Thursday, January 7, 2021, 6 pm CST
Webinar Description – Editor and agent wish lists often include books that surprise them and put a fresh twist on something tried-and-true. But as so many writers know, that’s easier said than done, and the pursuit of doing so can stop creativity in its tracks. In this webinar, we’ll explore the art of crafting a high concept story, discuss exercises you can do to develop this skill, and look at real-life examples of books that transcend trends, tropes, or formulas to dial down on what it really means to be part of the conversation and break out in a crowded market.
Can’t make the live session? The recording will be available for two weeks following the event.
A limited number of written critiques are available.
Webinar Fees – Non-Member $25
Member $15
Critique $45
Hosted by Eastern Pennsylvania
January 9, 2021, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. CST
What does pacing really mean? What does it mean for a picture book to be “snappy”? And how does plot function in picture books, anyway? In this hands-on and jam-packed session, we’ll dive into two mentor texts, examining elements that create a well-paced book. Finally, we’ll take a close look at how making a picture book dummy can be an invaluable tool to help you think visually, cut words, and revise the plot in your own work-in-progress.
Sylvie Frank is Senior Editor at Paula Wiseman Books, a boutique imprint of Simon & Schuster’s Children’s Division. She is the editor of award-winning and critically acclaimed books including Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo. Sylvie has been on the prowl for kid-focused, snappy picture books and literary, character-driven middle grade. She is drawn to original and diverse voices across all genres. She browses agents’ and illustrators’ websites for new talent.
Member with a season ticket $35.
Member w/out a season ticket $40.
Non-Member with a season ticket $45.
Non-Member w/out a season ticket $50.
Those who can’t attend the live event may watch the recording, which will be available to all attendees for two weeks.
Hosted by CA
January 11, 2021, 6:00pm – 7:30pm CST
In this webinar, we will look at the origin of the children’s mystery novel as well as the different schools and subgenres of mystery. We’ll examine the rules of mysteries, mystery essentials, and how to tackle writing each of the essential elements to create a lively, engaging mystery story of your own.
Webinar Fees – Cost: $20 for SCBWI members, $25 for non-SCBWI members
Hosted by SCBWI PA West
January 16, 2021, 9 am – 12 pm CST
Webinar Description – Did you finish your first draft, celebrate, then realize you now need to go back and revise? Has your manuscript been sitting in a drawer (a.k.a file on your computer) for months, years, decades? Have you returned to your manuscript multiple times only to get stuck and shove it back in the drawer?
If so, you are not alone! Julie Berry is an accomplished author with a flair for teaching revision. Devote three hours of your morning to diving back into that dusty first/second/third draft and make a new start!
This workshop is designed for writers who have a completed novel manuscript, who are serious about revising, and committed to completing it. Most of this workshop is hands-on guided revision exercises aimed at one’s own printed manuscript. The writer should expect to make a meaningful dent in an entire novel. You MUST have a completed manuscript, or please don’t sign up.
Webinar Fees – $50 for SCBWI Members
$75 for Non-members
Hosted by Kansas/Missouri
January 23 and 30, 2021, 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM CST
Our Picture Book Webinar Series is back! SCBWI Inland Northwest has gathered an amazing group of Picture Book creators. Each will lead a webinar for writers and illustrators that also write. 1st Session: FINDING YOUR WAY INTO A STORY with Rob Sanders. 2nd Session: CREATING A STRONG MAIN CHARACTER with Kat Zhang. 3rd Session: WHITTLING DOWN YOUR WORDS with Carole Lindstrom. Final Session: DRAWING THROUGH TOUGH TIMES with Ashley Spires.
Webinar Fees – SCBWI Members: $45.00 for all 4 webinars (Nonmembers: $75.00). Add a professional manuscript or PB dummy critique for $50.
Hosted by Inland Northwest
January 27, 2021, 7:00 – 8:30 pm CST
Webinar Description – Counting books, alphabet books, books that break the fourth wall — these nontraditional formats might seem simple and one-dimensional at first glance, but in order for them to stand out they must have depth, layers and rich complexity. In this webinar, we’ll look at mentor texts and discuss strategies for creating concept books that are compelling, memorable and reward re-reading.
Liz Garton Scanlon is the author of many beloved books for kids, including the recent Thank You, Garden; One Dark Bird; Kate, Who Tamed the Wind; the Caldecott Honor book All the World, and others. She’s also co-authored several books with her pal Audrey Vernick, including the hilarious Bob, Not Bob. Scanlon’s debut middle grade novel The Great Good Summer will be followed by a second novel next year, and her poems can be seen in numerous anthologies. She serves on the faculty of the Vermont Faculty of Fine Arts, but lives in Austin, Texas, most of the year. Find more on her at www.LizGartonScanlon.com
Webinar Fees – $10 for SCBWI Members
$45 for Non-Members
February 13, 2021, 4-6 p.m. CST
Webinar Description – Writing Within & Across Identity Elements: Minding the Intersections
Each of us is made up of a myriad of identity elements—nationality, culture, gender, generation, region, religion, socio-economic class, race, body type, and so many more. Even if we draw on lived experience to inform us on the page, we will eventually encounter at least secondary characters or intersecting content beyond our own expertise. How do we navigate all that with sensitivity and respect without freezing up? How do we thoughtfully, responsibly, and joyfully craft books for an ever-more-diverse community of young readers? Cynthia Leitich Smith will offer questions for us to consider and insights from her own writing journey.
CYNTHIA LEITICH SMITH is the New York Times and Publishers Weekly best-selling YA author of Hearts Unbroken and both the Feral trilogy and Tantalize series. She’s also the author of award-winning children’s books, including: Jingle Dancer, Rain Is Not My Indian Name, and Indian Shoes.
Webinar Fees – Chapter Meeting Prices:
Season Ticket: Free
Member: $10.
Non-member $15.
Those who can’t attend the live event may watch the recording, which will be available to all attendees for two weeks.
Hosted by San Diego, CA
