive. Our book launch will follow the portfolio reception on Friday night and will be open to the public for book signings by all PAL members! All these changes are the results of input and energy from members like you.

While I am no longer serving in the RA role, I plan to stay connected, and continue to look at the big picture of what it means to be a Breezer. I hope that you will, too. - – Kathleen Bradshaw