HELLO!
Notes from your Houston SCBWI Co-Regional Advisors
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Hello Houston Creatives,
Welcome to April - a month of endless opportunities for growth and new beginnings; a perfect time to focus on your craft.
- The kid lit scene is buzzing with activity as we approach the upcoming Austin conference.
- Spring is the perfect season to focus on your craft and take steps towards achieving your creative goals. In my experience, setting aside dedicated time each week to focus on my craft has been crucial to my growth as a writer. By prioritizing your work, you too can see transformational progress in your work.
Looking ahead, we have our first annual retreat next month. This is an opportunity for you to join us for a weekend of relaxation and inspiration, surrounded by fellow artists.
You'll have the chance to enjoy gourmet meals, take part in workshops, and connect with other creatives. (Enjoy as much or as little as you decide. It's truly a choose your own adventure weekend!) You work tirelessly to achieve your creative dreams, and it's time to treat yourself to a well-deserved break to recharge your creative spirit.
Enjoy April's warmer weather and beautiful flowers!
Kaye Marc-Charles
Co-RA, SCBWI Houston
houston-ra2@scbwi.org
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Mary Dodson Wade
July 30, 1930 - February 27, 2023
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The Regional Team would like to take a moment to celebrate the life of our most influential member: Mary Dodson Wade.
It is because of Mary that Houston SCBWI exists as we know it. Joining the national organization on June 1, 1987, Mary went on to found the Houston chapter in 1989 where she served as Regional Advisor for 10 years. After her tenure, she was made Regional Advisor Emerita–an honorary title granted to retired RAs who serve at least ten years in the position and perform their volunteer duties in an exemplary manner.
As an author, she published over 70 books and described writing as “both a passion and an addiction”. A master of nonfiction, Mary loved to write about Texas history. She also worked in fiction, including NO YEAR OF THE CAT, a Chinese folktale about why cats are missing from the zodiac. Mary’s books received wide recognition, including honors from Western Writers of America, The International Librarian’s Association, and The Parent Council.
Mary became the welcoming face of our chapter and was known as a mentor and friend to many. She loved sharing her knowledge of craft and how to gain success in the world of publishing. Her support has been credited by several of our members as the catalyst that helped launch their careers.
Outside of SCBWI, Mary touched countless lives by spreading the love of reading during her 25-year career as a school librarian. She also loved to travel with her husband. Together, they visited many countries including China, Indonesia, Mexico, Peru, Scotland, Egypt, Greece, and more.
Houston SCBWI honors Mary's dedication to our chapter and her dogged pursuit of quality children's literature. By founding the Houston chapter, Mary created the fertile ground where seeds of inspiration are planted and nurtured; and whose blossoming fruit continues to feed the minds of children, as it has now done for over 30 years. The effects of her life and work will continue for generations to come, a legacy that is truly immeasurable.
Since Mary’s passing, many touching stories and words have been shared about her and the amazing life she led, but one stood out, which I will leave in closing:
“She was herself. Exquisitely and purely. Exuberant about all things, born curious and wanting to share where her curiosity led her. She welcomed everyone she met. She walked a straight path. She was smart and hard working and thinking and she was generous with her sharing and she didn’t hesitate when asked. People get born that way so other people can find them. So they know all is right with the world.” - Marty G.
We thank Mary for sharing deeply, loving widely, and giving us all a place to bloom.
May she rest in peace.
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Tonya Duncan Ellis Sells Book to HarperCollins
Author Tonya Duncan Ellis sold world rights to her picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM, to Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins.
Scheduled to release in 2024, the book tells the history and legacy of Houston's Emancipation Park, a site purchased and developed by formerly enslaved people to commemorate Juneteenth.
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A new picture book by Kelly Bennett
The House That Ruth Built, celebrating Yankee Stadium and Babe Ruth’s first home run in the legendary ballpark, illustrated by Susanna Covelli, launches Mar. 28th from Familus.
With vibrant, Rockwellesque illustrations, vintage photographs and sidebars packed with baseball history, trivia…and an end note with the rest of the story, will makes this a must-read for baseball fans of all ages!
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Out of This World Granny launches into outer space
Roberta Tays Wright launched her new children's book on Feb. 23 and since then has achieved Best Seller status in 4 of the 5 categories on Amazon.
Orders have come in from France, Poland, and Germany.
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2023 Retreat Scholarship Winners! | | | |
Nancy Bonomo
I started writing children’s stories when my children were young. I write picture books, Middle Grade Chapter Books and I’m currently working on a Graphic Novel series.
Nancy Bonomo, Author
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Lisa Atkinson
I'm based in Houston, after living for nearly a decade in Phoenix and NYC. My background lies in accounting, spreadsheets, and numbers. Now I work with a number of pixels!
Lisa Atkinson, Illustrator
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Austin Conference Scholarship Winners! | | | |
Magdalena Esparza
As a Chilean artist living in Houston, I have always been passionate about art and storytelling. Growing up in Chile, I was exposed to a rich tradition of storytelling and folklore, which continues to inspire my work to this day.
Magdalena Esparza, Illustrator
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Celeste Wilson
I’m a college student at Sam Houston State University as an English major. I hope to publish both chapter and picture books. In addition to college, I am also attending the Glassell School of Art to expand my knowledge in watercolors.
Celeste Wilson, Author
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Have News? Share It With Us!
Submit author & illustrator news for the next newsletter to Angela Yeh by the 25th of each month via this form. Event submissions for member book launches and signings can be added to our regional calendar! Please be sure to include the date, time, and location.
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Anne Appert (they/them) is a queer, nonbinary author/illustrator who spent their childhood with their nose stuck in a book, while their wild imagination transformed their New Jersey backyard into faraway places.
Their second picture book WHAT IF YOU WISH? publishes with HarperCollins in 2024. Anne is also a member of SCBWI, from which they received an honor in the 2021 Conference Portfolio Showcase.
You can find their work online at anneappert.com.
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April VIRTUAL Chapter Meeting:
Word/Art Balance:
Navigating Illustrating and Writing as a Book Creator with author-illustrator Anne Appert
April 3, 2023
7PM – 9PM CT
via ZOOM
Creating the words and the art for a book is an exciting though daunting challenge for any creator. In this presentation, Anne will discuss how they came to be an author/illustrator, how they approach writing and illustrating in their own process, the pros and cons of doing both, and what this looks like when working with an agent or editor.
ONLINE ONLY:
Zoom
https://scbwi.zoom.us/j/92627508301
Meeting ID: 926 2750 8301
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,92627508301# US (Houston)
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Next Month's Meeting - 💐 May - TBD | | |
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Houston Chapter Critique Group
For IN-PERSON/HYBRID MEETINGS:
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM CST @ Tracy Gee Community Center
For VIRTUAL MEETINGS:
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM CST, see the monthly event page for how to register.
What: An informal critique group to meet before all in-person chapter meetings which are also held at the Tracy Gee Community Center. All written and illustrated works-in-progress intended for the children’s market are welcome. *Please note this is free, and sign-up is required.
ILLUSTRATORS welcome!
Please view the group's guidelines prior to attending.
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Retreat Registration Now Open!
Exclusive Houston member access ends on Sunday at midnight! General Registration opens April 3rd!
Uninterrupted time to write, draw, ponder, recharge, and create!
Access to all sessions with author Jennifer Ziegler!
All inclusive with private room and bath, plus all meals and beverages!
Space is limited. Register today!
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Retreat Volunteers Needed!
We're looking for TWO out-of-this-world retreat volunteers.
The writers retreat with Jennifer Ziegler will be like a black hole, but instead of sucking everything in and destroying it, it’ll spit out some of the most talented writers around. That’s why you’re determined to attend this annual event. But what about actually being PART of it? As a volunteer, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy the benefits of the retreat while supporting your chapter!
As a sincere thank you for being part of the team, the SCBWI is offering free admission to an upcoming webinar so you can take your writing skills to the next level.
Email Annie Harmond at events.scbwihou@gmail.com for more info.
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Chapter Lanyards Coming Soon!
Want to rep Houston SCBWI AND support our scholarship fund? Here's your chance!
All proceeds from sale of the lanyards will go towards our chapter's scholarship fund. Lanyards will be high quality satin polyester custom printed with our chapter's custom artwork on one side and SCBWI branding on the other, plus upgraded hardware and a badge holder!
Help us determine our initial order by answering this one question survey!
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Illustrator Corner
Calling all illustrators! We want to feature you! Please submit your completed works to newsletter.scbwihou@gmail.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming newsletter.
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Monday, April 24
10:30AM – 12:30PM CST
Third Gen Coffee
25136 Grogans Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
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April Illustrator Sketch Sesh:
Come sketch, write and meet your fellow local kidlit creatives!
Our Illustrator Sketch Sesh meetups are meant for anyone (yes, writers too!) to work alongside fellow Houston SCBWI members. Bring your current WIPs, start something new and/or brainstorm ideas with other members!
Monday, April 24
10:30AM – 12:30PM CT
Third Gen Coffee
25136 Grogans Park Drive
The Woodlands, TX 77380
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Austin SCBWI’s
2023 Writers & Illustrators Working Conference Registration is Open!
Date/Time
Date(s) - 04/29/2023 - 04/30/2023
7:30 am - 6:45 pm
Location
DoubleTree by Hilton Austin
6505 N I35 - Austin, TX 78752
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Virtual ShopTalk - Being a Creator: Tips for Getting Started and Staying Motivated
Being a Creator: Tips for Getting Started and Staying Motivated Do you have a dream of being a published children’s creator?
Do you enjoy writing or drawing but sometimes lack inspiration or motivation? Are you a published creator in need of new ideas and/or opportunities?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, this is for you!
Date/Time:Wednesday, April 19, 2023
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Region:
New England (CT, RI, MA, VT, NH, ME)
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FOLK WISDOM & OTHER THOUGHTS
By Jim Smolski
The smallest ray of sunshine can start a leaf to turn and look with hope. I want to be the sunshine that creates that moment for at least one leaf every day. -Jim
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I will write a poem with a pen in inkle.
It will last forever that is what I thinkle.
No confusion, no twist or wrinkle.
Light and airy no chance to sinkle.
About friends or pets or a smile or a twinkle.
Such happy words without a crinkle.
A poem to read that makes you winkle.
Hope it is good and does not stinkle.
In two languages. Yes bilinquile.
With kindness for all, more than a sprinkle.
Crazy to silly; somewhere betweenkle,
Hope you like it. My poem in inkle.
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OPEN Volunteer Positions
We want to create a chapter that is more involved, engaged, and active, and we need your help to do it!
Open Positions:
Critique Connection Coordinator, Event Webmaster & Ticketing Manager, Membership Coordinator, and PAL Coordinator.
Click here for more information or to apply.
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Suggestion Box
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Leave a suggestion in our Suggestion Box!
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Copyright © 2022 SCBWI-Houston, All rights reserved.
News and other information may be passed on without attribution; original artwork and writing are the property of their creators and may be reproduced only with written permission.
Write to Angela Yeh at newsletter.scbwihou@gmail.com.
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