Spring 2024 NETWORKS
March, April & May
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Anyone can attend any Network,
anywhere at anytime!
Live, in-person and online meetings are free and open to all! Networks focus on craft and industry programming and are our first point of outreach with the wider creative community.
Scroll down to see the complete list
of networks and offerings!
Network Representatives are valued SCBWI-IL volunteers.
Contact them with your questions about attending any of our programs.
Interested in starting a NETWORKS group?
All Network times are CST
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
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SCBWI-IL Members: You can also join in the fun at our SCBWI Illinois Illustrators Network Group on Facebook – request to join here.
SCBWI member illustrators please make sure you are on the illustrator Google Group! To be added please email Allan Woodrow
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Chicago-Area Illustrators’ Network |
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On Writing for Illustrators
Maybe all you want is to write quality query letters. Maybe you want to merge text with your art and be the author and illustrator of your work. Maybe you enjoy lettering and want to create lettered art, or maybe you keep thinking about starting a blog or Substack page and freeze before even putting one word to paper. Let’s play and make art with words and discuss what we need to do to move our writing life forward. Don’t forget your sketchbook.
When: Sunday, March 10, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM
via Zoom
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Intentional Social Media
Social media is an ever-changing beast, and it has gone through a huge change in the last year. Join us for a conversation about social media; the good, the bad, the ugly. The feelings of obligation, the wanting for something different, or the changes you have made to make this “job” more enjoyable. We’ll have some prompt questions and discuss our answers in our Scenius style. Have your sketchbook handy, we can’t meet and not do some warm-up sketching.
When: Sunday, April 28, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM
via Zoom
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Join us in-person at the Itasca Community Library for our last meeting of the season!
Where: 500 W. Irving Park Rd, Itasca, IL 60143
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Show Your Work!
We’ll visit, get to know each other better, and share our work. If you would like feedback on some artwork, want to share something like your new book publication or an illustration in a magazine, or you filled out a sketchbook and just want to share it, bring it along for this in-person gathering. Don’t forget your sketchbook and favorite easy-traveling art supplies!
When: Saturday, May 18, 2024
Time: 10:30 AM
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Email Network Co-Reps Sarah Tobias and Denise Holmes for more information:
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Midstate Illustrators' Network |
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SCBWI-IL Mid-State Network monthly meeting will cover SCBWI news, opportunities, new media, critiques, and a drawing exercise. Please bring show-and-tell, a new book, tool or idea! Everyone is invited!
When: Saturday, March 9, 2024
Time: 9:30 am
via Zoom
Please contact Louann for Zoom link.
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APRIL
Mid-State Illustrator Meet Up
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Join us at the Decatur Public Library for an in-person session.
When: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Time: 9:30 am
Where: Decatur Public Library, 130 N. Franklin St, Decatur, IL 62523
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SCBWI-IL Mid-State Network monthly meeting will cover SCBWI news, opportunities, new media, critiques, and a drawing exercise. Please bring show-and-tell, a new book, tool or idea! Everyone is invited!
When: Saturday, May 11, 2024
Time: 9:30 am
via Zoom
Please contact Louann for Zoom link.
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Join us on Facebook:
This Network maintains a Facebook page (SCBWI-IL Midstate Illustration) for critiques and information sharing between meetings. If you’d like to join us, send us a request via Facebook or email one of the network reps. At our meetings we typically discuss markets, critique work and share our journey. Everyone is welcome.
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Email Network Co-Reps Louann Brown and Jerry Barrett for more information.
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Equity & Inclusion Network |
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MEET THE ILLUSTRATOR
Jacqueline Alcántara
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Join us for an evening with Chicago children's book author and illustrator, Jacqueline Alcántara. The illustrator will share her latest book, JAM TOO? and discuss her work on 6 other books. Learn her style, motivation and review her work. This event is free for all.
When: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
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Jacqueline Alcántara is a freelance illustrator and educator spending her days drawing, writing, walking her dogs and planning her next adventures. She is fueled by dance music, carbs and coffee. Jacqueline studied Secondary Art Education and taught high school art and photography before transitioning to illustration. She is also an adjunct professor of illustration at Columbia College Chicago.
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Diversity Network Meetings create a space where writers and illustrators who’ve traditionally been left at the margins in children’s publishing can get together. At these meetings we’ll build community, share stories of hurdles and successes, work to dismantle barriers, improve diversity and inclusion in children’s literature and SCBWI-IL, work on our craft and improve our writing and/or illustrating careers.
Our focus on diversity springs from the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement: We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, Native, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Because of the breadth of this focus, we will be particularly conscious of the intersectionality of oppressions and identities. Allies are welcome. (An ally is a person who supports, empowers, or stands up for another person or a group of people.)
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If you need additional ADA support such as sign language interpreter or other resources, please email Network Representative Donna Beasley in advance.
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Chicago Southside Network |
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Flower Viewing: Sketch & Write |
Meet other writers and illustrators for tea, snacks, and springtime inspiration! Bring your sketch book or journal for observational drawing and to try your hand at haiku and tanka style poetry.
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM
Where: Jackson Park Japanese Garden
6300 S. Cornell Ave, Chicago, IL 60637
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South Side Network Critique Group |
Come enjoy a cup of tea, good company, and useful feedback! You do not need to bring writing to participate, but if you are looking for a critique of your work please upload no more than 500 words to our Google Folder one week before our meeting date to give others time to read your submission.
You can read about our critique guidelines and submit your work using this link: Google Drive
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We will meet at Robust Coffee Lounge, 6300 S Woodlawn Chicago, IL 60637.
Mark your calendars for 11:00 AM on:
Saturday, March 2, 2024
Saturday, April 6 , 2024
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Saturday, June 1, 2024
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Addie is looking for a co-rep to help bring programs to Hyde Park, if you are interested, please reach out. Email Addie for more information:
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Chicago Northside Network |
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Picture Book Manuscript Critique
Each participant should bring approximately 2 pages (no more than 1000 words) to share. Feedback and suggestions for strengthening you manuscript will be the focus of our discussion. We will use Sandy Asher's book on revision as our guide.
When: Saturday, March 9, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Chicago Public Library - Lincoln Belmont Branch, 1659 W. Melrose Street, Chicago, IL 60657
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Write from Your Personality Type
Learn how to increase writing productivity, break writer's block and reduce writing anxiety through the power of your psychological Myers-Brigg Type Indicator (MBTI). This practical workshop helps make the writing process more effective by exploring your psychological type and how it informs different stages and approaches to your writing. Discover how to increase your writing potential by understanding your personality type. If you do not know your MBTI type, we will be doing exercises to identify your type. Mary Jo Guglielmo is a writer, certified MBTI practitioner, life coach and university professor.
When: Tuesday, April 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
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Email Chicago Northside Network Representative Mary Jo Gugliemo for more information.
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Chicago's Southland Network |
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MARCH
Online
Publishing without an Agent? Yes!
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Children's Author Matt Forrest Esenwine will offer tips and encouragement on how to publish your books without an agent. He is author of several books including I AM TODAY, FLASHLIGHT NIGHT and EVERYBODY COUNTS! For more info about Matt, check out his website: mattforrest.com
When: Thursday, March 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
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Southland's Network will be discussing chapters 1-5 of the book WHAT'S YOUR STORY? by Marion Dane Bauer
When: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
The meeting will be via Zoom. Please contact Jim Danielson for the links.
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Southland's Network will be discussing chapters 6-9 of the book WHAT'S YOUR STORY? by Marion Dane Bauer
When: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
The meeting will be via Zoom. Please contact Jim Danielson for the links.
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Email Chicago's Southland Network Representatives Linda Dryfhout or Jim Danielson for more information.
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Live Secrets of Story Podcast: Capturing the Nature of Childhood with hosts James Kennedy and Matt Bird, and special guest
Betsy Bird
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Join us for a the first ever live taping of the Secrets of Story Podcast! Regular co-hosts Matt Bird and James Kennedy will be joined by special guest Betsy Bird to discuss ways in which authors can capture the nature of childhood.
Do the kids who reach children’s books want to read about little adults or actual oddballs like themselves? A little bit of both! All three authors have written for children and adults and will address what authors can do to make child characters feel authentically odd but universally relatable.
When: Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Time: 6:30 PM
Where: TBD *stay tuned for a venue info
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James Kennedy is the author of the horror thriller BRIDE OF THE TORNADO, which the Chicago Tribune named one of the "Top 10 Books of 2023." James' previous books include the sci-fi novel DARE TO KNOW, which was named by the Times Saturday Review as their "Best Sci-Fi Book of 2021," and the young adult fantasy THE ORDER OF THE ODD-FISH. In addition, James is the founder of the 90-Second Newbery Film Festival, an annual video contest in which kid filmmakers create short movies that tell the entire stories of Newbery-winning books in about 90 seconds. He also hosts the Secrets of Story podcast with Matt Bird. James lives in Chicago. You can find out more about James at jameskennedy.com
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Matt Bird is the author of the bestselling writing guide THE SECRETS OF STORY: INNOVATIVE TOOLS FOR PERFECTING YOUR FICTION AND CAPTIVATING READERS and the recent follow-up THE SECRETS OF CHARACTER: WRITING A HERO ANYONE WILL LOVE. He has an MFA in writing from Columbia University. He lives in Evanston, Illinois, with his wife, the author Betsy Bird, and two wonderful children. Find out more about Matt at secretsofstory.com.
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Betsy Bird is currently Evanston Public Library’s Collection Development Manager. She has served on Newbery, reviewed for Kirkus, written for Horn Book, and has done other lovely little things that she’d love to tell you about but that she’s sure you’d find more interesting to hear of in person. Her opinions are her own and do not reflect those of EPL, SLJ, or any of the other acronyms you might be able to name. Most recently she wrote the middle grade novel LONG ROAD TO THE CIRCUS, with illustrations by Caldecott Award winning artist David Small. You can follow Betsy on Twitter @FuseEight or email her at fusenumber8.
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Email North Suburban Network Representatives Carolyn Crimi, Anny Rusk and Ilana Ostrar for more information.
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Far North Suburban Network |
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Critique Night
Before you submit to agents and editors, they prefer if you have a new set of eyes on your work!
If you'd like to receive feedback on your work, please email a picture book manuscript or no more than five double spaced pages of a novel excerpt to Kim.
Instructions will be given when a reminder email is sent out.
When: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
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Applause Night!
Fifth Annual End of Year Reading!
Whether you wrote one page or a whole book, it's time to celebrate the work we did this year!
Please prepare a picture book manuscript or a novel excerpt that is no more than three double-spaced pages.
No feedback this time, just applause and encouragement to keep going!
When: Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
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Author Q&A
Our own little network has several authors that have published a book or about to be published! They want to share their experience and knowledge with you! If you have a question about publishing, writing, pretty much anything ... please attend this meeting
When: Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Cook County Library Meeting Room, Aspen Drive Library, 701 Aspen Dr., Vernon Hills, IL 60061 and Zoom
via Zoom and In-Person
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Email Far North Suburban Network Representatives, Kim Oclon and Nicole Hewitt for more information:
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Far Northwest Suburban Network |
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OPEN CRITIQUE
If you'd like to share pages and receive feedback, please bring one picture book manuscript or no more than five double spaced pages of a novel excerpt.
We will meet at 6:30 PM the third Wednesday of the month from January to November at the Café in Barnes and Noble, 1470B E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173.
Mark your calendars for 6:30 PM on:
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Wednesday, April 17 , 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
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Email Network Co-Reps Veronica Rundell and Liz Searle for more information:
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APRIL
Online
Critique Night
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When: Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
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Don't be shy! Everyone is welcome to attend! If you'd like to share pages and receive feedback, please bring up to 1,000 words. If you haven't heard Jenny read your picture book - you are missing out! |
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Email Network Rep & Co-Regional Advisor Jennifer Wagh if you are a first-time attendee.
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Near West Suburban Network |
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MARCH
In-Person
Prompt-a-Palooza!
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It’s Prompt-a-Palooza! There will be a mix of prompts designed to get your words flowing. You can experiment with voice, characters, settings and even new story starts.
We will be meeting in person so bring something to write with. We’ll focus on writing during our meeting but leave some time at the end for those that want to share.
When: Thursday, March 14, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Meeting Room 1, Linda Sokol Francis Brookfield Library,
3541 Park Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513
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Field Trip to the Butler Children's Literature Center
Join us and visit the Butler Children’s Literature Center in River Forest! Curator, Jen Clemons, will explain how the Butler Center's selection of newly published books and special permanent collections can be used by kidlit authors and illustrators and also share some tidbits from her upcoming trip to Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
We’ll try out some writing exercises using books from the collection, and there will be plenty of time to browse. The Butler Center is a wonderful local resource!
When: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Dominican University - River Forest Campus
at The Butler Children’s Literature Center is housed in Rebecca Crown Library
Rm 214
7900 W Division St, River Forest, IL 60305
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The Right Path for Your Picture Book: Prose, Poetry, or Something In-Between?
Award-winning picture book author and poet Michelle Schaub will share her journey in writing her most recent picture books A Place for Rain and Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees. She’ll discuss the decisions she made along the way to find the right form for these projects, which both started in prose and diverged into poetry and something in-between. She’ll share tips and pitfalls for writing in rhyme and discuss how using poetic language can add pep to any picture book project.
Michelle Schaub is the author of A Place for Rain (Norton 2023, a Junior Library Guild Selection) and Leafy Landmarks: Travels with Trees (Sleeping Bear Press, 2023.) Her other books include Fresh-Picked Poetry: A Day at the Farmers’ Market (Charlesbridge, 2017, winner of the Growing Good Kids and Northern Lights Book Awards), Dream Big, Little Scientists (Charlesbridge, 2020), and Kindness is a Kite String (Cardinal Rule Press, 2021.) Michelle loves helping writers get their rhyming and lyrical picture books in tip-top shape through her critique service, The Rhyme Doctors. Learn more about Michelle and The Rhyme Doctors at www.michelleschaub.com and www.rhymedoctors.com.
When: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
via Zoom
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Email Network Rep Sarah Hammond for more information.
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Bolingbrook-Naperville Network |
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APRIL
In-Person
Pop Up Critique
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Come join us at the Fountaindale Public Library for a two-hour critique session. Bring copies of your picture book or 5 pages of middle grade or young adult book, and your favorite pen!
Please email Cathy Velasco by Thursday, April 25th so she can tell you how many copies to bring.
When: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 10:00 AM
Where: Fountaindale Public Library 300 W. Briarcliff, Rd, Bolingbrook, IL 60440
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Email Network Co-Reps Catherine Velasco and Mary & Rich Chamberlin for more information:
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CRITIQUE TIME - GET FEEDBACK
In-Person and Zoom!
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The Geneva Network critiques in person at 7:00 PM on the first Wednesday of the month at Barnes & Noble, 102 Commons Drive, Geneva, IL 60134. Subject to weather.
Mark your calendars for in-person:
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
They also critique via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:00 PM. Email Janet or Cheryl for Zoom information.
Mark your calendars for Zoom meetings:
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Tuesday, April 26, 2024
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
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Email Network Co-Reps Janet Riehecky and Cheryl App for more information:
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Comp Titles
Come learn what comp titles are, why we need them, and how to find a good one. Then participate in a group brainstorming session to find comp titles for each others' work.
When: Thursday, March 14, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
via Zoom
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Critique Night
Bring a query letter, synopsis, five page sample, or picture book manuscript to be critiqued live by the group.
When: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
via Zoom
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Synopsis Tips and Tricks
Learn how to write a synopsis that will intrigue an editor or agent.
When: Thursday, May 9, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
via Zoom
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Galena-Freeport Area Network |
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FREE CRITIQUE OR SHARE TIME |
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To accommodate creators who work during the day, Network Rep. Jamie Petras said they are trying a new time for their unique critique meetings.
Each person gets 15 minutes to show their work or art, and get feedback. Or discuss any topic they want, sharing an article or illustration.
Mark your calendar for 6:30 to 8:30 PM:
Tuesday, March 26,2024
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Tuesday May 28, 2024
Want to join the fun? Please contact Jamie for the Zoom link.
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Email Network Rep Jamie Petras for more information:
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East Central / Champaign-Urbana Network |
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MARCH
In-Person
Calling all children's and young adult writers! Bring the first few pages of your manuscript for peer feedback.
Looking for creative community? Need a fresh set of eyes and ears to give feedback on a story? Have you started writing for children or young adults and don't know where to go next? Bring the typed first few pages of a manuscript you have been working on. You will have the opportunity to receive peer feedback in a supportive and constructive environment.
This program is a great way to meet others who are passionate about writing for youth and to learn about resources to assist you on your writing journey.
When: Sunday, March 24, 2024
Time: 2:00 pm
Where: The Urbana Free Library, 210 South Race Street, Urbana, IL 61801
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Summer is almost here! Join your local network of children's book creatives for fun conversation, sharing about the creative process, and of course, enjoying tasty food and drink. We'll meet at Black Dog, near the original train station. This locally owned barbecue restaurant has vegetarian options as well. Weather permitting, we’ll gather in their covered patio area. Free parking is available right next to the restaurant. It won't be the same without you!
Where: Black Dog, 320 North Chestnut Street, Champaign, IL 61820
When: Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
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Email Network Rep Elaine Bearden for more information:
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Springfield Area Scribes Network |
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The Springfield Area Scribes Network meets Tuesdays at 6:00 pm via Zoom
Mark your calendars for:
Tuesday: March 05, 2024
Tuesday: April 02, 2024
and Tuesday: May 07, 2024
Have 5 pages of Middle Grade, Young Adult or entire Picture Book ready to critique.
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Email Network Rep Debra Daugherty for more info.
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The Network meets from 6 to 8 PM on the third Wednesday of the month at Books-A-Million, 6601 Edwardsville Crossing Drive in Edwardsville.
Mark your calendars for:
Wednesday: March 20, 2024
Wednesday: April 17, 2024
and Wednesday: May 15, 2024
Bring 5 pages to critique! We do in-person critiques but have traditionally asked that writers new to the group wait until their second meeting to submit work for critique. New writers welcome!
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Email Network Juli Caveny for more information:
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SCBWI-IL NETWORK POLICIES |
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And, as always:
—Networks are free and open to all. You may attend any Network at any time, not just the one in your area.
—Special Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: If you have a disability and need any special assistance to enjoy the event’s online programming, please email the Network Representative or Co-Regional Advisor to ask for assistance for your particular needs.
—A recording of online programs may be offered for a small convenience fee on our Recordings BY REQUEST page.
—Recordings BY REQUEST are available in February, May, August and November. Your convenience fee gives you unlimited viewing all month long.
—Your attendance fees support NETWORKS and other free Regional opportunities like scholarships and mentorships.
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Please find below the COVID protocols from SCBWI HQ. (Updated 3/23)
Please note: SCBWI-IL Networks are in no way obligated to hold in-person events but if they do...
Comments regarding this policy should be directed to SCBWI headquarters by mailing
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QUESTIONS about SCBWI-IL Networks?
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