The Write Connections

(Photo by Kendra, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en)

Writing is a solitary activity, yet writers seek and need connections with other writers. When writers get together, they exclaim, explain, proclaim. They commiserate, participate, and sometimes even conjugate!

Perhaps the best organization for writers and illustrators of children's books and articles is the Society for Children's Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

I'm pleased to announce the SCBWI Dakotas Spring Conference! If you want to know more about writing or illustrating for children's publications, or if you want to hear up-and-coming authors tell how they became up-and-coming, please join us in Sioux Falls on Saturday, April 4. Spread the word!

The Dakotas Region of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators presents
"Books, Art, and Beyond"

Date: Saturday, April 4, 2009

Time: 8:30-4:00 Conference
4:00-5:00 Critiques, portfolio reviews, informal manuscript exchange

Location: Central Baptist Church
3100 W. Ralph Rogers Rd.
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Speakers: Tim Gillner, Art Director, Boyds Mills Press

S.T. Underdahl, Young adult novelist --The Other Sister, Remember This

Mary Scarbrough, Nonfiction children's book author--Mission: Space Camp

Jean L.S. Patrick, Children's book author--The Girl Who Struck Out Babe Ruth

Martyn Beeny, Associate Editor, S.D. State Historical Society Press

Mark Geary, Technology and Children's Literature, Dakota State University

Cost: $75 SCBWI members $85 non-members

Advance registration required
Registration form available at www.scbwidakotas.org

Critique Opportunites (optional)

* Artists/Illustrators: Bring portfolio for general review from Tim Gillner, Art Director, Boyds Mills Press

* Writers: Submit manuscript appropriate for children (1500 wds max)
5-6 of these will be selected for a public first-page review
Deadline: March 14, 2009, postmark

* Private critique: Submit complete story or first chapter (1500 wds max)
Cost: $40 Deadline: March 14, 2009
Don't delay! Limited number of spaces available.

For complete information, go to www.scbwidakotas.org

Please forward this information to others who are interested in writing and illustrating children's books. Thanks!

If writing for children is your dream, here's your opportunity to make the write connections!