Congrats to Katie Stewart on the publication of
Self published, in paperback
For ages 6 - 12
What happens when you combine a love of art, animals and history with a sense of humour? You get a book that's delightfully different. Includes such 'famous' animals as Pavaratti, Mendelswann and Joan Aardvark.
Wonderfully zany, judging by Katie's illustrations - congrats again Katie!
On Sunday the 11th of October, SA SCBWI hosted their Spring Retreat at The Astor Hotel in Adelaide. A group of 27 aspiring and published authors and illustrators gathered together, forming a haven of creativity and inspiration.
We kicked of the day with fellow SA member, Mandy Foot, who shared her role in the process of illustrating children’s picture books. We were in awe of the thorough research, consideration and detail that she puts into each breathtaking spread. Many snapped up the opportunity to get their own signed copy of Mandy’s new book, ‘This Little Roo went to Market.’
Our next speaker was local YA author and new member, Rosanne Hawke, who took us on a journey into her creative mind. Rosanne’s ability to mesh history with fantasy, layer stories and create genuine characters was truly thought provoking. By this point, fingers were were beginning to twitch with renewed motivation.
Our last speaker was Adelaide picture book publisher, Jane Covernton, from Working Title Press. Jane shared some positive statistics on print sales (yay!) and some very helpful tips from Australian publishers and editors. We gained an insight into what publishing houses are currently seeking, as well as the market in other countries.
SCBWI members continued with an afternoon of invaluable sharing time- from useful resources to those burning questions. The creation of a bouquet of book-flowers for an unwell member was just another way to express what this group is really about- friendship and support for one another.
The perfect end to the day was not-a-book launch for Vikki Wakefield’s new novel,
‘Inbetween Days.’ Some champagne, some laughs, and of course, a new book to read- what more could anyone ask for?
Carrie
18 October 2015
11:00 am - 4:30 pm
Melbourne Zoo Elliot Ave, Parkville, Victoria
We invite you to join us at the Melbourne Zoo. This will be a relaxed, social event filled with drawing and writing. There will be an assortment of species on show (human and otherwise).
SCHEDULE
11am - Meet inside the zoo, opposite the MAIN ENTRANCE (the entrance shown at the bottom of the attached map): this is when we will set the day’s (optional) challenges.
1.30pm - Meet for a picnic (or takeaway) lunch on the grass area near the rotunda opposite the Royal Park Station zoo entrance: this is when we chat and set new (optional) challenges.
3.30pm – Meet, with takeaway coffee or thermos of tea in hand, at the rotunda opposite the Royal Park Station zoo entrance: this is when we wind up the day and, if you like, share ideas.
Watch the comments stream on SCBWI AUS NZ Facebook Page under the posting titled SCBWI Victoria Scratch and Scribble at the Zoo - for updates and group locations on the day.
BYO all writing and mobile illustration supplies.
You can meet us at any time of the day and stay as long or as little as you like.
CHALLENGES: Writing and illustration triggers that you may follow or ignore during the day.
1. The Hybrid
Illustrator Task – Draw a hybrid creature from an animal crossed with a human you have observed at the zoo.
Author Task - Write a scenario or backstory of a hybrid animal crossed with a human you have observed at the zoo.
2. The Conversationalists
Illustrator Task - Capture a fictional conversation between two different animals who are located in contrasting zoo enclosures.
Author Task - Write a conversation between two animals who've found themselves released into the wrong enclosure.
3. The Thousand-Mile Journey
Illustrator Task - Illustrate a visual journey of how an animal, of your choice, came to be in the Melbourne zoo.
Author Task - Write a story about the journey of how an animal, of your choice, came to be in the Melbourne zoo.
4. Speed Dating (A post-modern lunch-time activity)
Illustrator Task – In five minutes, illustrate an animal of choice based on a description provided by a SCBWI writer.
Author Task – In five minutes, write a comic, lighthearted 20 word online dating profile for an animal depicted in one of the SCBWI illustrator’s work.
5. Exchange a Word for a Scribble (An after lunch activity)
Illustrator Task - Based on an author’s word, create an animal illustration.
Author Task – Write, a 10 word pitch for an illustrator’s picture.
6. An Unlikely Encounter
Illustrator Task - Illustrate two unlikely travelling companions who are holidaying together. One is smaller than your hand and the other is bigger than a lounge chair.
Author Task - Write a short story synopsis for a book about two unlikely travelling companions who are holidaying together. One is smaller than your hand and the other is bigger than a lounge chair.
7. A Baboon, a Zebra and a Hawk Walk into a Coffee Shop…
Illustrator Task - Create a single animal from a combination of three animals you've seen at the Melbourne zoo.
Author Task - Write a short story about the ‘bazebawk’ (or create your own hybrid), based on three animals you have seen at the Melbourne zoo.
We look forward to seeing you all there - Melbourne weather is due to put on a show this Sunday, so come down to the zoo and enjoy the day alongside your SCBWI Vic friends.
