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Welcome to July, Houston SCBWI!
I'm a poet and didn't even - yeah, I went there.
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Methinks its too hot to be wearing a jacket! It's also too short a month, with only 31 days to make all our creative dreams come true before life ramps up again.
Did you realize that? July is the only month when most of us adults are not focusing half our brain cells on school duties, or celebrating the last day of school, or buying supplies for the start of the new school year. It is also my birth month, but that has nothing to do with #goals.
So, what’s the goal? Write! Paint!
Let’s park ourselves somewhere fresh and exciting, maybe in a shady spot by the pool (it doesn't have to be OUR pool) and create new scenes. Sure, we’ll take breaks to count heads and reapply sunscreen, but this is our chance to set a self-imposed challenge that’s energetic and fun.
If locking yourself in an office sounds appealing, go for it! But if that’s grown stale, treat your brain to a new environment and a drink garnished with fruit. You deserve it.
Oh! But don't forget, you can also carve out more creative time at the retreat – registration is now open! If you need that extra bit of help, please apply for a scholarship (details below and on the retreat website).
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*Also, I ate this fortune cookie, but I saved the fortune inside. It was for all of us. It reads: Tomorrow your creative side will shine forth with exceptional ideas."
It didn't state which tomorrow, so let's assume it meant all of them.
Yours truly,
Annie Harmon
Co Regional Advisor
Houston SCBWI
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HOUSTON CHAPTER EVENTS
We encourage you to register for all events via our website.
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July Meeting
This zoom meeting is a hands-on workshop in which Mel will explain the importance of dummy books for authors (length, pace, getting going, anticipation, text per spread, etc.) and demonstrate how PB dummies can be created with the Ourboox and Dummyboox platforms. You will make a physical mini-book in three minutes with three pieces of paper and scissors, and a simple hack with MS Word. Great for writers and illustrators!
Read more on Mel in the interview on our chapter blog.
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Houston Chapter Critique Group
Where: Online
When: July 1st, 2024
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST
What: An informal critique group to meet before most of our chapter meetings.
Details: All written and illustrated works-in-progress intended for the children’s market are welcome.
Please view the group's guidelines prior to attending. Free to all.
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Fuel Your Craft
Sign up for our region's many activities below!
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And we already have a few seats claimed!
For less than the cost of a weekend in a hotel room, you'll get a set of queen sized beds, a writing desk, a private bath, chief cooked food, and great writing and illustrating company, all at the Camp Allen Retreat Center, 18800 FM 362, Navasota, TX 77868.
There are limited rooms available so be sure to book your spot as soon as registration opens!
Imagine waking up to the crisp morning air, grabbing your notebook or sketchpad, and heading out to to put your ideas to paper. You'll enjoy three buffet meals per day, engage in lively discussions, gain insights from fellow artists, and spark your creativity in a supportive environment.
If you are unable to attend without assistance, please apply for a scholarship. Apply here! Deadline to apply is midnight, July 15, 2024, CST.
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Write-Draw-Love
The write-in has grown to include ALL of us, all at once! If you want to get your creative juices flowing and enjoy being around other creatives while working, bring your pens and paper, or laptop, and come on down to the Tracy Gee. But let us know you're coming—register here:
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July Meet & Greet
Where:
Mercantile Coffee Shop
3321 Stanford St, Houston, TX 77006
When:
July 13th, 2024
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
What: Please join us for our monthly social! Hang out with other Kidlit creatives where we can talk about craft, kids, or coffee. Please RVSP so we can save you a seat. Christine is your host. Email her with any questions. See you there!
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July's book study is "Unicorns are the Worst"
Book study led by our New Member Coordinator, Michelle B.
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Our own Varsha Bajaj, author of Thirst, Count Me In, The Home Builders, and many more, will discuss finding the heart of the picture book. Every picture book has a breathing heart. Finding the core is a process. She’ll share the journey for some of her published and upcoming picture books. | |
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Have News? Share It With Us For Our Members Corner Newsletter! (published the 10th of each month)
Submit author & illustrator news for the next newsletter by the 5th of each month via this form. Event submissions for member book launches and signings can be added to our regional calendar! Please be sure to include the date, time, and location.
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OTHER SCBWI CONFERENCES,
WEBINARS, AND WORKSHOPS HERE!
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Draw This Award!
A monthly art prompt, part of the SCBWI publication Insight.
All submissions shown on the online gallery, and two winners featured in Insight, the website, and social media.
Check for submission guidelines.
Click for More Info
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BIPOC Scholarship
Two scholarship grand prize winners will receive tuition to the SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference.
Submission portal can be found in your Member Profile under the AWARDS tab.
Submissions open Wednesday, May 22 through Tuesday, June 18.
Click for More Info
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Emerging Voices Award
The SCBWI established the On-The-Verge Emerging Voices Award in 2012 with funding from Martin and Sue Schmitt of the 455 Foundation. The grant was created to foster the emergence of diverse voices in children’s books. SCBWI reserves the right not to confer this award in any given year. Submissions reopen July 1 through July 30, 2024.
Click for More Info
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Leave a suggestion in our Suggestion Box!
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Copyright © 2024 SCBWI-Houston, All rights reserved.
News and other information may be passed on without attribution; original artwork and writing are the property of their creators and may be reproduced only with written permission.
newsletter.scbwihou@gmail.com.
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