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Anyone can attend any Network,
anywhere at anytime!
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Live, in-person, and online meetings are free and open to all! Networks focus on craft and industry programming and are our first point of outreach with the wider creative community.
Scroll down to see the complete list
of networks and offerings!
Network Representatives are valued SCBWI-IL volunteers.
Contact them with your questions about attending any of our programs.
Interested in starting a NETWORKS group?
Email Sheila Path-McMahon, co-RA
All Network times are CST
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Want to stay connected and never miss out on exciting opportunities, resources, and community happenings? For the latest updates and event information for SCBWI members, join our Google Listserve by emailing Alan Woodrow.
You can also find our latest information on the SCBWI Illinois website here.
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OCTOBER 2026
For more information on the networks, scroll down
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NOVEMBER 2026
For more information on the networks, scroll down
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DECEMBER 2026
For more information on the networks, scroll down
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DECEMBER 1, TUESDAY
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6PM Holiday Gathering!, East Central / Champaign-Urbana Network, Black Dog, 320 North Chestnut Street, Champaign, IL 61820. RSVP by Monday, November 30 to central.illinois.scbwi@gmail.com so we can save you a seat.
DECEMBER 2, WEDNESDAY
DECEMBER 7, MONDAY
- 6PM Holiday Gathering at Bella Milano, Springfield Scribes Network, Bella Milano in Springfield
DECEMBER 8, TUESDAY
DECEMBER 9, WEDNESDAY
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7PM Holiday Jolly, Near West Suburban Network, Dandelion Bookshop, 139 S Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, IL (for transport and parking information, click here)
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7PM Winter Holiday Party, North Suburban Network, please RSVP with Carolyn Crimi at crims@aol.com for the address information.
DECEMBER 10, THURSDAY
DECEMBER 15, TUESDAY
DECEMBER 16, WEDNESDAY
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6 PM Critique, Edwardsville Network, Books-A-Million, 6601 Edwardsville Crossing Drive in Edwardsville, IL
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6:30 PM Open Critique, Far Northwest Suburban Network, Barnes and Noble, 1470B E. Golf Road in Schaumburg, IL
DECEMBER 22, TUESDAY
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SCBWI-IL Members: You can also join in the fun at our SCBWI Illinois Illustrators Network Group on Facebook – request to join here.
SCBWI member illustrators please make sure you are on the illustrator Google Group! To be added please email Allan Woodrow
| Illinois Illustrators’ Network | |
ILLUSTRATORS' MEETINGS
Illinois Illustrators' Network will meet at 7 PM on the second Thursday of the month. Come ready to chat, draw, and be inspired!
Mark your calendar for 7 PM on:
Thursday, September 10
Thursday, October 8
Thursday, November 12
Thursday, December 10
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Email Network Co-Reps Louann Brown for more information:
Louann Brown
| | Equity & Inclusion Network | |
Diversity Network Meetings create a space where writers and illustrators who’ve traditionally been left at the margins in children’s publishing can get together. At these meetings we’ll build community, share stories of hurdles and successes, work to dismantle barriers, improve diversity and inclusion in children’s literature and SCBWI-IL, work on our craft and improve our writing and/or illustrating careers.
Our focus on diversity springs from the #WeNeedDiverseBooks movement: We recognize all diverse experiences, including (but not limited to) LGBTQIA, Native, people of color, gender diversity, people with disabilities, and ethnic, cultural, and religious minorities. Because of the breadth of this focus, we will be particularly conscious of the intersectionality of oppressions and identities. Allies are welcome. (An ally is a person who supports, empowers, or stands up for another person or a group of people.)
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The Diversity Network will be returning soon.
Please email co-RA, Sheila Path-McMahon, with any questions
| | Chicago Northside Network | | |
How to Keep Writing When You are Ready to Give Up
A writer’s life isn’t always an easy one. Most writers face moments of doubt when giving up feels easier than moving forward. Join us for an encouraging discussion and practical strategies to help you navigate the challenges, and keep writing.
When: Thursday, October 8
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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PLANNING MEETING
Help us plan the spring events. We will end the session with an exercise designed to elicit writing ideas from holiday memories.
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When: Monday, November 9
Time: 7 PM
Where: Zoom
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Email Chicago Northside Network Representative Mary Jo Gugliemo or Claudia Guadalupe Martinez for more information.
Mary Jo Gugliemo
Claudia Guadalupe Martinez
| | Chicago's Southland Network | | |
Chicago's Southland Network meets at 7 PM. Join other creatives for exercises and craft discussions.
Mark your calendar for 7 PM on:
Thursday, September 10
Thursday, October 8
Thursday, December 10
Please contact Jim Danielson for the Zoom link.
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In Conversation with Aaron Reynolds
Conversation with Aaron Reynolds about writing that engages kids.
Aaron's Bio: Aaron Reynolds is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and has written many highly acclaimed books for kids including Creepy Carrots!, Creepy Pair of Underwear!, Creepy Crayon!, The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter, and the epic fantasy series Fart Quest. He has a passion for kids' books and seeing kids reading them. He regularly makes time for school visits, where his hilarious and heartfelt presentations keep kids spellbound. He lives in Chicago with his wife, two kids, three cats, and anywhere between zero and ten goldfish, depending on the day.
When: Thursday, November 12
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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Think Like a Publishing Professional, Thrive as a Creative
Join us for a special interactive event with senior editor at Sourcebooks, Wendy McClure as she discusses the topic, "Think Like a Publishing Professional, Thrive as a Creative." This is a brand new topic Wendy will be addressing, and the first time it's on a webinar. Make sure not to miss it!
For attendees please have the following on hand for the session.
1. A sheet of blank typing or printer paper (white or colored, as long as you can write on it)
2. A pen or pencil you like to use a lot
3. Scissors
Wendy's Bio: Wendy McClure's kidlit career spans over twenty-five years. As a senior editor at Sourcebooks, she acquires for a broad range of children's book categories, from board book to YA. Picture books she's worked on include Jacob's New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, How This Book Got Red by Margaret Chiu Greanias, and Judgy Bunny and the Terrible Beach by Scott Rothman. Lately in middle grade she's edited the New York Times best-selling Isle of Ever series by Jen Calonita, and in YA, the thriller 49 Miles Alone, by Natalie D. Richards, which won the 2025 Edgar Award in the Young Adult category. Wendy is also the author of several books for kids and adults. She lives in Chicago with her husband.
When: Wednesday, November 11
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Zoom
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WINTER HOLIDAY PARTY
Holiday party to celebrate the end of the year with all of the wonderful people in this community!
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When: Wednesday, December 9
Time: 7 PM
Where: In Person
| | Far North Suburban Network | | |
OPEN CRITIQUE
Far North Suburban Network meets at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of each month. Join either in person or online for critiques. If you would like to receive feedback on your work, please submit a picture book manuscript or no more than five double-spaced pages of a novel excerpt.
Instructions on how to submit will be given in the reminder email. Contact Kim to get on the email list.
Mark your calendar for 7 PM on:
Wednesday, September 2
Wednesday, October 7
Wednesday, November 4
Wednesday, December 2
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Email Far North Suburban Network Representatives, Kim Oclon and Nicole Hewitt for more information:
| | Far Northwest Suburban Network | | |
OPEN CRITIQUE
Far Northwest Suburban Network will meet at 6:30 PM on the third Wednesday of the month, from January to November, at the Café in Barnes and Noble, 1470B E. Golf Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173.. If you would like to share your work and receive feedback, please prepare a picture book manuscript or no more than five double-spaced pages of a novel excerpt.
Instructions on how to submit will be sent with the meeting reminder.
Mark your calendar for 6:30 PM on:
Wednesday, September 16
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, November 18
Wednesday, December 16
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OPEN CRITIQUE
Dundee Area Network will meet at 7:00 PM on the third Tuesday of the month. Bring up to 1,000 words of your picture book, middle grade or young adult to share for feedback and camaraderie.
Mark your calendar for 7 PM on:
Tuesday, September 15
Tuesday, October 20
Tuesday, November 17
Tuesday, December 15
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Email Dundee Area Network Rep Jennifer Wagh if you are a first-time attendee.
Jennifer Wagh
| | Near West Suburban Network | | |
Near West Suburban Network usually meets at 7 PM at the Dandelion Bookshop, 139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL. Please note, they are meeting at a different place and time for their September meeting.
Click for parking/transport links.
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What’s Going On In The World of Kidlit?
The National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Mac Barnett, sparked a lively debate about the current state of children’s literature with his recent essay collection for adults, Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children. "Slim yet soaring . . . Barnett's heavily footnoted accessible academic style and passionate viewpoint will speak to anyone who read as a child or has read to a child."―Booklist. We invite you to compare this book with the upcoming title, Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise, a celebration of the joys and vital importance of children’s literature by Katherine Rundell, the #1 NYT Bestselling author of Impossible Creatures. Both title are slim, less than 200 pages in total. We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Book club discount: Purchase your books from Dandelion Bookshop for store pickup or delivery to your doorstep and receive a 10% discount.
When: Wednesday, October 14
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Dandelion Bookshop, 139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
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Writing for Children: Finding the Magic
You've got an idea that would make an excellent children's book. Now what? How do you decide on a format? Know you're on the right track? Are there any tips or tricks to make the drafting and revising easier? Join veteran author Barb Rosenstock (Houdini's Library, American Spirits, Sea Without a Shore, The Great Lakes, The Mystery of the Monarchs and more) as she takes you on a brief journey from initial idea through finished book, with stops at deciding on audience, drafting and shaping your manuscript, and thinking about visuals (even if you're not an artist). Practical handouts will be available online after the presentation and Barb will leave plenty of time for individual questions in person.
About Barb: Barb Rosenstock combines playful language and deep research into books that bring history to life for today’s kids. Of her twenty-five books, many have won multiple awards including a Caldecott Honor for The Noisy Paint Box, a YALSA Nonfiction Honor for American Spirits, a Golden Kite for Otis and Will Discover the Deep, an Orbis Pictus Honor and South Asia Book Award for The Secret Kingdom, a Sydney Taylor Honor for Through the Window, and a CLA Beatty Award for The Camping Trip that Changed America. Her work regularly appears on lists including Kirkus Best Books, ALA Notable, NYPL Best Books, NCSS and NSTA Best Books. Barb loves to visit schools and share ideas about reading and writing with students. She grew up in Chicago where she lives with her family.
Visit www.barbrosenstock.com, follow her on Instagram (@brosenstock), Facebook (@barb.rosenstock), Threads (@brosenstock), and Bluesky (@barbrosenstock.bsky.social).
When: Wednesday, November 11
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Dandelion Bookshop, 139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
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Holiday Jolly
It's that time of year again! No matter which holiday you celebrate, join our network to toast the festive season, the milestones and achievements of our respective creative journeys, and connect with our kidlit community. All are welcome! Please bring along a beverage of your choice plus a dessert or appetizer to share.
When: Wednesday, December 9
Time: 7:00 PM
Where: Dandelion Bookshop, 139 South Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park
| | Bolingbrook-Naperville Network | | CRITIQUE TIME - GET FEEDBACK | | |
Geneva Network meets at 7 PM on the first Wednesday of the month and at 7 PM on the fourth Tuesday of the month. The Geneva Network will be over Zoom for Winter Programming. Bring up to 1,000 words of your picture book, middle grade or young adult to share for feedback and camaraderie.
Mark your calendars for 7 PM on:
Wednesday, September 2
Wednesday, October 7
Wednesday, November 4
Wednesday, December 2
Tuesday, September 22
Tuesday, October 27
Tuesday, November 24
Tuesday, December 22
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Email Geneva Network Co-Reps Janet Riehecky, Cheryl App, and Sarah Quinn for more information:
Janet Riehecky
Cheryl App
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CRITIQUE TIME
Rockford Network will meet at 6:30 PM on the second Tuesday of the each month. Bring 3 to 5 pages of what you're working on for some immediate feedback, set goals for the month(s) ahead and receive some kudos for what you've accomplished this past month. Or just join us for some writer camaraderie.
Mark your calendar for 6:30 PM:
Tuesday, September 8
Tuesday, October 13
Tuesday, November 10
Tuesday, December 8
| | Galena-Freeport Area Network | | FREE CRITIQUE OR SHARE TIME | | |
Galena-Freeport Area Network meets at 7 PM on the fourth Wednesday of the month. Each participant gets fifteen minutes to share their WIP, query or synopsis and get feedback, or ask questions about the writing process.
Mark your calendar for 7:00 to 9:00 PM:
Wednesday, September 23
Wednesday, October 28
Please contact Jamie for the Zoom link.
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Email Galena-Freeport Network Rep Jamie Petras for more information:
Jamie Petras
| | East Central / Champaign-Urbana Network | | |
Calling All Writers for Youth!
First Pages
Calling all children's and young adult writers! Bring part of your manuscript - beginning, middle, or end - for peer feedback. Looking for a creative community this fall? Need a fresh set of eyes and ears to give feedback on a story? Have you started writing for children or young adults and don't know where to go next?
Share part of your manuscript - beginning, middle, or end. You will have the opportunity to receive peer feedback in a supportive and constructive environment.
Bring up to three pages double-spaced. The time you have to share will be based on the total number of participants.
This program is a great way to meet others who are passionate about writing for youth and learn about resources that can assist you on your writing journey.
This program is presented in collaboration with The Urbana Free Library.
https://urbanafreelibrary.org/
When: Sunday, November 1
Time: 2 – 4 PM
Where: The Urbana Frere Library, 210 West Green Street, Urbana, IL
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Holiday Gathering!
Join us for a holiday gathering with fellow children's book creatives! We'll enjoy good conversation and tasty food and drink. Look for us in the "greenhouse" area!
RSVP by Monday, November 30 to central.illinois.scbwi@gmail.com so we can save you a seat.
When: Tuesday, December 1
Time: 6 PM
Where: Black Dog, 320 North Chestnut Street, Champaign, IL 61820
blackdogchampaign.com
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Email Champaign-Urbana Network Rep Elaine Bearden for more information:
Elaine Bearden
| | Near Normal Kidlit Network | | |
Critiques at Bloomington Public Library
Critique meetings are usually the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6:30 - 8:00 PM at the Bloomington Public Library. October - December meeting dates are still being determined, but feel free to send us an email if you'd like to attend!
Mark your calendar for 6:30 PM on:
Wednesday, September 23
| | Springfield Area Scribes Network | | |
Critiques
Springfield Area Scribes meets at 6 PM on the first Tuesday of the month on Zoom. Have 5 pages of Middle Grade, Young Adult or entire Picture Book ready to critique.
Mark your calendar for 6 PM on:
Tuesday, September 1
Tuesday, October 6
Tuesday, November 3
Tuesday, December 1
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Holiday Gathering at Bella Milano
The Scribes are gathering at Bella Milano in Springfield, IL to celebrate the holidays with an Italian meal, gift exchange and games.
When: Monday, December 7
Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Bella Milano, Springfield, IL
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Email Springfield Scribes Network Rep Debra Daugherty for more info.
Debra Daugherty
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The Edwardsville Network meets from 6 to 8 PM on the third Wednesday of the month at Books-A-Million, 6601 Edwardsville Crossing Drive in Edwardsville. Bring 5 pages to critique! We do in-person critiques but have traditionally asked that writers new to the group wait until their second meeting to submit work for critique. New writers welcome!
Mark your calendar for 6 PM on:
Wednesday, September 16
Wednesday, October 21
Wednesday, November 18
Wednesday, December 16
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Email Edwardsville Network Rep Juli Caveny for more information:
Juli Caveny
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Join Published Author Srividhya Venkat for POWER HOUR
Join other SCBWI creators to work on your craft for two 30-minute stints with short breaks to socialize. Power Hours take place on Tuesdays.
September 15 & 29 at 9 AM
October 13 & 27 at 9 AM
November 10 & 24 at 9 AM
December 8 & 22 at 9 AM
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Drop in to chat with Illinois Members! Share your Good News, celebrate others, and make connections.
Mark your calendars for 7 PM on:
Tuesday, September 1st
Thursday, October 1st
Sunday, November 1st
Tuesday, December 1st
| | SCBWI-IL NETWORK POLICIES | | | | |
