If you are a writer or illustrator of children’s books, SCBWI is a pretty important organization to consider. It offers so many resources to help kidlit professionals at all levels of their career. I am a co-representative for one of the SCBWI networks in Illinois. We run a monthly program which is open and free to the public, online at the moment of course. For up to date details of our meetings, click here. Last week, we gave a presentation and had a discussion about the SCBWI awards and grants that are available for kidlit writers and illustrators. There is an impressive range of opportunities out there — check out this link if you are interested.
News & Events
Writing For Young People – My Kidlit Class at the Mining the Story Writing Retreat

How To Foster Creativity in Young Storytellers — Ten Tips and Tricks

I will discuss the structure of a fiction writing session and give ten tips and tricks to boost creativity in students. Topics covered will include: ways to spark imagination, how to deepen story craft techniques, and a discussion of writerly processes to improve conditions when working with the imagination. There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A. Attendees will leave with practical resources to help their pupils’ stories to soar! Click here to learn more and register.
Creative Writing Programs 2021
I had a lovely start to the new semester this week. These three books came up in my first eighth grade class of the year, along with story beginnings about equal rights, dream sequences, and discussions about how to write a good argument. If you’re interested in learning more about my creative writing program options, click here.
Responsible Adults

Full Zoom Ahead

In addition to craft sessions, pitch sessions, inspiring keynote speeches from Commander Herrington, kidlit author and the first Native American astronaut, and Vanessa Brantley Newton, author, illustrator, crafter and champion of diversity, we celebrated Sarah Aronson’s Just Like Rube Goldberg and other #ReadLocalIllinois recent publications at the SCBWI-IL Crystal Kite Gala (what a poignant acceptance speech...), and had so many chances to connect during socials and Office Hours.
There were contests for writers and illustrators alike. Check out the two winning entries for the Portfolio Showcase.
Kudos to those organizing a brand new online format for an interactive conference: Deborah Topolski, Jenny Wagh, Cedric Gliane and the rest of the Committee. Thanks to the faculty and all the attendees. I love the kidlit world, feel inspired to get back to work today.
Shake Rag Alley, Writing Retreat 2020

Folk and Fairy Tales

Full Zoom Ahead!

When? November 13th, 14th & 15th.
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Submission opportunities to industry professionals
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Keynote speakers: John B. Herrington, PhD CDR, USN(Ret) Astronaut STS-113 & Author and Vanessa Brantley Newton, SCBWI PAL Author-illustrator
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An option to select a live and interactive session that best suits you. (Live & Interactive means that sessions are small enough that you may speak & interact with the faculty in real time)
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Many LIVE sessions are also recorded for later viewing
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Craft Breakouts
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Faculty Office Hours
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Free Contests, Extras & Portfolio Showcase
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Attendee Bookstore
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Live Socials including a SCBWI-IL Crystal Kite Gala
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Additional Opportunities: 1:1 Zoom Critiques & Written Portfolio Reviews, Faculty Ask-Me-Anything & More
Story Builder Competition Results for the Talent Development Services Program

2020 Story Laureates:
Joanna Barcelona (Ogden Avenue School) – “Branching Out”.
I loved the arc of this story, the teasing question that threads through it about the identity of the narrator. Joanna also had some interesting ideas about how we communicate with one another and what friendship means. A thought-provoking entry.
Anka Lampe (Park Junior High) -“The Color of George.”
The voice of this submission drew me in. Anka’s decision to show events through the eyes of a protagonist with learning difficulties is effective. George expresses himself well, even though he uses unconventional language.
Liam Whittleton (Ogden Avenue School) – “Card Throwing Killer.” The offbeat humor in this piece made me smile. I liked Liam’s choice of diary format, too. Quirky details, a pacy plot, and a chicken called Steve. Excellent stuff.
2020 Merit Winners:
With a hint of the horror genre, The Key is a dream-like story full of action and sensory details.
Benjamin Sander (Park Junior High) — “Excerpts from Defender” A segment from a longer story, I loved Ben’s world-building in this piece. Details, large and small, are vividly imagined and tension about the protagonist and his actions run through the whole submission.