Banner logo by Ashley Belote

Hello, Carolinas! It's Ashley, Becky, Elizabeth, & Erica





  1. What's Next, Carolinas?

Since being inspired at our regional fall conference this past September, we have been hard at work developing and brainstorming new programming for our region. Stay tuned for updates over the course of the next several weeks as we introduce you to some new and exciting creative opportunities in the Carolinas!


2. Member Spotlight!

Meet our first author participating in the member spotlight, Author Tomeko Brown!


Publication: An Instrument for Florenda

Mom’s Choice Awards® Gold Recipient

Visit Tomeko's Blog


Do you want to be featured here? We highlight members who are self-published or 

published by an independent publishing house. To be featured, email Ashley Belote 

the following information:


  • Author or Illustrator Name
  • Publications
  • A link to your website
  • Headshot



3. Ignite the Spark!

Join us!


What is it? The Carolinas favorite monthly meet-up, every third Tuesday on Zoom


You in? SIGN UP for this month's meeting: Nov. 15th from 7:30-8:30 pm ET


*Sign Up closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on November 14th.*

4. November Book Fairies

To support new releases by our PAL members, contact your local library, schools, and booksellers to request this month's titles:



Cinda Williams Chima

Title: Children of Ragnarok

Book Link


Carole Gerber

Illustrator: Susanna Covelli

Title: P is for Purr  

Book Link


Jocelyn Rish

Illustrator: David Creighton-Pester

Title: Battle of the Brains: The Science Behind Animal Minds

Book Link



Have a new release coming?

PAL members, watch your inbox for the monthly Book Fairies email.

5. Interviews, Illuminating & Insightful

Artwork by K.A.K. Lecky


Winner of the October drawing for our First Look interview is illustrator Dawn M. Cardona



Have a new release coming? PAL members, watch your inbox for the monthly Book Fairies email.

6. Your Blog Post Here


Don't miss this month's member blog post:


Why Do You Keep Going?

By Mary Jane Nirdlinger


Why it matters: This is your place to share tips/experiences from your creative journey!


Spots still available for 2023. Learn how to submit.

7. Educational Opportunities

Photo by Alexander Grey

Did You Know?


SCBWI regions around the globe host virtual events that YOU can sign up for and attend! From online conferences to illustrator craft sessions, there are all kinds of opportunities to hone your craft. Check out the SCBWI Regional Virtual Events page for more information.

8. Carolinas Critique Connection

New Critique Groups Forming!


  • NEW ILLUSTRATORS GROUP is forming! Join us for an intro meeting on Sunday, 11/13 at 7:30 pm. Email Carolyn Fraiser


  • NEW KIDLIT GROUP IN CHAPEL HILL is looking for members who write and/or illustrate MG, GN, and YA. The group will meet in-person in the Carboro area. For more information, contact Maria Oglesby.


  • NEW ONLINE PICTURE BOOK GROUP forming in January. If you are interested in joining, please contact Carolyn Fraiser



Since our fall conference, several new critique groups are in the process of forming across the Carolinas in Charlotte, Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and online. If you are interested in joining a critique group (for writers and/or illustrators) or starting one in your city, please email Carolyn Fraiser.  


SCBWI Carolinas has a whole section of our website dedicated to finding, forming, and participating in critique groups! Log in and visit Critique Group Central to learn more.