Banner art by Michelle Weltz

Please send comments to Co-Assistant Regional Advisor Sue Lawrence at montana-ara2@scbwi.org. Thank you for your input.

News and Announcements

Awards and Grants

Current or upcoming opportunities include:

Bologna Illustrator Scholarship: Each year, a panel of judges will review submissions to this grant online. One winner will receive a ticket to the 2027 Bologna Book Fair, travel fare, and a stipend for accommodations. The winner will have an opportunity to show their portfolios to publishing professionals, display their portfolio at our industry party in Bologna, and attend the prestigious fair. Submissions are open through September 30, 2026.

Jane Yolen Mid-list Author Grant: Given in honor of the renowned children’s book author Jane Yolen, the Jane Yolen Mid-list Grant is awarded to a mid-career traditionally published author. The winner will receive $1,500, plus free tuition to the in-person New York Winter Conference, where they will be presented with their award by Yolen’s daughter, Heidi Stemple. Submissions are open through September 30, 2026.

Featured Illustrator: features one illustrator member each month. The Featured Illustrator’s art is highlighted prominently on the homepage and all of SCBWI's social media.

Draw This!: A monthly art prompt, part of the SCBWI publication Insight. Two winners will be featured in Insight and on SCBWI's social media.

Visit the Awards and Grants page of the SCBWI website to learn more about these awards and others. And remember to check the "my awards" tab on your member home page for other opportunities. Also, check SCBWI's Impact and Legacy Fund page for other opportunities, many of which are open to members and non-members.

The Illustration Style Lab:

Finding your illustration style through live feedback

with Literary Agent Christie Megill

Style is what an illustrator is recognized by; but how do you find yours? How do you know if your style is something publishers want to use? What if you have multiple styles? How do you wrangle them into a marketable portfolio? 

In this style lab, Literary Agent Christie Megill of The CAT Agency will lead bewildered illustrators to clarity through a live feedback session.

Before the live workshop, interested Illustrators will submit three illustrations of the same scene/subject using three different styles and/or media. They will receive two lists of ideas: subject/action prompts and technique/style suggestions.

The intention is for illustrators to choose only one prompt from the subject/action list—that’s the scene you will replicate three times. Then choose three techniques/styles from the listed suggestions. Or, creators can choose their own adventure.

For example: One might choose to draw an owl carving pumpkins from the subject/action menu and create three renderings of the same scene choosing from the technique and style suggestions: 1) watercolor while stretching proportions 2) tissue paper collage with an overhead view and 3) using only two digital brushes showing movement.

Artists will create their work in advance to submit to Christie Megill who will choose five of those submissions to relay feedback on during an hour-long online session using published works to demonstrate concepts. She will provide written feedback for ALL submissions, including those used for the live style lab session on November 14th.

Illustrators can choose to submit their work for the live session or for written feedback only. Submissions are open to premium members only and will be limited to 20 entries on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration and submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. Oct. 30, 2026 MDT.

Even if you aren’t submitting, join us to learn what works and what may not fly with art directors and agents in today’s market. This session will be recorded and available to view for 30 days afterward.

Questions? Contact Montana Illustrator Coordinator Becca Rozar at montana-ic@scbwi.org.

WHAT: Illustration Style Lab with Christie Megill

WHEN: November 14, 2026, 1 p.m. MST

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 11:59 p.m. MDT October 30, 2026 (NOTE: Daylight Savings Time ends in the U.S. on October 31, 2026—spooky, I know!)

WHERE: Zoom details provided after registration

PRICE: Member (observing only): $15

             Non-Member (observing only): $25

             Written Feedback on 3 Submitted Illustrations + Virtual Style Lab: $80

(limited to 20, premium members only)

We're Seeking a New Social Media Coordinator

And a Fond Farewell with Much Gratitude

Erin Madison has graciously served as our Social Media Coordinator since the spring of 2025. During that time, she has kept our Facebook and Instagram accounts up to date, posting about book news and events that affect our region's members.

We are so grateful for the time and effort she's put into our region's social media pages that keep our members informed and connected.

Erin has resigned this volunteer position to focus on her newest endeavor: Nursing School at Helena College.

We're excited for her as she works toward this new goal. We have no doubt she'll achieve it, just as she has achieved her many other accomplishments. She has a Master's degree in communication and leadership, and she studied journalism for her undergraduate degree.

Erin tells us that during her years (over a decade) as a journalist, she saw how powerful compassion and a listening presence can be for people experiencing a traumatic event. Her hope is, as a nurse, she will once again be able to make a difference in people’s lives, helping them through their most vulnerable moments.

You may recall we featured Erin in the Winter 2025 newsletter. She wrote and illustrated Oliver the Osprey with Sweetgrass Books in December, 2024, sponsored by her employer (at that time) Northwestern Energy. Her picture book promotes osprey safety and conservation.

Erin loves the outdoors and animals and lives in Helena, Montana. You can stay connected with her by following her Instagram account @erinmadisonexplores.

Our team is now seeking a new Social Media Coordinator. This is a volunteer position that comes with at least one perk: free annual membership to SCBWI in appreciation for your attentive service to our SCBWI Montana region. In this role, you also get to network with other members, which offers its own rewards.

If you're a creative person with know-how and enthusiasm for social media and can devote about an hour a week to the role, we encourage you to apply. To learn more about the position's benefits and responsibilities and how to apply, email our Regional Advisor Jodi Hausen montana-ra@scbwi.org.

Curious about our social media pages? Check them out using the links below.

Instagram: scbwimontana

Facebook Group: SCBWI, Montana Chapter

Our virtual hobnobs are back!!

2026 Montana Sparks Show Update

The Montana SPARKS show has been on the move this summer.

Throughout August, the exhibit was on display at the Billings Public Library. Next, the show traveled to the Great Falls Public library where it is currently on display in the Kid’s Place until September 25. (The exhibits are pictured below.)



Come October, the show will continue on its journey to the North Lake County Public Library in Polson. When talking with Library Director Abbi Dooley, she said, “We’re looking forward to offering this again! It was a huge hit last year.”

After a short break for the holidays, the show will complete its odyssey at the Missoula Public Library in January.

Big thanks to all the authors and illustrators who submitted their work to make this show a success!

Stay tuned for exciting news on the next iteration of the Montana Sparks co-working sessions and next year's show.

Hello fellow kid-lit creatives!

Becca Rozar here, your new Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Montana. Thought I’d take a moment to tell you a bit more about myself and how I got here.

Currently based in Missoula, I’m a Montana girl, through and through. I grew up at the end of a dirt road outside of Whitefish, snuggled up against huge swaths of forests, mountains, creeks, and lakes. Roving and playing in this landscape greatly influenced the way I approach my art practice today. When I create something new, I try to focus less on the finished product and instead let myself explore and get a little lost along the way. I’ve found that when I introduce an element of play into my process, a feeling of levity and joy often translates into my artwork.

I’m a self-taught artist, and I’ve learned my craft by making new things, putting myself out there, and figuring it out as I go. I went to college for Environmental Studies with big dreams to save the world, but looking back, I realize I felt most like myself working as a teacher assistant in the ceramics studio. After graduation, I went on what I like to call a “pro leisure tour,” exploring the natural world I felt so determined to protect. I moved with the seasons, working at ski resorts, remote lodges, and out on the trails. I found it super rewarding to help other people get outside and enjoy the places that meant so much to me.

These days, health issues have asked me to slow down, and I’ve been finding new ways to stay connected to the things that I love. When I’m not in the studio, you can find me taking slow walks with my dog, looking at tiny plants along the trail, and going for dips in cold water. Leaning into my art and illustration practice has also given me new ways to follow my curiosity about the world, even though my capacity has changed. Making art, playing with color, and telling stories have allowed me to continue exploring, discovering new terrain on the page.

As my life changed, I started sharing comics online as an antidote to the widespread grief and isolation of Covid times. The positive response from my friends and family really encouraged me to keep going and eventually pursue illustration as a career. At the end of 2024, I started my own small art business, Because Friendship, where I create illustrated greeting cards, gift wrap, prints, and stickers that I sell online, in select stores, and at pop-ups. I also offer custom commissions and am working on writing and illustrating my first picture book!

I primarily work with traditional media, favoring watercolor, colored pencils, and ink, while also incorporating digital tools into my practice. I tend to draw a lot of food, plants, and animals, and gravitate toward themes of connection and kindness. The story I am developing, called The Sledding Party, is a picture book about friends and neighbors gathering on a dark winter night, illuminating the sledding hill with candlelight and the joy of being together. This story was inspired by a real-life tradition my neighbors and I celebrated for over 30 years.

Becca Rozar is a freelance illustrator and designer living in colorful Missoula, Montana. Inspired by nature and all things weird, she creates artwork that celebrates whimsy, joy, and connection. She is currently working on her first children's book and is learning along the way! As Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI Montana, Becca hopes to be a trusty companion and resource for fellow illustrators also walking the path. In 2025, she launched Because Friendship, her small art business, creating illustrated cards, gift wrap, and other paper goods. A lover of analog, she primarily works with watercolor, colored pencil, and ink. You can learn more and see her artwork on her website www.becausefriendship.com or her Etsy shop Because Friendship Art or you can connect with Becca on Instagram @Beccatherozar.

Get Eyes on Your Book Through BookStop

SCBWI BookStop is the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators’ annual online book promotion designed to help members showcase and sell their books directly to readers, parents, educators, and librarians. This powerful marketing opportunity increases visibility for both traditionally published and self-published children’s books, giving them exposure to a wide audience of book buyers.

It is the perfect way to get focused attention from readers who are looking for a holiday gift or a great book for themselves. Whether it’s a beautiful picture book, an exciting middle grade adventure novel, or an angsty YA drama, there are readers out there for your books. Look for the BookStop banner on your Member Home page or go here for more information and start creating your book page.

In case you missed the email from SCBWI, we're including some of the Frequently Asked Questions that were shared along with a link to visit the full policy.

Q: Why did you change/update the Generative AI policy?

A: Generative AI is a new reality that publishing can’t ignore. SCBWI has a responsibility to its members to learn about the technology and how it affects the organization. We want our policies to reflect what publishers want, which is human-created work. Also, GenAI trains itself on scraping copyrighted work of children’s book creators without consent or compensation. Our goal is to stay a trustworthy resource, and that means keeping our policies aligned with today’s publishing standards.

Q: Do AI-powered writing assistants count as using Generative AI?

A: “‘Human Authored’ means that the text of the book was written by a human and not generated by AI, with the exception of minimal uses such as AI applications that check spelling and grammar or for research.” We find this Author’s Guild statement from its Human Authors Certification program is an excellent guide. 

Q: What if I use Generative AI to construct a plot, build characters, or edit my text? Does that count?

A: Yes, it does. Plotting, character building, and revising your work are core creative parts of writing a book. To give that over to GenAI shortchanges your ideas and your distinctive human touch.

Q: Does this policy apply to the use of story analyzers, which analyze text you’ve created to help you identify issues with pacing, plot, and structure? 

A: If the story analyzers do not suggest actual text, then using them doesn't violate our policy. We suggest you check your exclusive member resource, the Essential Guide to Publishing for Children, which includes human freelance editors who can help you work through your challenges with feedback that’s nuanced like only a real person can give you.

You can read the full updated policy on the SCBWI website. For comments and questions regarding the AI policy, email YourVoice@scbwi.org.

Celebration Corner

Where we share bookish news of our Montana members



Maddie McDowell and the Missing Mustangs

Written by LuAnn M. Rod

Publication Date: October 06, 2026

Publisher: Chicken Scratch Books

The Monte Decker Rodeo has rolled into Bear Creek, Montana, for the 1919 Fourth of July celebration and twelve- nearly thirteen-year-old cowgirl Maddie McDowell is raring to compete. But on her way there, she finds an orphaned newborn foal, which leads to a brand-new, high-flying mystery for this young Pinkerton in training.

All the usual suspects from Maddie’s first rodeo go-round are there. But this time, a World War I flying ace barnstormer has also soared in. The pilot’s familiar face sends Maddie reeling as years of betrayal make her question everything about the man in the airplane—her brother Robert. Will family secrets and hurts prove too much to forgive and forget?

Maddie McDowell and the Missing Mustangs has received a positive Kirkus review and a starred review from the School Library Journal.

"Missing Mustangs is the second historical western mystery starring 12-nearly-13-year-old cowgirl and rodeo star Maddie McDowell. This time it’s a high flying Montana adventure filled with danger, humor, and heart."

—School Library Journal

LuAnn's love of books started at a young age. Her Aunt Edith, an elementary teacher and school principal, had her reading before kindergarten, and she hasn't stopped. To her, middle grade books represent the best in literature—adventure, growth, experiencing new worlds—making their creation a continuously new and exciting trail to explore.

Stop by and say hi to LuAnn at her author signing on October 10 at Wheatgrass Books in Livingston 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. MDT.

You can also connect with her on her website luannmrod.com and on Instagram @luann.rod.

How Hannah got her Lump of Coal

Written by Sue Sutherland

Illustrated by Nimra Junaid

Publication Date: September 29, 2026

Publisher: Chicken Scratch Books

Once upon a time, there were three sisters—Linzie, Hannah, and Laura. Linzie and Laura were Santa Believers. And Hannah? Hannah decided she was a…

               SANTA DOUBTER.

Hannah wanted to believe, but she was pretty sure she was on the Naughty List. There was no doubt when Hannah went too far and she forgot to whisper…

“I DON’T BELIEVE IN SANTA CLAUS!”

Now there’s a lump of coal in Hannah’s future if she can’t figure out how to go from Santa Doubter to Santa Super Believer in 3 days. It’s not easy being good 365 days in a row.

This humorous and magical story will make you BELIEVE.

Sue Sutherland grew up in Ohio and currently lives on a farm in Corvallis, Montana. Instead of cows, she is pasturing rescue draft horses. Sue has a degree in forest management and spent her career working as a forester for the U.S. Forest Service.

Hannah is Sue’s middle child and this book is basically a true story with some magical embellishments. How Hanna got her Lump of Coal is Sue’s second picture book. Her first book, Twelve Days at Glacier, was published January 2026 and can be found in Glacier National Park outlets.

You can learn more about Sue and her books on her website suesutherlandbooks.com. You can also connect with her on social media: BlueSky @suemt.bsky.social and Facebook @SueJanneyWightSutherland

Neville's Oasis

Written by Joann Howeth

Cover Illustration by Ann Patterson Bishop

Publication Date: August 4, 2026

Publisher: Blue Balloon Books

Neville spends his days and nights where sand dunes stretch far and away, tinkling harness bells serenade the camel drivers’ wistful songs, and tents murmur in the spice-perfumed breeze.

Tenderhearted Neville, the camel, runs away from home after Zaheed, his usually kind, nomadic owner, yells at him for accidentally stepping on his compass, which is essential for navigating the desert. Nudged by his pal, Beetle, Neville heads for the oasis, convinced life in the shade with plentiful figs and water will be better than staying where he isn’t appreciated.

Lost among towering sand dunes and tricked by shimmering mirages, Neville and Beetle embark on a journey that is anything but straightforward. Eventually, the two stumble upon their destination and are delighted to discover that the oasis matches their every dream. It isn’t long, however, before Neville realizes that paradise has less to do with being in a specific place than with whom one shares it. Guided by his heart, Neville rushes home, finding his way without the benefit of a compass.



Neville’s Oasis is a touching story about friendship, forgiveness, and finding where you truly belong. This gentle tale reminds us all that, no matter how far we wander, home is not just a place—it is being with the ones we love.

Joann has lived in Montana most of her life; a short stint as a Navy wife took her from coast to coast before returning to Helena, her hometown, to raise her daughters.

She graduated from Carroll College with a degree in English literature but took a detour and spent many happy years as a gemologist and designer/goldsmith.

Her love of creative writing was reawakened by the births of her granddaughters and the many glorious trips to the children’s stacks at the library.

Joann served as both Assistant Regional Advisor and Regional Advisor for the Montana Chapter of SCBWI.

Unable to break into the publishing industry traditionally, she took the plunge into hybrid publishing. Neville's Oasis is her third picture book.

Learn more about Joann and connect with her on her website joannhoweth.com or on Instagram as @joannhoweth.author.

In other news, Joann's picture book The Molly's B was recently awarded the Women Writing the West WILLA Literary Award.

The WILLA Literary Award, named in honor of Pulitzer Prize winning novelist Willa Cather, recognizes the best in literature, featuring women’s or girls’ stories set in the North American West, that are published each year.

You can learn more about this award at womenwritingthewest.org.

Celebration Corner and Social Media Submissions

If you are a current premium member of the SCBWI Montana region and have news to share about your book(s), award(s), or upcoming events, we'd love to celebrate with you. Do email us at mtscbwisocial@gmail.com.

Please include an image of the book, illustrator's name (if appropriate), name of the publisher, publication date, your author bio, and a photo of yourself. Also, please provide exact links to any associated sites including your website, socials, contact information, awarding organizations, or event venues.

We can't wait to hear about your book babies!

A Note From Your Regional Advisor

It has come to my attention that in previous issues, we've been a bit too permissive when it comes to member news. Our policy has always been to publish the news of paying members only—it's one of the perks of being an SCBWI member. This includes our newsletters and our social media feeds.

Apologies for any confusion this may have caused but this will be the policy going forward.

Our region offers many things for non-members at no cost including Virtual Hobnobs, Sparks Sessions and Shows and, in some places local meetups and critique groups. But there are many additional benefits available to paying members including resources for traditionally and self-published creators, discounted event fees, and a personal profile including illustrator galleries. You can learn more about the benefits of paid membership here,

Thanks for your understanding.

With gratitude,

Jodi Hausen

Regional Advisor

SCBWI-Montana