Congratulations to our Spring Thaw Masthead winner, Darcy Zoells!

Image by Masthead Contest winner, Darcy Zoells

There's still time to submit to our Spring Thaw Writing Contest. Submissions due by 11:59 PM on March 4, 2025.

The IRC Packing Party was a huge success too!

Volunteers spent Sunday at the Bolingbrook Library stuffing approximately 500 SWAG bags for the upcoming IRC Conference in March. We appreciate all the hard work and dedication these volunteers put in to help promote our PAL and published members!

OUR WONDERFUL IC!

With immense gratitude, Illinois says farewell to our beloved Illustrator Coordinator, the creative and kind Denise Holmes.

From Denise: It's bittersweet news, but I wanted to take a moment to say goodbye to this amazing network. Volunteering as the Illustrator Coordinator for Illinois for the past year and a half has been an absolute honor. Helping to create programs and support this incredible community has been extremely rewarding. This experience has truly highlighted the hard work that the RA team does for everyone in the region, and it is nothing short of remarkable.

I am proud to be a member of SCBWI IL and I appreciate everything we offer. Pamela, Sheila, and Cathy share the same passion, just as Jenny and Debbie did. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms. I wish everyone the best in their picture book careers! I am cheering for and supporting all of you!

We wish you the best and will continue cheering and supporting you too!

SERVE YOURSELF AND ILLINOIS

Building on a rich tradition, our Illinois Region anticipates what the next generation of volunteers will contribute to our #kidlit community—will you be among them?

Volunteering in Illinois means agency, benefits, an opportunity to contribute, and lifelong connections. 

Explore opportunities to make your mark.

Illustrator Coordinator

Our Region needs a new IC to join the Regional Team and steward our community beginning this spring!

Any member may apply!

Social Media Coordinator

This person is has agency and over & immediate responsibility for all our Illinois social presence and platforms.

E & I Team Chairperson



This person has agency in the direction of our Region's Equity and Illusion initiatives & oversees the larger team and its initiatives like community book fests, prizes and mentorships.

Want to write or illustrate in an upcoming issue? Email Shrin Shamsi, Creative Director

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

Because SCBWI-IL is self-supporting, your fee ensures the continuity of SCBWI-IL Network programs like these, originally offered LIVE and FREE to both members and non-members PLUS our paid, professional speakers and Illinois’ fee-free mentorships and scholarships.



MARCH

Zoom

Join the Rockford Network and special guest Karla Clark.

KARLA CLARK wanted to be an author when she was a child...then she wanted to be an artist. She feels very blessed to be both. Her passion for writing comes from her father who was a consummate storyteller.

Karla is the author of ten books—three novels, a book of short stories, and six children's picture books. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Rockford Arts Council, and the Society of Midland Authors, and serves on the board of the Arc of Winnebago, Boone & Ogle (Social Services Organization). Karla has been nominated for Rockford Woman of the Year and Rock Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame, and was the recipient of Boylan High School’s Alumni Excellence Award in 2019.

Karla lives in Rockford, Illinois, with her husband and son. When she's not writing, she creates decoupage paper collages and digital art that she sells on this site and at art shows. To learn more about Karla, you can visit her website here. Questions? Email Gina Buckles or Karin Blaski