Meet the artist #16

Our Dec. 12 Winter Celebration is just days away! (More info and registration here.) Get ready for the fun with more mini-profiles of the SCBWI-WWA artists featured at that event at the Washington State Convention Center. Or check them ALL out online here. See you on Thursday evening!

Kathryn Dennis

Why did you choose to submit your particular piece of art?
It is a final scene in a picture book I am working on. Urban birds are having to change their tunes to be heard above the city noise. The birds have gathered in one tree and for the first time, the loudest sound in the city is the birdsong.

What does being part of SCBWI mean to you?
It has been like a mentor. I have learned what to do and, more importantly, what not to do.

What is your favorite picture book from childhood?
Frederick, by Leo Lionni. I love that a little mouse stored memories of sunshine, colors, and words to survive the winter.

Fun fact: Kathryn began her career as an advertising art director. Learn more, and see more images, on STQRY here.

*excluding only those lazy bones or privacy freaks who don't answer our email questions, of course. We love them anyway.

UW Writing for Children class

Calling all children's writers:

Registration is now open for Intermediate Writing for Children at the University of Washington, part of the UW Writing for Children Certificate program. (You can jump in mid-year to the certificate program if space is available, and this year, it is!) If you are a writer with basic knowledge about children's books, and the beginnings of a manuscript, but you've always wanted to delve deeper into your craft, this is the class for you! 

We'll study the work of accomplished children's writers and have visits from three local picture book and YA authors, as well as the acquiring editor for the new Sasquatch children's book line. Each session in this 10-week course focuses on a different craft topic, from plot, to character development to setting, to dialogue, offering a mini-workshop chock full of writing exercises. You'll also work on your own manuscripts and get lots of constructive feedback through weekly critique groups and the chance to turn your draft in for a critique from me. 

Class starts January 7. Register now before it fills up!  

Two days until....

Art by Dana Sullivan

"And now," said Max, "let the delicious cookies be eaten!"

Will you come help us eat them? Please? Pretty please with sprinkles on top? Come join the rumpus this Thursday night, Dec. 12, and stuff your brain with good news and your mouth with good eats, and hey, we can't help but promise a monstrously good time!

Two days. Forty-eight hours. (More info and registration here.) Be there, and be wild.

Meet the artist #15

Our Dec. 12 Winter Celebration is just days away! (More info and registration here.) Get ready for the fun with more mini-profiles of the SCBWI-WWA artists featured at that event at the Washington State Convention Center. Or check them ALL out online here. See you on Thursday evening!

Julie Paschkis

Why did you choose to submit your particular piece of art?
I chose the first page of Pablo Neruda: Poet of the People because I loved painting it. That was the painting where I figured out how to illustrate that book.

What does being part of SCBWI mean to you?
Working on books is a solitary occupation. SCBWI brings us together. It was an incredibly helpful resource when I was first getting started. Now it feels like a big family reunion.

Years ago someone told me that children's book illustration is a "bunny eat bunny world." But our SCBWI chapter disproves that: it's a bunny help bunny world. A much better idea.

What is your favorite picture book from childhood?
My favorite picture book was The Poppyseed Cakes by Maud and Miska Petersham. I also loved Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag, and Pelle's New Suit by Elsa Beskow.

Fun fact: Julie is also a textile designer with her own fabrics. Learn more, and see more images, on STQRY here.

*excluding only those lazy bones or privacy freaks who don't answer our email questions, of course. We love them anyway.

Meet the artist #14

Our Dec. 12 Winter Celebration is just days away! (More info and registration here.) Get ready for the fun with more mini-profiles of the SCBWI-WWA artists featured at that event at the Washington State Convention Center. Or check them ALL out online here. See you on Thursday evening!

Dana Arnim

Why did you choose to submit your particular piece of art?
I submitted a group of images that I felt good about and that had received good feedback from art directors at conferences.
 
What does being part of SCBWI mean to you?
I really love being part of SCBWI. Knowing so many great creative people, interacting with them, getting company and encouragement, and creating opportunities for inspiration is what SCBWI is about for me. (Plus Dana Sullivan's cartoons and drawings. That guy cracks me up!)

What is your favorite picture book from childhood?
One book does stand out that I read over and over. I never tired of intensely scrutinizing the art for precious details: The Big Golden Book of Elves & Fairies, illustrated by Garth Williams. I still have my childhood copy and remember wishing myself into those stories and settings.

Fun fact: Dana is a card-carrying computer jockey, too, and spent (mumble) years as SCBWI WWA's webmaster before becoming co-regional advisor. Learn more, and see more images, on STQRY here.

*excluding only those lazy bones or privacy freaks who don't answer our email questions, of course. We love them anyway.

Meet the artist #13

Our Dec. 12 Winter Celebration is just days away! (More info and registration here.) Get ready for the fun with more mini-profiles of the SCBWI-WWA artists featured at that event at the Washington State Convention Center. Or check them ALL out online here. See you on Thursday evening!

Jessixa Bagley

Why did you choose to submit your particular piece of art?
I feel like my image of my little beaver on his log pile exactly reflects my style and my sensibilities as an illustrator and storyteller. Plus, I LOVE the idea of taking a break for lunch!

What does being part of SCBWI mean to you?
SCBWI has given me a sense of community and a huge network of support that I didn't realize I needed until I joined. Now I can't imagine not bring a part of the group. I owe all of my growth and successes to the opportunities and connections I've made through SCBWI. I know I wouldn't be where I am now if I was still trying to go it alone.

What is your favorite picture book from childhood?
Impossible question. Of course I have too many favorite books to name! But I can name a short list: Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola tops the list. All the Richard Scarry and Beatrix Potter books were fixtures growing up, and totally shaped me as an artist. Another favorite picture book is Christina Katerina and the Box by Patrica Lee Gauch.

Fun fact: Jessixa lives in a house that, she says, is made partly of fake food. Learn more, and see more images, on STQRY here.

*excluding only those lazy bones or privacy freaks who don't answer our email questions, of course. We love them anyway.

Convention Center countdown

Art by Dana Sullivan

Why?
Because we want to celebrate the season with you! Because there will be cookies! Because the art will blow you away! And because, shucks, we like you!

See you Thursday. (But we'll keep bugging you between now and then, anyway.)

Story times two!

Sometimes the best things happen in pairs:

Join picture-book author Samantha Vamos for a story time at Mockingbird Books on Wednesday, December 18 at 11 a.m. She'll be reading her latest book, Alphabet Trucks, which features all things truck. Bonus for the kiddos: There will be a TRUCK PARADE!

Nina Laden, author of the just-released Once Upon a Memory (which was illustrated by Renata Liwska), makes a special appearance at University Book Store in the U-district on Thursday, December 19 at 7 p.m.

Conference success story

Member Shannon Grogan Brochu reports that she's sold her first YA manuscript with help from Greenhouse Literary agent Sarah Davies, whom Shannon met during a manuscript consultation at our 2011 Annual Writing & Illustrating for Children Conference last spring. Shannon subsequently signed with Sarah and — voila! Her book, From Where I Watch You, was acquired by Soho Teen and tells the story of a girl who dreams of becoming a professional baker, but finds herself haunted by the ghost of her dead sister as well as a mystery stalker whose cryptic notes suggest he knows far too much about her. Publication is planned for spring 2015. Yay, Shannon!

Digital mentorship opportunity

The CA North/Central SCBWI chapter has opened registration for its first ever digital mentorship for picture books. The mentors are Rick Walton, Tammi Sauer, our own Laura McGee Kvasnosky, Shutta Crum, and Mike Boldt. Together they represent both authors and author-illustrators. For author mentees, the mentors will critique the text of a picture book twice over the period of six months. For author/illustrators, mentees will have a text critiqued twice, as well as thumbnails and then a dummy.

The cost is $350 (including a $50 deposit that will be returned to members not selected to participate). Registration goes through January 10. Get more information now.

Stuff your own stocking

Looking for the perfect holiday present for yourself? How about 5 mini-conferences you can attend in your jammies?

Register for SCBWI Michigan's 2014 Webinar Series, From Manuscript to Submission. Sign up for each webinar individually or bundle them for a discount. Seats to the live webinars are limited, but if you have a conflict for one, you can still register and you'll receive a link to the recorded video that is viewable for three months.

In this series, fabulous speakers will share their industry knowledge and help you move your work toward publication. Monica Harris, Harold Underdown, Julie Hedlund, and Literary Agent Sean McCarthy will show you how to put your best foot forward, research the right agent or publisher fit, become a successful book entrepreneur, and maneuver through the crowded marketplace. In addition, Michigan co-RAs Leslie Helakoski and Carrie Pearson will offer a nuts and bolts session for beginners. The series culminates in an opportunity (limited to the first 35 people to register) for a critique with agent Sean McCarthy and a second agent or editor who will be announced soon.

Get more information or register, or contact Carrie Pearson at carrieapear@aol.com with questions.

Your peeps are coming. Are you?

Has everybody registered for our fabulous Winter Celebration next Thursday, December 12? It's like a holiday office party, but without all those pesky cube mates! Don't forget––you can stroll merrily through the Convention Center (reminder: Level 2, South Galleria), taking in the breathtaking work of our stellar illustrators, while nibbling on scrumptious hors d'oeuvres and swilling cocktails. Could it get any better? 

 

YES. 

The annual cookie contest! We're challenging all Lida Enche wannabes to show your dough and compete in these three categories:   

BDC (best damn cookie)

DAM (delicious artistic masterpiece) 

and, because we're Seattle: SGF (scrumptious gluten-free)

Raffle! Door prizes! Kid Lit Book Swap! Dress Up! (I'm talking to you, Cressy), Good News! Surprise Guests! Secret Garden Books! And more! Come celebrate with your peeps!

Register now! (Online through Sunday, December 8, or pay at the door: $20 members/$25 non-members.)

illustration by Dana Sullivan