Hello friends,

Happy Poetry Month!

For those of you who are asking yourself, "Why are we talking about poetry when we write books for children?" let us challenge you with some ideas about how poetry can improve your writing or art.

Acclaimed author, Ray Bradbury once wrote about poetry, "Poetry expands the senses and keeps them in prime condition." and "Poetry is good because it flexes muscles you don't often use." In essence, reading and writing poetry is a tool we creatives can use to enhance our skills. How?

Poetry teaches:
  • The economy of words. You have to be concise which means the words you use have to carry meaning. They have to have value, be impactful, and elicit emotion. We're talking bare essentials here. Picture book writers especially need this skill when trying to stay under the 600-word mark. Am I right?
  • Imagination. Poetry can be vague, asking the reader to sense the concept or feeling of the poem rather than outright stating it. This opens us up to possibilities and emotions that can inspire art or ideas for stories.
  • Connection. Poetry is largely emotion-driven giving writers a chance to connect with their feelings in a way that writing straight fiction or nonfiction doesn't. This deep dive into those darker recesses of our minds can give us access to thoughts, emotions, and ideas that can inform our work.

Poetry also teaches imagery, pacing, and perspective. It's an outlet, a sledgehammer to creativity block, and a fun way to be flexible with words and art.

This April, if you haven't already, give poetry a chance. Try reading one poem a day or writing one poem a week. See what it unlocks for you. Use that the next time you sit down at your computer or art space.

If you're not sure where to start, try reading from some of these poets: Jaqueline Woodson, Maya Angelou, Mary Oliver, Sarah Kay, Simon Ortiz, James Stevenson, and of course Shel Silverstein. And be sure to check out the poets in our own creative community.
As always, if you have any questions related to SCBWI-MI or the SCBWI organization, please feel free to contact your co-RAs, Carrie Pearson or Jodi McKay or our IC, Katie Eberts.

Warmly,

Carrie and Jodi

2nd Community-Wide Webinar: Keeping It Fresh: Finding and Developing Unique Stories with author and illustrator Kenneth Kraegel, April 24 @ 3:00 PM.
**Watch your email for the link to register!

KAST Shop Talk- Poetry in Children's Literature Today with Elizabeth McBride. Wednesday, May 4th, 6:30-7:45 PM. Click HERE to join the meeting. If you are unable to attend, it will be recorded and available for a short period of time.

Farmington Hills Shop Talk- Poetry Session with Shutta Crum.
Saturday, May 7th, 10:00-12:00. Click HERE to join the meeting.

Check in with your local Shop Talk to see what's going on!

Want to learn more about SCBWI-MI's upcoming events or find recordings of events you couldn't watch live?

Navigate to the EVENTS CALENDAR on the SCBWI-MI homepage and click on the event date.

OR go to one of our social media channels:


Want to connect? Need support? Want to share some good news?
Join MichKids Listserv!
This is our online neighborhood. Click HERE for instructions.
Are you preparing for the 2022 Novel Writing Mentorship program?
SCBWI-MI is offering two novel mentorships in 2022. One is with Patrick Flores-Scott and the other is with Kelly J. Baptist. SCBWI members who live in MI for at least part of the year may apply. 

The submission window is April 25 – May 16, 2022. 

A fond farewell and THANK YOU to SCBWI-MI co-IC, Rebecca Green

Rebecca joined SCBWI-MI's leadership team as our co-Illustrator Coordinator last year. With her co-IC Katie Eberts, Rebecca created an illustrator newsletter and organized a fall sketch weekend. She shared her wide knowledge and experience with attendees at our 2021 virtual spring conference which was met with a lot of gratitude and praise.
While we are sad that Rebecca needs to step back from her role as co-IC, we are thrilled it's because her career is really taking off. You can follow her incredible journey on her illustration bulletin and website.
Rebecca Green

Illustrators on Instagram
Do you have an idea you would like to share with fellow SCBWI-MI illustrators? We are looking for Instagram Live pitches, and we'd be happy to support your idea! Contact V Gray at: vgray@collegeforcreativestudies.edu for more info.

Volunteer Opportunity!!
if you are interested in helping V out with our @scbwimichiganillustrator Instagram, they are currently on the lookout for someone to share the role of Instagram coordinator -- all ideas are welcome! 
For information on how to submit, click HERE. 
Stories of Support on SCBWI-MI's The Mitten Blog:
It Starts With Hello!

Do you remember the moment when you entered your first Shop Talk or SCBWI-MI workshop with a tinge of nervousness, and then someone in the room smiled and said hello?

Isabel O'Hagin, your Outreach Coordinator, invites you to share these "Hello!" moments on SCBWI-MI's blog.
Calling all artists and designers! Check out these open positions on SCBWI-MI's Leadership team!
The Mitten Blog co-Editor (Illustrative design)
co-Illustrator Coordinator
Shop Talk Liaison
If you are interested in getting more involved with SCBWI-MI and building your CV at the same time, contact co-RAs, Carrie Pearson or Jodi McKay.
Volunteers needed!
Interested in organizing an event for SCBWI-MI? We are looking for two Critique Carousel co-Coordinators to help plan our 2022 Critique Carousel event this fall.
Benefits include communication with multiple agents, one free critique from an agent of your choice, and the warm feelings associated with supporting the journeys of your fellow children's book writers. headline
Getting the Most Out of Your
A new addition to our newsletter where we share the benefits that are available to you as an SCBWI member.
Benefit #54: SCBWI Podcasts

Be inspired and informed! Sit in on conversations with leaders in the field of children’s literature—Jane Yolen, Jerry Pinkney, Mac Barnett, and many others. The podcasts are free for members.