SCBWI Vic Sketch and Scribble 2024

Saturday 16 November from 12:00 – 1:00pm* followed by an optional lunch

Want to gather for some unfettered story-making fun? Join us for Sketch and Scribble this year as we take our creative instincts back to the wild side!

This year we meet at Melbourne’s iconic Sticky Institute at its brand new location, alongside Victoria Market, where we’ll gather for a quick tutorial on folding an 8-page zine from a single sheet of paper. Then people can stay at the Sticky Institute or disperse into the wilds to create something fresh, new and unburdened by publishing or marketing considerations. (But maybe you will uncover the kernel that grows into your next book!) Illustrators can pair up with writers, or you can go it alone and find your indie mojo. Flout every rule and reconnect to your inner child who loves to draw and tell stories. 

If you’d prefer to work on your current WIP, wander the market for inspiration, or simply chat with other creators, that’s fine too. After an hour of roaming, we’ll meet back at Sticky Institute, and those who want to, can go on to a local café for lunch.

Members are asked to bring their favourite pens/pencils and any sketchbooks or notebooks they need for sketching and scribbling. Zine paper will be supplied.

Meet at Sticky Institute for a 12 noon start at 510 Elizabeth Street Melbourne.

*Please note that this is half an hour later than we originally advertised, because Sticky Institute doesn’t open until noon. It’s helpful if you let us know that you’re coming so that we have an idea of numbers, but members are also welcome to show up on the day. We know how it is. Just pop on over to SCBWI Vic Instagram page and comment on the post.

p.s. hot jam donuts anyone?

It is so easy to get caught up in the technicalities of writing, and worrying about something getting published. But here's the thing ... even when you worry about all that, it STILL may not get published, so you may as well have fun and write what you love along the way!

SCBWI Tasmania invite you to join us for this exciting webinar with acclaimed author Adam Wallace as he takes us on a journey to making writing fun again and, in the process, to writing manuscripts that are a success whether they are picked up by a publisher or not.

Multi-talented, NYT best-selling author Adam Wallace has sold over 11 million books world-wide. With a foot in both trade and self-publishing camps Adam has lots of wisdom to share. Join us online on Thursday, 14th November from 7 - 8.30pm (AEDT daylight saving time); Adam's presentation will be followed by a live Q&A.

Tickets:

Tickets $25 SCBWI Members; $35 Non-members.
This webinar will be recorded and a link made available for 14 days after the event.

Join us once again for our annual Professional Day Conference - in-person at CDW Studios in the Adelaide CBD.

We are excited to bring you a wonderful line-up of authors and illustrators and can’t wait to connect with everyone and share the highs and lows of the past 12 months.

Ticket Prices:
$55 Members
$85 Non Members
$20 CDW Students

PRESENTERS:

Tony Flowers
https://www.flowersink.com.au/

Tony Flowers loves to draw and is an internationally acclaimed illustrator and artist. His drawings are loved in Japan for their detail and humour and he has won an award in the USA for his street chalk art.

Tony will be joining us over Zoom.

Tania Ingram
https://taniaingram.com/

Tania Ingram is an internationally published author of children’s picture books, novels and poetry. She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and prior to becoming an author, worked as a child psychologist. In her spare time, Tania likes to read and craft. She’s learning to play the ukulele and often sings to her chickens who pretend to be underwhelmed by her talent.

Chanelle Gosper
https://www.hachette.com.au/chanelle-gosper/

Chanelle Gosper is a writer based in South Australia, where she lives with her husband, daughters and a whole lot of story ideas. A lifelong love of learning and adventure has seen her live in three different countries, travel the world and enjoy a colourful career that includes primary school teaching, recruitment, healthcare support and marketing. While writing has been a constant companion on all her adventures, Chanelle is only now pursuing her dream of sharing her stories with the world.

Danielle Clode
https://danielleclode.com.au/

Danielle is an award winning author of Australian non-fiction books. Her writing includes natural history, essays, science-writing, historical fiction and best-selling children’s books as well as documentaries.  Her books have won the Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for non-fiction, the Federation of Australian Writers award for excellence in nonfiction, a Whitley Award for popular zoology and been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia and National Biography awards and longlisted for The Nib Literary Award.

Danielle will be joining us over Zoom.

Mandy Foot
https://www.mandyfoot.com/

Mandy is an award winning, best selling author and illustrator of more than 25 picture books, predominantly with an Australian theme. She holds a Bachelor of Design specialising in Illustration from the University of South Australia, is an Ambassador for Raising Literacy Australia, a Role Model for Book in Homes, the Illustrator Coordinator for SCBWI SA branch (Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and a huge animal lover.

Adam Cece
https://adamcece.com/

Adam Cece is an award-winning author of children’s books, including the hilarious Huggabie Falls series, and an SA Premier’s Reading Challenge Ambassador. His mission, which he has chosen to accept, is to travel the country and inspire children to read and write, by sharing his journey, and his world of books and words, and delving into the process of writing and the structure of stories, and, most importantly, having lots of fun in the process.

Kelly Hibbert
https://kellyhibbert.com/

Kelly Hibbert is the author of Sebastian and the Special Stack of Stories, published by HarperCollins in 2018. Her first picture book, Fancy Pants, was published by the Little Big Book Club in 2016 and distributed to 42000 preschool children across the state and also gained a place on the long-list for the Speech Pathology Book of the Year awards. Kelly divides her time between teaching and writing, sometimes combining the two. In every spare moment, she enjoys exploring the foothills with her family, often speaking in rhyme even if someone asks her to stop.

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members

Are you new to SCBWI? Would you like to know more about how we work? If so, come along to our new member Meet and Greet event on Saturday 12th October, 2024. See all the details here!

Jane Godwin has been in the publishing game for over thirty years, as a writer, editor, publisher, speaker and mentor. Come along and meet Jane as she shares some of her experiences and lessons she’s learned along the way, and offers tips and suggestions for others in their creative pursuits.

Members are invited to join us afterwards for dinner with Jane at La Capanna, Kingston

Book here.

Jane Godwin is the highly acclaimed author of over forty books for children and
young people, across all styles and ages. Her work is published internationally and she has received many commendations, including the 2024 Pixie O’Harris Award for services to children’s literature.

Jane's most recent novels for 11 – 14 year olds are A Walk in the Dark and Look Me in the Eye (published by Hachette), and recently acclaimed picture books include A Life Song (Penguin Random House), illustrated by Anna Walker and winner of the 2024 ABIA Award, Picture Book category, and Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? (Hardie Grant), illustrated by Terry Denton and shortlisted for the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Award – Early Childhood.

Jane was the Children’s Publisher at Penguin Books Australia for over a decade where she developed, championed, and worked with many authors and illustrators. Jane has produced books for a wide range of readers, from very young children through to Young Adult and crossover titles.

Jane is dedicated to pursuing quality and enriching reading and writing experiences for young people, whether it’s as a writer, a publisher or a speaker/facilitator in schools.

An in-person professional development day with 2 days of online manuscript and portfolio assessments

In the Metcalfe auditorium of the State Library of NSW, join SCBWI creators for a stimulating day of professional development. Learn from some of Australia’s most talented kids’ book creators and publishing professionals, and gear up for a nail-biting pitch to the publishers. It will be fun, fascinating and a great excuse to hang out with SCBWI friends.

In conjunction with our creative day, we are offering 15-minute online manuscript and portfolio assessments in the weekends before, where you can receive feedback on your work from Australian and overseas professionals.

For those who purchase a Create and Critique-a-palooza ticket, you will have first chance at securing an assessment. You will be sent an email with the code for the critique ticket portal when you purchase your ticket for the in person event.

The Critiques will open one week later for those who would like the assessment only or would like to book a second critique.

BOOKINGS CLOSE 22 AUGUST

Create and Critique-a-Palooza In Person Event—Sept 7

Where: Metcalfe Auditorium, State Library of NSW
Time: 10:00am to 4:30pm
Ticket Cost: $75
Tickets: On Sale from May 2

Food: Optional $19.50 lunchbox. There aren’t many lunch options nearby and to reduce time searching for food, we suggest the lunchbox option offered by the library who will do their best to cater to your dietary needs or you are welcome to bring your own lunch. The café will be open for tea/coffee from 9:30am.

For those who purchase a Create and Critique-a-palooza ticket, you will have first chance at securing an assessment. You will be sent an email with the code for the critique ticket portal when you purchase your ticket for the in person event.

Online Manuscript and Portfolio Assessments—Aug 24 and 31

SCBWI Members only — SOLD OUT
$105 per critique and places are initially limited to one per person.
Click here to for more information about the critiques.

Tickets will go on sale from May 2 at 8am for those who buy a Create and Critique-a-Palooza ticket or from May 9 for those who’d like the assessment only or would like to buy a second assessment.

For those who purchase a Create and Critique-a-palooza ticket, you will have first chance at securing an assessment. You will be sent an email with the code for the critique ticket portal when you purchase your ticket for the in person event.

At time of booking you will be able to choose your preference from the available time slots and assessors. Critiques are non-refundable and non-transferable, so please choose carefully.

Critiques are 15 min with a publishing professional online via Zoom plus a written report*.

Pitch to Publishers—Sept 7

Do you have a cracking proposal you’d love to pitch to some of Australia’s leading kids’ publishers? Then the SCBWI Pitch to Publishers is for you! 

A limited number of members will be given three minutes to pitch their projects to publishers in front of a live audience followed by feedback from the publishers. This is a chance for you to get to the essence of your story and fine tune what makes your manuscript special.

Free for Create and Critique-a-Palooza ticketholders who are SCBWI members and attending in person. 

If you’d like to be considered for Pitch to Publishers, please carefully follow the guidelines and CLICK HERE to submit your application by August 7, 2024. SUBMISSIONS NOW CLOSED.

Program

10am—Library Opens

10:15-10:30am—Opening and welcome by Pauline and Susanne

10:30-11:00am—Digital Collage with Sean E Avery
Using a combination of traditional media for warmth and digital media for versatility, Sean E Avery builds and shapes picture book worlds and characters that delight critics and kids alike. Join him for a live illustration demonstration as he describes the digital collage process he used to create his bestselling, award-winning picture book, Frank's Red Hat.

11:05-11:55am—Creating Great Characters: Diversity and Family Dynamics with Alison Stegert and Kate Foster
Map family history and relationships to enhance your character, then dive into the dos and don'ts of writing underrepresented people sensitively and fairly. 

11:55-12:05pm—Readings

12:05-12:45pm—Lunch and Book Sales

12:50pm-1:20pm—Creating Great Picture Books: Putting Pictures to Thousands of Words with Cheryl Orsini
What I’ve learnt from drawing pictures and colouring-in for a living. Stories from the art department desk and the happy mistakes in my studio. 

1:25pm-2:15pm—Creating Great Series: Alexa Moses, Nathan Luff and Kate Wenban
Join successful authors, Nathan and Alexa, and publisher Kate, as they share their secrets about what makes a great series that kids love!

2:15-2:25pm—Readings

2:25pm-2:50pm—Afternoon Tea and Book Sales

2:55-3:05pm—Readings

3:05-3:35pm—Laura Harris: Storyteller, teacher, enchanter?  A great kids' book creator is always a great enchanter!
On distinguishing your writing and illustrations from a sea of sameness.

3:40-4:10pm—Pitch to Publishers: Laura Harris, Kate Wenban
In our final nail-biting session, watch SCBWI creators get their chance to pitch their projects live to two industry professionals.

4:10pm-4:15pm—Wrap up

Presenters

Sean E Avery—Illustrator and Author
Sean E Avery is a primary school art teacher, author-illustrator, and designer born in South Africa; living in Perth, Western Australia. Nationally, he is best known as the creator of best-selling children's picture books, All Monkeys Love Bananas and Frank's Red Hat. His picture book, Happy as a Hog Out of Mud, won the 2022 WAYRBA Picture Book of the Year Award and Frank's Red Hat won the 2023 CBCA Shadow Judges and WAYRBA Picture Book of the Year awards and was shortlisted for the 2023 Indie, Global Kids Entertainment, Taco and CBCA Picture Book of the Year Award. His books have been translated into Arabic, Mandarin, French, Korean, German and Danish. The first book in Sean's new graphic novel series, Ducky the Spy, published by Walker Books Australia, is out now.

Laura Harris—Publisher

Laura completed a bachelor’s in education before landing an Editorial Traineeship at the prestigious NSW School Magazine. Laura then moved to HarperCollins Publishers as a Senior Editor and then became Publisher. She joined Penguin Books in 1999 as Publisher and became Publishing Director in 2003, joining the Board that year as well. In 2016, she was appointed Publishing Director at Penguin Random House where she worked until 2023. Laura has shaped many books over her 35 years in publishing including works by Mem Fox, Aaron Blabey, Morris Gleitzman, Felice Arena, Gus Gordon, Melina Marchetta and Sonya Hartnett. In 2023, Laura celebrated 35 years in publishing and was a recipient of the George Robertson Award for distinguished service to the Australian Publishing industry. She launched Laura Harris Publishing in 2024. And while often asked, Laura has checked with her doctor, who assures her she doesn’t have a novel in her.

Alexa Moses—Author and Screenwriter
Alexa Moses is a children's author and screenwriter. Her books include the new series Twinning for 7-11 year olds, and the Michaela Mason’s Worries series for 8-12 year olds (Scholastic Australia). In 2020, her picture book Bat vs Poss was short-listed for the CBCA awards, and she contributed to the CBCA-nominated poetry book, A Boat of Stars. Alexa's hobbies include reading, going to the gym, eavesdropping on interesting conversations, and arguing with anyone who's game.

Nathan Luff—Author and Playwright
Nathan Luff is the author of The Nerd Herd and Family Disasters series and the middle grade novels Chicken Stu and Bad Grammar. Nathan is also a playwright, primary school teacher, and currently the YA and Children’s Manager for the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Kate Wenban—Senior Editor, Scholastic Australia

Kate has been working in the publishing industry for over 15 years, most of those as an editor at Scholastic Australia. In that time, she’s edited Australian picture books, middle grade illustrated fiction and junior fiction—including Ella Diaries, Minutes of Danger, Liars, Fartboy and Daring Delly. Kate also has extensive experience writing and editing books for major licensors such as Disney, Marvel, Nickelodeon and DC Comics. Kate’s academic background is in psychology, cultural studies and English.  

Alison D Stegert—Author
Alison D Stegert has worked as an innovative school guidance officer, a bumbling waitress, and an intrepid camp counsellor, but creating kids’ books is her dream-come-true job.

Her latest book, Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies, was published in the UK in July 2023 and released in Australia by Scholastic in 2024. The book is the result of Alison’s 2021 win of the prestigious international competition The Times | Chicken House | IET 150 Prize.

Ali heads up the Queensland branch of  SCBWI Australia East and the chief scribe at the Sunny Coast Writers’ Roundtable.

Cheryl Orsini—Illustrator and Author

Hello, I'm Cheryl, and I draw pictures for my supper. I've been illustrating children's books, magazines, portraits and painting a great many peg dolls for more years than I care to count. I've illustrated more than seventy books including The ABC Book of series (ABC Books /Harper Collins), The Travelling Bookshop series (ABC Books /Harper Collins), The Greatest Mistakes That Went Right (Affirm Press), Lucy’s Book (Lothian Books/Hachette Australia), The Fairy Dancers (ABC Books), Pom Pom, Where Are You? (Viking/Penguin) and Caravan Fran (Lothian Books/Hachette Australia). My work also appears on TV in Gardening Australia Junior, in magazines, murals and I'm a regular participant at the Sydney Writers’ Festival and Russ the Story Bus – honk if you love books! www.cherylorsini.com

Kate Foster—Author

Kate Foster is a children's author writing about friends, family, and dogs. Originally from a small town in the southeast of England, she now lives on the stunning Gold Coast in Queensland with her family and second-hand dogs.

She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks.

Her best-selling and award-winning middle grade novels are published across three territories and include PAWS, The Bravest Word, Harriet Hound, and The Unlikely Heroes Club. Her forthcoming titles include Small Acts, co-written with Kate Gordon and Camp Spook: Attack of the Aliants, a comedy sci-fi co-written with Pip Harry.

Kate founded the ASLA Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children’s Book Award, as well as Author Pen Pals.

Our Winter gathering at ‘Library at the Dock’ in Melbourne was our final official gathering of the year. Each event brings the audience inspirational speakers who are so generous with their time and their sharing of information. We had over fifty attendees who created an exciting buzz throughout the event.

The afternoon commenced with a warm welcome from Caz Goodwin, our Victorian ARA.

Our popular ‘Show & Tell’ segment featured fabulous members sharing their latest book release or award or other bookish news. Congratulations to everyone!

Our first member speaker and past ARA for Victoria SCBWI, was author Corinne Fenton. Corinne’s books are often picture-book histories of animals whose lives have become legendary. Her award-winning books include Lionel and Me, My Friend Tertius, Bob the Railways Dog, The Dog on the Tuckerbox and Queenie: One Elephant’s Story. Her titles Little Dog and the Christmas Wish and One Christmas Eve, were chosen as themes for the Myer Christmas Windows in consecutive years.

It was fascinating to hear about Corinne’s recent trip to Japan where she gave a presentation to a group of SCBWI members living in Tokyo. Corinne said the visit reaffirmed her understanding of the value of SCBWI and the opportunities that lie beyond Australia for SCBWI members.

Corinne then shared how some of her previous overseas visits to both SCBWI New York Conference and Bologna Book Fair, resulted in the scribbling of story drafts which became picture books, One Lone Swallow and Scruffle-Nut. I think we can all relate to sketching or scribbling when inspiration strikes!

Next, we heard from member speaker, illustrator/author Michelle Conn. Michelle’s debut picture book Raised by Moths, written by Charlie Archbold was awarded a 2024 CBCA Notable Picture Book and shortlisted for the New Illustrator Award. Her second picture book All You Can Be, written by Angela Casabene is a best seller in Australia and has sold publication rights internationally.

Michelle shared her processes as a writer and from the lens of an illustrator. She spoke about the highlights of her creative journey, including when her name was pulled out of a hat at a SCBWI Victoria event two years ago and how this has changed the course of her life as a children’s book creator. This lucky moment quickly transitioned into a publishing contract with other contracts soon to follow. We learned of Michelle’s early influences, her graphic design studies, becoming a primary school teacher and how picture books were a favourite tool in the classroom. Michelle’s passion for art and books never waned and whilst she was a teacher, she took one month of to experiment with how to create a picture book. Now she is making books professionally and one of her new releases in September 2024 is a debut as author/illustrator, The Christmas Star with Affirm Press.

Next, we enjoyed afternoon tea in the break out room overlooking Docklands harbour — an opportunity for people to catch up, network, meet new members while enjoying coffee with a delicious cannoli or croissant.

To finish the afternoon, Caz Goodwin introduced our guest speaker, Karys McEwan. Karys is the current vice president (and immediate past president) of the Victorian branch of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. She was a judge for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards from 2020-2021 and the Victorian Director on the National CBCA Board for several years. Karys is also a passionate secondary school librarian, bookseller, and the Education Advisor for the Melbourne Writers Festival. She has been a columnist for Books+Publishing and her work has appeared in library journals such as Synergy, Incite and Connections. She has also been on the committee for the School Library Association of Victoria (SLAV), Melbourne City of Literature Office, and the Victorian Premier’s Reading Challenge.

It was fascinating to learn about the differences between the State and National CBCA roles, the judging of the Book Awards and the criteria of the Awards.

Karys loved books growing up and throughout her life and while she didn’t imagine writing one, her debut middle grade novel, All the Little Tricky Things, was published by Text Publishing in 2022, and her second middle grade novel, The Paperbark Tree Committee, will be published in April 2025.

Karys generously answered questions from the audience before drawing two lucky door prize winners from the lucky hat. Thanks to Michelle Conn and Corinne Fenton for providing the prizes.

Thanks again to our wonderful and generous speakers Karys McEwen, Corinne Fenton and Michelle Conn. We always learn so much from every gathering and leave feeling inspired.

 And thank you to our SCBWI Vic Team, Caz Goodwin, Amy Adeney, Judy Watson, and me (Kaye Baillie) and a big thanks to everyone who joined us to make it a special afternoon. Mark your diaries for our next event on October 12 which will be a Meet and Greet for new members to chat with members of our committee.

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members

We've passed the halfway point! This year seems to be flying by. We hope this chilly weather is inspiring you to rug up and get creative! Our next event is not too far away, on Saturday 10 August.
 
Our guest speaker will be Karys McEwan, who wears far too many literary hats to be summed up in a few words - see her amazing bio below. Our member speakers will be author Corinne Fenton and author/illustrator Michelle Conn.
 
We hope you can join us at the Library at the Dock for another inspiring afternoon. See the link below for all the details and how to book.

Bookings and details here!

Join us for a fun and informal afternoon of drawing and discussion. Facilitated by published SCBWI illustrators with many books to their names, you’ll have the chance to share your work and receive feedback in a relaxed, friendly and supportive online environment. Please find details below.

This event is FREE but please register so we can send you the Zoom link. Open to all current SCBWI members from Australia and New Zealand.

CLICK HERE to register. (The time is 2pm Sydney time) You will be sent the Zoom link at the time of booking.

Submit your artwork for feedback

To ensure we can spend time giving feedback to everyone who would like their illustration work critiqued, please submit up to 3 images by noon Saturday 27 July 2024.

CLICK HERE to submit your samples. Label the images with your name and sequential numbers. Example: YourName1.jpg, YourName2.jpg

The illustrations can be finished or work in progress. Let us know when you submit if you have a specific question or area of concern with the samples.

SCBWI SA's Winter Workshop is back with an in-person event! To be held in the beautiful new Blackwood Library, with interstate illustrator and author Judy Watson, SA's fabulous picture book author Jane Jolly, and SA's fabulous picture book author-illustrator, Ross Morgan, followed by optional critique groups. Come and be inspired!

The workshops will run from 10.30am-2.30pm, with critiques running from 2.30pm-3.30pm.

Please select which critique group you would like to join at time of booking (or 'not applicable' if you do not wish to attend).

Book your tickets HERE.

CRITIQUE SUBMISSION DETAILS:

- Picture Book: Submit your manuscript or picture book dummy

- Middle Grade: Submit first 1,000 words

- Young Adult: Submit first 1,000 words

- Illustrations: Please bring your portfolio (printed or digital) with you on the day

Please submit to sascbwi@outlook.com by FRIDAY 12th JULY*

*Submissions will be shared to peers in your selected groups 1 week prior to the event - this will allow time for everyone to review each others work.

Book your tickets HERE.

Join us for a fun and informal afternoon of drawing and discussion. Facilitated by published SCBWI illustrators with many books to their names, you’ll have the chance to share your work and receive feedback in a relaxed, friendly and supportive online environment. Please find details below.

This event is FREE but please register so we can send you the Zoom link. Open to all current SCBWI members from Australia and New Zealand.

CLICK HERE to register. (The time is 2pm Sydney time) You will be sent the Zoom link at the time of booking.

Submit your artwork for feedback

To ensure we can spend time giving feedback to everyone who would like their illustration work critiqued, please submit up to 3 images by noon Saturday 13 April 2024.

CLICK HERE to submit your samples. Label the images with your name and sequential numbers. Example: YourName1.jpg, YourName2.jpg

The illustrations can be finished or work in progress. Let us know when you submit if you have a specific question or area of concern with the samples.

SCBWI QLD presents a sneaky peek into the fascinating worlds of audiobooks for kids and animation

Our upcoming online event features two special guests: Charlie Sanderson, a dynamic UK-based actor and voice artist, and Nick Rees, a Ludo Studio illustrator who has worked on the popular Bluey animation series and books.

We’re thrilled to introduce Charlie Sanderson, a British voice artist who will share her passion for performing books for kids. She’s been described as “characterful, playful and energetic.” Charlie will be speaking live from Derbyshire, in the UK and will include a tour of her spiffy home recording studio. We’ll get to hear her amazing range of regional accents and other cool voice artist tricks!

Charlie’s stellar audiobook performances include:

• Meridon written by Philippa Gregory

• The Bookshop at the Back of Beyond written by Amy Sparks

• My Name is Mina written by David Almond

• Her Majesty’s League of Remarkable Young Ladies, written by SCBWI QLD’s ARA Ali Stegert 

• Plus many more!

Charlie Sanderson

Artist Bio:

Voice artist and actor Charlie Sanderson lives in Derbyshire with her little boy Roo and their faithful hound Eadie Dog. Most of Charlie’s work happens in her home studio, where she records lots of awesome stories for young people and children. Sometimes Charlie works for grownups, but generally she prefers audiences of mainly kids, because they are significantly more fun than most adults, and have much more impressive imaginations and ideas. 

Charlie has credits on Broadway, NY and in theatres all over the UK. She sang at Glastonbury Festival back when she was a cool young person in a Drum and Bass band, and she has performed throughout her life in community settings with people who might not usually get to go to a theatre. Charlie loves storytelling, singing, comedy, writing and chocolate. 

Visit her website, www.charlie-sanderson.com, to sample her outstanding work.

We are so excited to peek into the work of Ludo Studio illustrator Nick Rees, who is part of the team behind the worldwide success, Bluey.

Illustrator Nick Rees

Nick Rees is an illustrator specialising in environment art and character design. Most recently, he led the background team on the global hit show, Bluey, and he has also illustrated the Where's Bluey books for Penguin.

Check out his Tumblr here.

Tickets $20. This event will not be recorded.

For the last four years SCBWI Australia East have held the Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards. The Award is managed by SCBWI Australia East and is funded by the Copyright Agency. Judged by some of the publishing world’s best, they gather to pore over submissions from incredibly talented SCBWI illustrators to choose the winning entries.

First prize is $8,000 to assist with the creation of a new picture book or graphic novel. Second prize is $3,000 and third $1,000. In addition, there can be up to two Highly Commended prizes of $500 each.

The 2024 awards open on May 1. So if you’d like your chance to have your work seen by Australian and international publishing professionals, click on this link to find out how.

To help you prepare your application, we have a special afternoon where you can hear from last year’s winners, who will talk about their craft and process, but also give you tips for preparing your submissions and share their secrets to creating a winning illustration project. You’ll also have the chance to ask questions.

This event will be recorded and the link will be available until July 1.

Program (Draft)

1pm-1:10pm—Welcome by Susanne Gervay and Nicola Evans from the Copyright Agency, who have funded this award

1:10pm-2:40pm—Let’s hear from the winners!

2:40pm-3pm—Susanne Gervay will update you on exciting SCBWI events coming up

Tickets

This will be a FREE EVENT but you will need to register so we can send you the link.

The SCBWI AustEast Team

Join us for an afternoon of connecting with our wonderful local SCBWI community. This event is free, but please book a ticket so that we know how many people are coming along. We look forward to seeing you there!

Happy autumn! Here we are, almost a quarter of the way through the year already. We are gearing up with great excitement for our next event, on Saturday 11 May.
 
Our guest speaker will be Meg Whelan, senior editor at Affirm Press. Our member speakers will be authors Nean McKenzie and Bernadette Green.
 
We hope you can join us at the Library at the Dock for what promises to be a fantastic afternoon. Follow the link here for all the details and bookings.

Join us for a fun and informal afternoon of drawing and discussion. Facilitated by published SCBWI illustrators with many books to their names, you’ll have the chance to share your work and receive feedback in a relaxed, friendly and supportive online environment. Please find details below.

This event is FREE but please register so we can send you the Zoom link. Open to all current SCBWI members from Australia and New Zealand.

CLICK HERE to register. (The time is 2pm Sydney time) You will be sent the Zoom link at the time of booking.

Submit your artwork for feedback

To ensure we can spend time giving feedback to everyone who would like their illustration work critiqued, please submit up to 3 images by noon Saturday 13 April 2024.

CLICK HERE to submit your samples. Label the images with your name and sequential numbers. Example: YourName1.jpg, YourName2.jpg

The illustrations can be finished or work in progress. Let us know when you submit if you have a specific question or area of concern with the samples.

Meet for a coffee at the Cedars Cafe and Tearoom in Hahndorf at the former home of artists Hans Heysen and Nora Heysen.

Afterwards, pay $5 to wander the grounds with the SCBWI SA committee and be inspired to draw or write, or pay $17 for a self-guided tour of Hans' and Nora's studios.

Reserve your spot today!

SUNDAY 7TH APRIL, 10:30AM-12:30PM

The Cedars Café and Tea Rooms

LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF THE HANS HEYSEN CEDARS ESTATE

HEYSEN ROAD, HAHNDORF

Reserve your spot today!

*Please note, there is no cost to attend the cafe, only for those wishing to tour the gardens or studios after. This fee is payed directly to the Hans Heysen estate.

Have you ever thought about publishing your own picture book but don’t know where to start?

This Self Publishing Webinar - hosted by Frances Mackay with special guests experienced in self publishing will introduce you to what is involved.

Frances has many years experience in the publishing industry, including self publishing so will be able to answer questions you didn’t even know you needed to ask.

The cost is $25 premium members and $35 others and is available to everyone.

Book here.

Join the SCBWI SA committee at Cafe Brunelli on Rundle Street for a catch up with fellow creators after a day of fun and engaging presentations at this years Adelaide Writers Week and Young Readers Day. If you're new to SCBWI SA, or thinking of joining, come along and meet the friendly team. Drop in any time from 4.00pm for a drink, or join us for dinner.

Book (no cost) so we know to look out for you: https://www.trybooking.com/CPFJA or click the button below.

FREE EVENT for Members and Non-Members

See the full Writers Week program and the line-up for the Young Readers Day here: https://scbwiaustraliaeast.com/events/2024/3/3/scbwi-south-australia-adelaide-writers-week-young-readers-day

Save the Date for the 2024 Adelaide Writers Week Festival’s Young Reader’s Day on Sunday 3rd March 2024.

Join the SCBWI SA community to support our kidlit presenters and enjoy a wonderful day of learning, creativity and fun! You’ll find us at the back of the Torrens Tent - we’ll definitely be the loudest people there!

The line up has been announced!

09.30am - Anna Walker: Snap!
10.00am - Story Trove: The Garden at the End of the World
10.30am - Kirli Saunders: The Incredible Freedom Machines
11.00am - Jason Pamment: Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures
11.30am - Carla Fitzgerald: How to be Prime Minister and Survive Grade Five
12.00pm - Alison Lester: The Magic Beach
01.00pm - BREAK
*01.15pm - Jessica Townsend: Nevermoor (on the North Stage)
02.00pm - Catherine Norton: The Fortune Makers
02.40pm - Kirli Saunders: Bindi
03.20pm - Amelia Mellor: The Grandest Bookshop in the World

Join us after for dinner and/or drinks - more information here: https://scbwiaustraliaeast.com/events/2024/3/3/scbwi-south-australia-adelaide-writers-week-dinner

Don’t forget the brand new YA night session on Tuesday 5th March, featuring Writing the Future youth poets at 5pm, Lynette Noni at 6.30pm and Gary Lonesborough at 7.30pm on the West Stage.

See the full program here: https://www.adelaidefestival.com.au/media/kbhhcnx5/aww24-program-guide-fv-digital.pdf

Join us for a fun, practical day of sketching and scribbling with SCBWI friends in the beautiful surrounds of Centennial Parklands, Sydney.

We will meet at the bells outside Centennial Homestead Cafe. (Make sure to meet at the cafe not the restaurant) The closest entrance is on Lang Rd.

We will be exploring the park and stopping at various points of interest to hear writing and drawing prompts. There'll be lots of opportunity to share if you'd like.

Feel free to bring your lunch and snacks but there are various places to buy food.

Click here for a map of the parklands.

In the event of wet weather we will decamp to Susanne Gervay’s home across the road.

Hope to see you there.

SCBWI Team

This fun-filled Comedy Clinic features children's author and funny guy, Dave Lowe.

Doctor Dave will:

• Dissect the elements of humour

• Diagnose common comedic complaints

• Excise flabby gags

• Heal fractured funny bones

• Dispense mega doses of comic relief

This is an in-person meeting.

$15, includes morning tea

Booking: Trybooking

Dave Lowe is the Brisbane-based author of thirteen children’s books and four plays. His ‘Stinky and Jinks’ series, about a boy and his genius hamster, has been translated into six languages and sold over 200,000 copies worldwide. Dave’s The Incredible Dadventure series follows the hilarious, death-defying adventures of Holly and her explorer dad. The first book in the series won the Teach Primary Award and the Lancashire Fantastic Book Award in the UK. 

For the stage, Dave has adapted Andy Griffiths’ Aussie classic The Day My Bum Went Psycho, as well as adapting his own book, My Hamster is a Genius, and two original fractured fairytales: Goldie! The Untold Story of Goldilocks and Cinderella and the seven dwarfs. 

In 2023, Dave released Rocket, a middle grade about 12-year-old Maddy, who moves to Central-West Queensland away from her soccer team, but still dreams of playing for The Matildas; and, with Hachette, the first book in a series for younger readers, Pixies vs Fairies. 

Dave has also co-written an episode – ‘Café’ – of the TV show, Bluey, and is working with Ludo on more episodes. 

Book Baby Showcase, BrainsTrust, and Networking - As Usual!

Join us - and don't forget your rubber chickens.

Join the SCBWI SA committee in the relaxing beer garden at the Walkers Arms Hotel for a catch up with fellow creators. If you're new to SCBWI SA, or thinking of joining, come along and meet the friendly team. Drop in any time from 7.30pm for a drink, or join us for dinner. Book (no cost) so we know to look out for you.

Bookings open on Wednesday January 17th.

FREE EVENT for Members and Non-Members

Dear SCBWI (VIC) members

We hope your year is off to a fantastic start! To help get those creative juices flowing, we have a great event coming up on Saturday 10th February.
 
Our guest speaker will be literary agent Jacinta di Mase. Our member speakers will be author Katie Flannigan and author/illustrator Jackie Case.
 
We hope you can join us at the Library at the Dock for an inspiring afternoon.
 
For more information and the booking link, click here.

It was so good to be back at ‘Library at the Dock’ in Melbourne for our first gathering of the year. Around fifty attendees enjoyed hearing from our three speakers and chatting at our networking afternoon tea.

Our afternoon commenced with a warm welcome from Caz Goodwin, our Victorian ARA.

We all love ‘Show & Tell,’ the segment where members can briefly present their latest book release or award news or other bookish news. Here are the members and their wonderful new releases.

Next, we enjoyed a personal and humorous look at the creative journey for member speaker, Katie Flannigan with her talk titled ‘A Decade of Lessons Learned.’ Katie is a published author and an illustrator. She draws on her health professional background when writing stories with a social-conscience element or she writes fun romps. Her illustrations have been described as quirky and humorous and she uses mixed media, handmade figurines and found objects to create her 3D dioramas.

Katie talked about maintaining the momentum of creativity and how writing can be a messy undertaking. She spoke about being consistent with writing and the importance of letting words percolate. She also shared her thoughts on seeking the muse.

Katie is the author of picture books ‘Christmas Under the Overpass’ and ‘A Boy his Bear and a Bully.’

Next, we heard from member speaker, Jackie Case. Jackie is an Australian fine artist represented by The Rebecca Hossack Gallery London/New York. She loves illustrating and occasionally dabbling in writing. Her debut children’s picture book as writer and illustrator is ‘With a little sprinkle of courage.’

Jackie talked about drawing from an early age, her training at RMIT and how frustration and failure finally led her to having her debut picture book published with a sell-out launch. Jackie shared the importance of pivoting ideas and styles and listening to one’s fragile heart.

After enjoying afternoon tea and a chance for networking, we heard from our guest speaker, Jacinta di Mase, literary agent, and founder of Jacinta di Mase Management. Jacinta talked about her work as a literary agent and shared ‘origin’ stories from many of the recent titles from her list. We heard how Jacinta knows what publishers are looking for. She tries to match her clients’ stories with the right publisher and then creates a pitch to give the stories she represents the best possible chance at acquisitions. Jacinta also spoke about enjoying copyright law and literary contracts. She enlightened us about industry changes, how the best books don’t say everything but leave room for the illustrator, and how she is a reader not a writer. There was plenty of time for a lively Q&A with Jacinta.

Before we finished up there were several lucky door prize winners who received prizes donated by our three speakers.

Thanks again to our wonderful and generous speakers Jacinta di Mase, Katie Flannigan, and Jackie Case. We always learn so much from every gathering and leave feeling inspired.

And thank you to our SCBWI Vic Team, Caz Goodwin, Amy Adeney, Judy Watson, and me (Kaye Baillie) and a big thanks to everyone who joined us to make it a special afternoon. Mark your diaries for our next event May 11 at Docklands!

It’s time for our annual SCBWI NSW Chrissy party and this time…it’s barefoot bowls! Join us for a relaxing afternoon of bowls, pizza and drinks in the sun as we celebrate the year’s achievements while making some fancy bowling moves.

Lunch can be purchased at the club (Vegetarian and Gluten Free available.) CLICK HERE to see the menu.

Tickets: $10 (This allows 2 hours of bowling.) Non-SCBWI members welcome!

Bookings close on Saturday December 2 at 5pm.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to be with friends over drinks and bowling….what a perfect way to end the year. Hope to see you there!

Christmas is approaching, and to celebrate, SCBWI ACT is having our Jolabokaflod Christmas Dinner. Join us for dinner and book giving! Bring along a new, giftwrapped kidlit book to exchange.
Please book a ticket so that have the right number for our table booking.