SCBWI-IL GOOD NEWS | MAY 2022
MAY we hear your GOOD NEWS? Share yours on our Google Groups with the subject May Good News!

CONGRATULATIONS 2022
MANY VOICES PRIZE WINNER
WATCH THE VIDEO ANNOUNCEMENT

Charlotte Wenger of Prospect Agency received over 20 applications from prize steward and Equity & Inclusion Team member Effie Koliopolous. The winner will receive a written critique and a 30-minute Zoom about the submitted work-in-progress or portfolio from Charlotte Wenger, Prospect Agency.

Thanks to Charlotte and all the applicants for supporting the Many Voices Prize with their entries.
7th Anniversary!
Our Region is grateful to offer this opportunity with the help of the SCBWI-IL Equity & Inclusion Team (Effie Koliopolous, Nathan Lyon, Alina Celeste Hevia & Urania Smith) and support of a generous and anonymous member benefactor THANK YOU!

REGISTRATION BEGINS MAY 21
Feeling burned out? Zoomed out?
Join us in beautiful, historic Elsah, just 45 minutes from St. Louis.

This downstate Illinois retreat will feature in-person consults with industry professionals, quiet writing time, guided creativity exercises, sessions on how to create a media kit and author bio, good food, camaraderie and the spectacular river views.

For conference comfort, attendees will choose and book their own lodging. If you are considering attending, we recommend you book a room soon. This summer tourist destination is in high demand but many bed & breakfasts and hotels are nearby. Most meals are included in the attendance fee.

The event will be especially useful for people who have a complete PB manuscript or a well-developed MG or YA novel.

The Becky Mabry Scholarship will cover the attendance fee for Riverside Writing Retreat and is open to applicants who have not yet published a work of fiction with a mainstream publisher. Applications due May 14.
MAY OPPORTUNITIES
Missed a LIVE Spring Program? No Problem!

Enjoy UNLIMITED viewings of the following programs for an entire month with a small convenience fee.

Your fee supports SCBWI-IL Networks and programs like these, originally offered LIVE and FREE to both members and non-members PLUS Illinois’ fee-free mentorships and scholarships.

Spring Recordings BY REQUEST available May 3:

  • FROM TEENS TO TWEENS with Rena Barron

  • FIND OUT WHAT INDIE BOOK MARKETERS DAN DO FOR YOU with Blue Slip Media

  • GRAPHIC NOVELS with Pav Kovacic

  • GET REEL with Jordan Snowden
The SCBWI-IL Laura Crawford
Memorial Mentorship

Announcing the 2022 Format NOVEL
This mentorship was established in memory of picture book author Laura Crawford, an active and enthusiastic member of our Illinois chapter, who made it her mission to help other writers on their publishing journeys.

A tireless cheerleader, with an encyclopedic knowledge of publishing houses, she nudged people to go to conferences, asked about others’ projects, and shared whatever she knew. Funny and determined (she submitted manuscripts every Sunday!), her life revolved around other people.

In her job as an elementary school reading specialist, she inspired a love of books in those for whom she wrote. She was a mentor herself—as an educator and as a writer.

Application June 1-7
NETWORKS HIGHLIGHT
Oak Park Network
Thurs., May 12, 7PM CDT

Unlocking Memories and Uncovering Stories
with Beth Finke

Author, journalist and teacher Beth Finke will lead a discussion on ways writing memoir and first-person narratives could applyand benefit—the writing you do for children.

Through observation exercises and writing prompts, Beth’s workshop will answer common questions about getting started, the difference between autobiography and memoir, exposing family secrets, using pen names and pseudonyms,  finding and working with publishers.

A fun and easy-going workshop to discover ways friends, family, celebrations, milestones, moments and place can be catalysts for unlocking memories and uncovering stories.
 
—LIVE EVENT FREE to both members and non-members. It will be recorded.
 
MAY REGIONAL CALENDAR