Current Scratch: Join Us, Volunteer, Business Buzz, & Opportunity

During the dog days of summer, there's nothing better than hunkering down indoors working on your creative projects. Stay cool, my friends!

JOIN US!

Monthly Meeting. On July 29, 2015, we will have discussion, news, and encouragement. Topic: Meet Illustrator Garrett Hines. Meet us at Barnes & Noble in College Station. Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring copies of 5 double-spaced pages of your work in progress. Those who have time stay for lunch at a local restaurant. Members and friends welcome! Want a sneak peek of Garrett? Twitter: @garretthinesart!   Website: http://garretthines.com/

2015 Connections and Craft Workshop. Mark your calendars!  October 10! Full announcement soon. We have exciting speakers! A few hotel rooms will be available for our attendees. Registration opens soon! Watch your email! Email Liz Mertz at brazosvalley@scbwi.org if you don't think you are on the list. This will be a MUST NOT MISS event!

Follow this link to find out about our next regional webinar:  Date/Time 08/11/2015, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Webinar: Children's Book Marketing with Kristen Cappy

VOLUNTEER

Do you have a desire to help young writers?  SCBWI Brazos Valley needs a new coordinator for our annual  Brazos Poets Contest for students in 6th through 8th grade and held in April of each year in conjunction with National Poetry Month. Contact Liz Mertz at brazosvalley@scbwi.org if you are interested.

BUSINESS BUZZ

What are thoughts on audio books? Find out what's new for the future of audio books.

Need some assistance writing emotion in your main character? IBM's new feature for its super computer Watson analyzes the language to determine emotion.  How cool is that?!

OPPORTUNITY

Have a story about witches? Just in time for Halloween. Cicada Magazine is looking for them! Deadline Sept. 9, 2015.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI

Current Scratch: Join Us, Volunteer, Inspiration

Hi folks! Lazy summer days in full swing. It's HOT! You need: iced tea, sliced watermelon, and fruity drinks with umbrellas. Also take  some time to write your masterworks.

JOIN US!

Monthly Meeting. On July 29, 2015, we will have discussion, news, and encouragement. Topic: Meet Illustrator Garrett Hines. Meet us at Barnes & Noble in College Station. Gentle critique begins at 9:30 a.m. Bring copies of 5 double-spaced pages of your work in progress. Those who have time stay for lunch at a local restaurant. Members and friends welcome! Want a sneak peek of Garrett? Twitter: @garretthinesart!   Website: http://garretthines.com/

Kid Lit Coffee Klatch, 7-8 p.m. Monday, July 20, Starbucks on Hwy 6 at Rock Prairie. Starbucks Coffee and hot topics at the corner of Hwy. 6 and Rock Prairie Rd. Meet other writers and illustrators, gossip about your characters, and offer and receive boatloads of encouragement. Email Liz Mertz at brazosvalley@scbwi.org for more information.

2015 Connections and Craft Workshop. Mark your calendars!  October 10!  Full announcement soon. We have exciting speakers! A few hotel rooms will be available for our attendees. Registration opens soon!  Watch your email!   Email Liz Mertz at brazosvalley@scbwi.org if you don't think you are on the list.   This will be a MUST NOT MISS event!

Follow this link to find out about our next regional webinar: Webinar: Children’s Book Marketing with Kirsten Cappy; Date/Time 08/11/2015, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm.

AGENTS

Do you want an agent?  Here are some links that might help you on your journey.

Heather Ayris Burnell: Monster list of children's picture book agents. 

Chuck Sambuchino's Guide to Literary Agents.    -- Middle grade literary agents.

Nancy I Saunders Children's Books literary agents' list

Another list of children's agents.

Manuscript Wish List Blog,

VOLUNTEER

Do you have a desire to help young writers?  SCBWI Brazos Valley needs a new coordinator for our annual  Brazos Poets Contest for students in 6th through 8th grade and held in April of each year in conjunction with National Poetry Month. Contact Liz Mertz at brazosvalley@scbwi.org if you are interested.

INSPIRATION

Winning one of the ALA Media Awards is a unique, awesome and inspiring experience for creative folk.  Here is a link to the winner speeches for the 2015 ALA Media Awards. Soak up the inspiration.

The views expressed here are my own, and not necessarily those of the SCBWI.