SCBWI Montana Chapter Newsletter | |
Be a Guest Contributor
A HUGE thank-you to Kelly Anne Dalton for contributing the illustrator article for this issue.
We know there are a lot of resident experts out there across our great state of Montana, and we'd love to hear from you. Have you discovered some tips that could help your fellow kid-lit creators? Have you read a great craft book or discovered some other resource you want to tell us about? Would you like to share a behind-the-scenes piece about how you created your last book? We would love to include guest articles from our members in upcoming newsletters.
We ask that articles be no more than 800 words and be written with the goal of helping or inspiring our writers and/or illustrators. Guest contributors will receive space for a short bio and a link to their website or social media. If you have something you'd like to share, please email the article (or a proposal) to mtscbwisocial@gmail.com.
Note: Submissions are not guaranteed publication.
Awards and Grants
Below is a list of awards currently open for submissions (or opening soon). Get the details at www.scbwi.org:
- A. Orr Fantasy Grant
- Emerging Voices Award
- Pitch Perfect Translation Grant
- Draw This! monthly contest
- Independently Published Pre-publication Grant
- Spark Award
- Amber Brown Grant
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Montana Sparks!
Have you been enjoying the monthly prompts? We hope they're sparking some inspiration for you. The joint work sessions are held on the third Saturday of the month 1-3 p.m. MDT. Join us for a low-key, no pressure meet-up where we alternate between working and socializing.
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Virtual Hobnobs
Our statewide virtual hobnobs are up and running! You'll see in Jodi's article below that a plethora of tips and resources have been shared during the tip potlucks.
We plan to meet on the first Thursday of each month. However, due to the holiday, our next virtual hobnob will actually be held via Zoom on July 11, 7-9 p.m.
If you would like to be interviewed for the Member Spotlight segment of a future hobnob or present a lecture on something related to the craft of kid lit, please send an email to mtscbwisocial@gmail.com
Volunteers Needed
Your MT-SCBWI admin team is currently looking for two volunteers to fill important roles for our region. We are in need of someone to serve as a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Coordinator as well as someone to serve as the Virtual Hobnob Coordinator. In addition to the perks of networking and helping your peers, these volunteers will receive free membership to SCBWI. If you'd like to know more about what's involved in these roles, please email Jodi Hausen at montana-ra@scbwi.org.
Illustrator Study Hall
Jeanne Bowman will be offering a 2-hour study session on Sunday, July 7 from 1-3 p.m. MDT for illustrators who want to hang out and talk about the technical aspects of picture-making. Jeanne will be working on making color studies from photographs and other paintings. If anyone would like to join, they are more than welcome for a casual chat and art making hangout. Jeanne will answer any questions about art-making to the best of her ability and others are free to chime in with advice and experience as well. There are no expectations, people can come and go as they please, and people can work alongside Jeanne or on their own projects. Use this link to join.
Upcoming Events
SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference
Registration for the SCBWI virtual summer conference is now open. Don't miss the chance to hear award-winning author Kate DiCamillo. The conference runs August 1-4, but attendees will have access to all 50 recorded sessions for a whole month after the event.
Sweet Pea & SLAM in Bozeman
If you're an author or illustrator looking for an opportunity to showcase your work, consider the first weekend of August as your chance to do so. Two festivals that boast thousands of attendees will be taking place within walking distance of each other in Bozeman. Sweet Pea runs August 2-4, and SLAM (Support Local Artists and Musicians) August 3-4. If you're interested in presenting at one of these events, email Jodi at montana-ra@scbwi.org.
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Where in the World are our Montana Members? | |
See what some of our members have been up to.
The pictures in this section are from the Rocky Mountain Kid-Lit Festival recently held at the Billings Public Library.
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MT-SCBWI hosted a vendor table at the Rocky Mountain Kid Lit Festival held recently at the Billings Public Library sponsored by the member-owned bookstore This House of Books.
The following picture book authors and illustrators led story times and gave presentations:
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Rod Gottula — Double, Not Half
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Precious Mackenzie and Jennifer Ard — Nest
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Sue Lawrence — Montana's Memory Day
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Janet Fox — Wintergarden
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Jeanne Bowman — Charlie Russell and the Gnomes of Bullhead Lodge"
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Janet Fox will be leading a breakout session at the national SCBWI virtual summer conference.
"This presentation will give the audience solid takeaways that blend organic and planned writing techniques."
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Eric Castleman was recently interviewed for the 3 Point Perspective Podcast which is hosted by the online School of Visual Storytelling or SVSLearn.
You can see the interview here.
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Have you presented at a kid-lit event recently? Do you have something coming up soon? We'd love to know what you're up to and where we can support you whether it's a book launch, author signing, interview, talk, vendor event or something else. As long as it's a kid-lit event, bring us along. You can send info and pictures to mtscbwisocial@gmail.com | |
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Have you presented at a kid-lit event recently? Do you have something coming up soon? We'd love to know what you're up to and where we can support you whether it's a book launch, author signing, interview, talk, vendor event or something else. As long as it's a kid-lit event, bring us along. You can send info and pictures to mtscbwisocial@gmail.com
Create a great offer by adding words like "free," "personalized," "complimentary," or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take action, so consider inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Tips for Proofreading
your own Writing
By Tiffiny Spire, Newsletter Editor
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Some of you know that in recent years I've retrained as an editor. When the admin team learned that I had recently written a blog post for my clients on ways to more successfully proofread your own writing, they encouraged me to share it here. For those of you on my email list, I apologize for the duplicate content. For the sake of brevity, I have only included some of the strategies I recommend (and use). You can see the full list on my website.
What do I mean by successfully proofreading your own writing? No one can catch all errors in a piece of writing. In the publishing industry, a manuscript that is 95% error-free is considered excellent. It’s almost impossible to get your own writing to reach this level of correctness. Why is that?
As a writer, you have lived and breathed this work for a very long time. You know what it is meant to say, so as you’re reading through to check for errors, your brain automatically overrides what your eyes are seeing and fills in what it knows is supposed to be on the page.
How do you keep your brain from overriding your eyes? You have to get out of story mode. So, while I don’t believe a person can proofread their own writing to the same level of accuracy as an outside editor can, here are some strategies that will get you as close to that level as possible.
Use these tips to force your brain to slow down and actually notice what is on the page (warts and all).
- If possible, set your manuscript aside for several days so you can return to it with fresh eyes. When you haven’t been living in the story day in and day out, your brain is less able to automatically fill in what is supposed to be there.
- Read it out loud. Having to verbalize every word, forces your eyes to actually see each word. This will help you catch more spelling mistakes and homophone mishaps (their, they’re).
- Read the story backward sentence by sentence. To keep your brain from entering story mode, start your proofreading at the end. Read the last sentence first. Then read the next to last sentence, and so on. This forces your brain to stay focused on the words that are actually in that sentence instead of trying to focus on the story/content.
- Use the text-to-speech function of your word processing software to listen to the text. You will definitely hear errors such as missing or duplicate words. I’ve been told there is also a free Chrome extension called Natural Reader you can use for a more natural sounding voice.
- Change the font and color of your text. Your brain is less likely to predict and pre-fill what it knows should be in the text if you’re looking at a manuscript that isn’t in your usual story format.
I hope you see a strategy or two that you can implement in your own revision process. If you want more proofreading tips head over to www.tiffinyspire.com to read the full article, which has five more suggestions.
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In this issue we have a special treat for our illustrator members. The talented Kelly Anne Dalton has contributed a guest article about her time at the dreamy Milkwood retreat. | |
Milkwood Illustrator Retreat | |
Kelly Anne Dalton, Guest Contributor | |
When I received the email informing me that I had been chosen to attend a workshop at Milkwood, my heart skipped a beat. Milkwood, the magical retreat center created by author and illustrator Sophie Blackall in upstate New York, has been a beacon of inspiration for many in the picture book community. To say I was thrilled is an understatement; I was over the moon! Even more exciting was the fact that I would be attending this three-day workshop with my dear friend and fellow picture book artist, Bambi Ramsey. | |
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Stepping into a Picture Book
Driving under the Milkwood sign felt like entering a different world— one straight out of a Sophie Blackall picture book.
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Sophie’s touch was evident in every corner, with delightful illustrations and charming details that were the perfect balance of whimsy and comfort. The first afternoon was spent exploring and admiring the property while the other artists trickled in. Hand-painted murals of the farm and landscape adorned the walls, curated collections were displayed with care, and the beautifully renovated barn stood surrounded by wildflower meadows.
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The barn itself was a marvel. Once a home for dairy cows, it now housed an extensively curated picture book library, a kitchen/dining/hangout area, a large workshop room, the retreat guests' bedrooms and baths, and Sophie’s studio. Every inch of the property exuded inspiration and creativity, making it a perfect haven for artists. | |
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A Warm Welcome and Delicious Delights
Our first evening set the tone for the rest of the workshop. We enjoyed a “getting to know each other” cocktail hour followed by a sumptuous dinner. The highlight of the meal was a layered rose and cardamom cake baked by Sophie herself for fellow artist Kate Berube’s birthday. It was, without a doubt, one of the best cakes I have ever tasted. Each layer was a delicate harmony of flavors, and the combination of rose and cardamom was nothing short of magical.
After the delicious meal, we headed to bed, brimming with excitement for the days ahead.
Learning from Cecilia Ruiz and Doug Salati
The workshop, led by author/illustrators Cecilia Ruiz and Caldecott winner Doug Salati and sponsored by Penguin Random House, was a transformative experience. Most of our work was done in the beautiful open room in the barn, which provided a perfect setting for creativity to flourish. Cecilia and Doug had planned two and a half days of exercises that built on each other, fostering a sense of progression and growth.
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We started with prompts and Sumi ink to create a series of fast drawings, each completed in under 60 seconds. These rapid rounds helped us loosen up and generate a pile of sketch ideas. By the end of the first day, we had a wealth of concepts to refine on Day 2. The workshop structure allowed us to start loose and simple, gradually developing our work into more refined illustrations. | |
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A Perfect Ending
The last evening was a celebration of creativity and new friendships. We enjoyed a beautiful dinner followed by a show-and-tell session. Each artist read from their picture books or shared current projects. It was a wonderful way to see the diverse talents within our group and to appreciate the unique voices and styles each artist brought to the table.
As the evening progressed, we continued to bond, knowing that the friendships formed here would last throughout our careers. The entire experience was nothing short of magical, and I left Milkwood feeling inspired and rejuvenated.
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Left to right-ish by row: Ed Schmidt; Sophie Blackall; Doug Salati; Cecilia Ruiz; Young Vo; Vikram Madan; Kelly Anne Dalton; Kate Berube; Marika Paz; Bambi Ramsey; Lillian Melcher; Ellen Korbonski; Sarah Lynn Baker; Cece Bell | |
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Rating: A Million Stars
Reflecting on my time at Milkwood, I give it a million stars. The incredible workshop, the amazingly talented people, and the best rose and cardamom cake ever all contributed to an unforgettable experience. Sophie Blackall’s vision for Milkwood as a retreat for picture book artists has certainly come to life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of it.
If you ever get the chance to attend a workshop at Milkwood, seize it. It’s a place where dreams are nurtured, creativity flourishes and the magic of picture books truly comes to life.
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Celebration Corner
We're excited to share book news
for five of our Montana members
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Two of our Montana members have a short story in the spooky anthology put together by SCBWI. |
The Haunted States
of America
Fifty-two different stories.
Fifty-two different authors.
Endless fright for all ages.
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Connie Van Hoven currently lives in Bozeman, Montana, where she enjoys the great outdoors with her husband, kids and grandkids, and one extra-energetic dog. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children from Vermont College. Her first two picture books are about Minnesota, where she lived for many years.
Coming in July, 2024, is Connie’s spooky short story representing Montana in an anthology Haunted States of America (Godwin Books/Holt). Connie also has a new picture book about caring for nature coming out from Charlesbridge in 2026.
You can learn more and connect with Connie at www.constancevanhoven.com.
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Janet Fox is an award-winning author with a deep passion for the magic of storytelling. Her writing journey began at age 8 with a poem published in the town newspaper, setting the stage for a career dedicated to writing captivating tales for young readers.
As a writer, she strives to create books that can help grow young hearts and minds.
Janet is also a book coach. You can learn more at www.janetsfox.com.
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Legend Keepers: The Promise
Publisher: Hidden Shelf Publishing
Release date: August 2024
Garson and Buddy are bound by the prophecy of looming peril foretold in an ancient legend. But a boy and a mountain goat’s unlikely friendship and determination are not enough to halt the return of the Great Warming. In this fast-paced and inspiring final book of the Legend Keepers eco-adventure, each must overcome personal challenges and enlist the help of others to safeguard Buddy’s home on Shining Mountain. Despite the odds, Garson and Buddy prove that no one is too small or ordinary to make a difference.
A blend of fact and fiction, Legend Keepers addresses the climate crisis in an extraordinary adventure at the roof of the world
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Bruce Smith is a wildlife biologist who holds a Ph.D. in zoology. During his career with the federal government, he studied and managed most large mammal species that roam the western United States.
He’s authored five nonfiction books of natural history, conservation and outdoor adventure.
Bruce also has an article in the June (spring/summer) issue of The Changing Times magazine titled “Blending Environmental Storytelling with Science Education.” The Changing Times is a publication of the nonprofit Families for a Livable Climate.
You can learn more and connect with Bruce at www.brucesmithwildlife.com.
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Bob Marshall: Defender of the Wilderness
The Montana Center for the Book has selected two books for the 2024 Great Reads from Great Places program as part of the Roadmap to Reading at the National Book Festival.
The book chosen for the children's selection is Illustrated by our own illustrator coordinator, Jeanne Bowman. This book celebrates the life and accomplishments of Bob Marshall, who, through his own efforts, saved five million acres of American wilderness while also contributing to the protection of over 110 million acres of wilderness. Bob Marshall: Defender of the Wilderness offers children the story of Bob Marshall and his passion for the outdoors.
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Jeanne Bowman is the illustrator of The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde; Charlie Russell and the Gnomes of Bull Head Lodge by Emily Crawford Wilson, which won the WWA 2022 Spur award; Bob Marshall: Defender of the Wilderness by Linda Elovitz Marshall and Georgia Jipp: Blizzard Pilot by Laura Beth Dean, which is set to release later this year. She works both in traditional watercolor and digital mediums. She lives in Sidney, Montana.
You can learn more and connect with Jeanne at www.jeannebowmanillustrates.com.
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Miraculous Sky
From:Ambassador International
Publication: April 23, 2024
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The story of Miraculous Sky illustrates how little ones can trust God even in the scariest and most uncertain times of life.
Told from the dog's point of view, this picture book relays the story of a family coming to grips with the changes that occur to the beloved pet's normal boisterous personality due to the onset of cancer.
Turning to prayer, the family experiences their faith in God and bonds with each other become stronger as they trust in Him for Sky's healing.
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Michelle Weltz is an author/illustrator who enjoys creating children's books with a touch of humor. Her creative spirit comes from her parents: her father who taught her how to draw and her mother who read many adventure stories to her as a child. Sharing God's message of faith and love with children is her ultimate goal. A resident of northwest Montana, Michelle enjoys hiking, skiing and kayaking.
You can learn more and connect with Michelle at www.michelleweltzcreates.com.
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If you are a current member of the Montana region of SCBWI and have news to share about your book, we'd love to celebrate with you. Email us at mtscbwisocial@gmail.com with publication/award info. Please include an image or two of the book. We can't wait to see your book babies! | |
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Tips and Resources
FROM members FOR Members
Tip Potluck Recap
by Jodi Hausen
Montana Regional Advisor
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Our region’s Virtual Hobnobs have been a great success from member interviews (me) to tip potlucks. We've held two Tip Potluck sessions so far (April and June), and they were both full of great ideas, inspiration, conversation and fun. Here are a few resources that were shared. This is in no way a comprehensive list, just a sampling from memory and from the saved chat.
* Trine Grillo from Sandpoint, Idaho, shared some ideas about poetry writing and writing in general. She recommended writershelpingwriters.net, which has a plethora of free tools and other resources for, well, writers. In the free tool department, it offers a descriptive thesaurus collection including weather and earthly phenomenon, character motivation, and several on emotion. There are other tools there to help with character building, story mapping, timeline creation, world-building, idea generation, templates and planning. There are scads of samples available for free and a 14-day free trial to get the full experience.
* Illustrator Jennifer Ard from Laurel and Illustrator Coordinator extraordinaire Jeanne Bowman from Sidney were effusive speaking about their love for cartoonist and all-around quirky creator Lynda Barry and her online presence on http://drawnandquarterly.com. Jeanne and Jennifer both raved about Barry’s books Cruddy: An Illustrated Novel, Making Comics, Picture This and What It Is and, of course, her Instagram account.
* There was conversation about writing poetry, especially rhyming poems. Writers attempting this challenging form need not only consider rhyming, but also meter and pacing. It is an art form unto itself and with that in mind attendees had several suggestions of examples of good rhyming picture books including Laura Sassi and Shel Silverstein. Joseph Coelho was one of my favorite speakers at the SCBWI Winter Conference and his book Poetry Prompts: All Sorts of Ways to Start a Poem is a picture book designed to teach kids to write verse, but I am finding it useful for my own poetry (which will likely never see the light of day).
* Sheila Ruble, a published poet from the Billings area, recommende reading lots of poetry, even free verse if you intend to write rhyme or lyrical prose. She suggested Rules for the Dance by Mary Oliver and anything by Billy Collins.
* And what would a gathering of writers be without a convo about journals? Personally, I’ve been using the Leuchtturm 1917 series in dot grid for my bullet journal. Jennifer Ard likes Archer and Olive. I think I could write an entire article about journals!
* If you're looking for a writing tool similar to Scrivener, but not so overwhelming, Tiffiny Spire from Billings recommended exploring the Plottr app. It comes with templates filled with the expected "beats" for each kind of storyline. It's easy to use and is a helpful tool whether you're a plotter, pantser or somewhere in between.
* Dorothy Patent, formerly of Montana, now in Hawaii, shared her free Substack newsletter, A Quirky Nature Newsletter.
* Sue Southerland shared that the 12X12 Challenge is a great resource for picture book writers and illustrators. She also mentioned the private facebook group she runs, 15 Minute Writing Sprint, to give writers motivation.
* Nicole Cunningham, from Pennsylvania had some fantastic tips — the biggest one is: NEVER GIVE UP! In addition she shared these resources Manuscript Wish List and Journey to Kidlit and The Rhyme Doctors.
* Theresa Cocci, also of Pennsylvania, shared her positive experiences with the Children's Book Insider and the Highlights Foundation. She received one of their scholarships and found the organization to be very welcoming and helpful.
* Michelle Molloy, from the Missoula area, recommended the "Oxford Children's Rhyming Dictionary" for anyone writing poetry for children.
*Jeanne Bowman shared a super inspiring podcast that really gave her a LOT to think about regarding voice: Creative Pep Talk episodes 449-454.
The Montana region’s Virtual Hobnobs will continue through the summer and into early fall. Please note that because the next regularly scheduled hobnob falls on July 4, we will be postponing the gathering until the following week. It will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, July 11. Come join us for our next tip potluck and don’t forget to bring a tip or resource of your own to share. See you there!
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