January 2018 events

SCBWI WWA events:

January Northern Network Meeting 

2018. Doesn't that sound like a year full of possibilities? Is one of your New Year's resolutions to write/ illustrate more? Let's ring IN the New Year with a Write-IN/ Draw-IN! Bring a current project to work on.  Nothing current happening? I'll have some writing/ drawing prompts to get those creative juices flowing!

Wednesday, January 3, 7:00 p.m., The Bellingham Barnes & Noble (4099 Meridian Street) Questions? Email Rebecca at rebecca_vanslyke@hotmail.com. 

The Critique Group Road Show

Seattle on January 3rd at Victrola Coffee and Art in Seattle (411 15th Ave E) at 8 pm! Come out and learn a proven method for critique group success. Bring 3-5 pages of your work-in-progress for feedback.

and... 

January 13th at 10am-1pm at the Charles Pink House on Lawrence in Port Townsend. Space is limited, so RSVP to andrea_peninsulakidlit@olympus.net.

Monthly Meeting

January 10
January meeting with Michèle Griskey and Megan Kelso. Demaray Hall at SPU, 7-9. Find more details here. 

The Great Critique
January 20
The Great Critique! Preregistration required. 

Kerri's killer news!

Guess what popped up last week in Publisher's Weekly's Children's Bookshelf e-newsletter?

Our very own, intrepid Kerri Kokias inked a deal for her debut picture book, SNOW SISTERS! With illustrations by Teagan White, the book should emerge in 2017. "I've been working on this goal for TEN years," Kerri announced triumphantly on her Facebook page, "and waiting since March to announce it!"


We couldn't be happier for you, Kerri! Can't wait to see the final result! Congrats!

Critiquing 101

by Kerri Kokias, SCBWI-WWA Critique Coordinator

The Great Critique, coming up this Monday, January 7, is full!

With so many eager participants, it seems timely to have a brief post on Critiquing 101.

Why Critique? The purpose of a critique is to enable authors/illustrators to further develop their work. Receiving critiques provides authors/illustrators with non-biased feedback, and concrete suggestions for improvement. Giving critiques helps authors and illustrators to develop analytical skills that they can also apply to their own work.

The Job of the Author/Illustrator is to introduce the work and then sit back and listen to feedback without being defensive. It’s useful to take notes on everything, even if a piece of feedback doesn’t initially resonate. Ask questions for clarification. And later, decide which advice to take.

The Job of the Critiquer is to encourage the author/illustrator to do their best work by pointing out what works in a piece, as well as areas for development.

Specifics to consider when critiquing manuscripts….

·     Is the title effective? Does it arouse interest and hint at content?

·     Does the beginning grab and hold attention? Does the story begin at the appropriate time?

·     Is the point of view consistent? Is it the most effective one?

·      Is the material appropriate for the proposed audience?

·      Is the setting (time and place) clear?

·      Is the theme fresh and important?

·      Does the story move with good pacing and transitions?

·      Is the content focused? Does it show, not tell? Are sensory details woven in?

·      Are characters interesting, well-rounded, and believable?

·      Does the plot develop with credibility? Are character’s motivations clear? Is there sufficient conflict and growth?

·      Is the voice fresh, original, compelling and age appropriate?

·      Does the dialogue seem natural? Does it show character and advance the story? Do individual characters have a distinct way of talking?

·      Is word choice effective? Is there clarity, rhythm and power in the language?

·      Do chapter endings make you want to read on? Does the end of the story leave you satisfied?

Specifics to consider when critiquing illustrations:

·      Is the composition strong and interesting?

·      Is the chosen medium the best for the artist and subject?

·      Do the text and illustration support AND supplement each other? (Does the work illustrate the text and then contribute even more?)

·      Is there fluid movement and rhythm in shape and line?

·      Is the point of view effective? Does it vary to avoid monotony?

·      Does the layout contribute to the text?

·      Are characters fully developed? Consistent in appearance throughout?

·      Are the gutters free of important information?

·      Are page breaks effective?

·      Does the work break down into the correct page specifications according to its form (picture book = 24, 32, 40, etc.)?

In summary, critiquing is an essential part of making your work be the best that it can be!

Need a Critique Group? For tips and suggestions, see this recent blog post!

Critique Groups 101

And now, a few words from SCBWI-WWA Critique Coordinator Kerri Kokias:

What is a Critique Group?

A critique groups is a group of authors or illustrators who connect regularly, either online or in person, to share their work and get honest feedback. They give one another encouragement, share general craft and marketing information, and most importantly, offer ideas for revision.

How do Critique Groups work?

The format for critique groups is flexible and can vary greatly. Some groups meet in person, while some exchange material and feedback online. Many implement a combination of the two. Typically groups meet monthly, but some meet more, or less, frequently. Some stick to a specific genre of children’s literature while most have members of varying genres. Basically, members can mold the group to best meet their needs.

How can I get involved in a Critique Group?

Writing classes, conferences, Professional Series meetings and events like The Great Critique all provide excellent opportunities to meet other writers and illustrators and form critique groups.

If you are a member of SCBWI International, I can help put you in contact with other writers/illustrators to join, or create a critique group that would be a good fit for you. I’m available at Professional Series meetings or by email. Please provide your name, genre, area where you live, e-mail address, and whether you’d prefer to in an online or in-person group.

Watch for Kerri's post Critiquing 101 coming later in the month!

Message From Great Critique Coordinator Kerri Kokias

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Great Critique this year! I keep hearing from participants who are excited about the feedback they received, and from group leaders who are just giddy about the amount of talent they saw in their groups.

Happy revising everyone!

The Great Critique was...great!

We've had fantastic feedback on the Great Critique today. It seems like just about everybody got something to take back to their work and make it better. Thanks to everybody for sharing your work, sharing your feedback, and making it such a wonderful, dynamic night!

A humongous THANK YOU to our marvelous Critique Coordinator, Kerri Kokias! She made all of the arrangements and handled all of the organization with grace and aplomb. We're so fortunate to have her.

And another round of thanks to all of our critique leaders! We have so much talent and generosity in SCBWI Western Washington. We consider ourselves fortunate to have such a wonderful group of writers and illustrators so active in the community. Thank you all!

If you're a member of SCBWI Western Washington and you'd like us to help finding a helpful critique group of your own, drop Kerri a note (mail at kerrikokias dot com).

Worth Repeating: Critique Guidelines & Tips

Are you part of a critique group? If not, you can be! SCBWI has a wonderful Critique Coordinator, Kerri Kokias, who can help you join or start a group (Kerri and I were in a critique group that I started in West Seattle).

I can't emphasize what being part of a critique group has done for my writing! Having other writers look at your work objectively can really help you to improve as a writer, reader, and critique group member (and make some wonderful author/illustrator friends as well). Being part of a group was so important for me as a writer, that when I moved I worked with SCBWI to find members nearby, and I'm now part of another wonderful group!!

Here's a great blog post (sent to me by Laurie) written by Donna Bowman Bratton's called: Worth Repeating: Critique Guidelines & Tips. It gives some solid lists, guidelines, and tips for your critique group. Here's a highlight:

What is a critique? A critique is an honest evaluation of a manuscript or work-in-progress, offering constructive criticism and helpful suggestions, framed with positive reinforcement.

Why a critique group? The ultimate goal of any critique group is to help each other hone the skills necessary to produce publishable manuscripts, while offering emotional and professional support during the arduous journey toward publication. As a critique group member, you will at times be a partner, a therapist, a sounding board, an impartial reader, an editor, and a cheerleader. Not only will critique of your own work offer fresh perspectives to help improve your personal writing, but by analyzing the works of others you begin to read like an editor.

There's much more to read on the post! Now that you're ready to be part of a critique group, you can contact Kerri through the SCBWI WWA contact information page.