MEET THE NEWEST REGIONAL TEAM MEMBERS

Meet Lauren Griffin, co-ARA!

Lauren is a writer, puzzle-maker, idealist, and innovative solutionist living in the western suburbs of Chicago. Originally from the southeast side of the city, she still loves lakefront walks, creative conversations, and ideas that begin with “What if?”



Lauren writes children’s adventure stories, mysteries, puzzle books, and creative learning experiences that blend curiosity, problem-solving, and imagination. A member of SCBWI for five years, she is excited to serve as Assistant Regional Advisor for SCBWI-IL. In this role, she hopes to bring a welcoming heart, creative energy, and inventive spirit to the SCBWI Illinois kidlit community while offering encouragement, nurturing meaningful connections, and opportunities for members to bring stories to life that can inspire children for generations.

Meet Andy Wowor, co-ARA!

Andy is a Chicago-based kid lit author, transformational mentor, and interdisciplinary artist. Leveraging his background in chemistry and biochemistry, Andy brings a unique, research-driven approach to storytelling, focusing on meaningful connections and emotional truths. He passionately combines his love for art and science to inspire, uplift, and champion diverse cultural narratives for young readers. In the role of Assistant Regional Advisor, Andy hopes to empower all voices, foster deep industry connections, and bring a strategic, supportive energy to helping fellow creators build sustainable and successful careers.


andywowor.com



Andy and Lauren will be joining the Regional Team as co-Assistant Regional Advisors! Together, they will support Network Events and the Equity and Diversity Team. We're so grateful to have them step into these roles and look forward to the passion they will bring to our region.

Join us this fall for a one-day virtual conference!

Registration opens today!

Our online conference is designed to help you cultivate deeper industry roots, sow seeds for future connections, and gather the tools you need to grow your creative career as an author, illustrator, or both!

Join us on Sunday, October 4, 2026

• Keynotes with authors Kaz Windness and Sayantani DasGupta
• Two Industry panels of agents and editors
• Six Garden Box Breakout sessions
• Plus, optional live 1:1 critique sessions on Friday and Saturday

Whether you’re planting your first manuscript or tending a well-established story, Fall Harvest is a place to learn, share, and gather together in creative community. Let’s grow something beautiful—together.

FOR PUBLISHED MEMBERS

Each year, the Crystal Kite Awards recognize great books from around the world. They are chosen by other children’s book writers and illustrators, making them the only peer-given awards in publishing for young readers.

Voting for finalists is open now and includes a very talented member from our region! Good luck to all of the finalists!

The Song of Orphan's Garden by Nicole M. Hewitt

Follow Robin on Social Media:

Congratulations,

Robin Currie!

Your most recent book,

Just Enough Room

for Christmas, won a 2026 SELAH award, 2nd place in the Children's Picture Book category at the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference.

Creating Accessible Books

with Sara Fujimura & Stan Yan

Wednesday, July 1 at 7 PM

Dandelion Bookshop

139 S. Oak Park Ave.

That's not a REAL book. Whether you write teen romance like Sara, create graphic novels like Stan, or explore storytelling through another vehicle that people routinely look down their noses at, join our conversation about how to reach reluctant readers by creating accessible books. Participants will learn how to win over the naysayers, become the gatekeepers' go-to creator, experiment with new guerrilla marketing techniques, and--most importantly--connect kids with their perfect books!

To put this theme into practice, Franklin Taylor, founder of Our Future Reads, will speak about how his organization puts books into the hands of curious readers. Attendees are invited to bring along a book to donate at the event.

What's your GOOD NEWS? Share yours on our Google Groups with the subject July Good News!

If you need help with the new SCBWI website, use the green help button on the site to get an answer from HQ or go to the Frequently Asked Questions page!

View as Webpage

JULY 1, WEDNESDAY

• 9 AM Fall Harvest Registration opens!

• 7 PM Critique Time, Geneva Network, Email for Passcode to Join on Zoom

• 7 PM Creating Accessible Books with Sara Fujimura and Stan Yan, Near West Suburban Network, Dandelion Bookshop, 139 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL

JULY 7, TUESDAY

• 6 PM Critique, Springfield Scribes Network, Join on Zoom

JULY 9, THURSDAY

• 7 PM Monthly Meeting, Chicago's Southland, Email Jim for link

JULY 14, TUESDAY

• 9 AM Power Hour with Srividhya, Join Zoom Meeting

JULY 15, WEDNESDAY

• 6 PM Critique, Edwardsville Network, Books-A-Million, 6601 Edwardsville Crossing Drive in Edwardsville, IL

• 6:30 PM Open Critique, Far Northwest Suburban Network, Barnes and Noble, 1470B E. Golf Road in Schaumburg, IL

JULY 22, WEDNESDAY

• 7 PM Critique, Freeport/Galena Network, Email Jamie for Link



JULY 28, TUESDAY

• 9 AM Power Hour with Srividhya, Join Zoom Meeting



• 7 PM Critique Time, Geneva Network, Email for Passcode to Join Zoom Meeting