Austin SCBWI
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
Who We Are
The Austin Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is the local chapter of an international organization offering a variety of services to people who write, illustrate, or share the passion for children’s literature.
What We Offer
- Regular meetings at BookPeople with special guest speakers. See Calendar of Events for details. Meetings are open to the public.
- Help for members in finding a critique group.
- A Member Directory showcasing our members' talents and successes.
- Mentoring for illustrators and writers through an organization known as AAMP or the Austin Avant-Garde Mentoring Program. AAMP is a network of successful kid-lit artists and writers offering support, providing guidance, and sharing expertise in a highly professional manner. AAMP amplifies a sense of community through a concentrated focus on craft.
- Community outreach including book signings and readings at local bookstores, working with public libraries and schools, and hosting a booth at the Texas Book Festival.
You can find more about our organization and how to join on our About Us page.
Picture Perfect! A Spit-Polish Workshop Featuring Famed Lisa Wheeler as Keynote Speaker
Posted in EventsMark your calendars for Saturday, October 9th when our Chapter will meet at beautiful St. Edwards University’s Fleck Hall in rooms 305, 306, and 307 to enjoy an incredible day at the page. The focus of this one-day workshop is to hone the skills required to spit-polish your fine manuscripts and illustrations to radiant perfection. We have gathered a fabulous team of highly successful illustrators and authors who, through presentations and/or valuable one-on-one critiques or portfolio reviews, will generously share their tips for publishing success! [Continue reading Picture Perfect! A Spit-Polish Workshop Featuring Famed Lisa Wheeler as Keynote Speaker»»]
Registration for the 2011 Regional Conference Is Now Open!!!!
Posted in EventsAuthors and Illustrators!!!! Registration for the Books, Boots, and Buckskin…our Austin SCBWI Regional Conference is now open!!!!
Download: Feb 2011 Regional Conference Registration Packet
February 18th and 19th at St. Edward’s University’s Ragsdale Center – 3001 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas 78704
Register now! [Continue reading Registration for the 2011 Regional Conference Is Now Open!!!!»»]
September 11th Meeting – Combating Aliteracy with Andy Sherrod
Posted in EventsMany teen and pre-teen boys are aliterate. That is, they know how to read but don’t because “books are boring.” But many boys do find some books interesting. Why only some? There are certain literary components that make up a good boy book. Learn what they are and infuse your writing with authentic male characters then go recommend a good boy book to an aliterate reader.
Andy holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts and a writer of middle grade historical fiction. He is a freelance editor and writing coach.
Texas SCBWI Chapter Authors! Advertizing Spots in the Upcoming “Texas Authors on Tour” TLA Sourcebook Will Be Made Available Soon.
Posted in OpportunitiesThe Austin Chapter TLA committee is busy nailing down the necessary specifics to compile Texas Authors on Tour: An author and illustrator sourcebook. This important sourcebook will be made available for distribution during the annual TLA Convention in Austin, April 12 to 15.
An advertizing order form will be attached to this website by September 15 ready for download and easy submisssion. [Continue reading Texas SCBWI Chapter Authors! Advertizing Spots in the Upcoming “Texas Authors on Tour” TLA Sourcebook Will Be Made Available Soon.»»]
2011 LA National SCBWI Conference or BUST! It’s Registration Raffle Time.
Posted in OpportunitiesNext summer’s National SCBWI Conference marked the 40th birthday of this incredible organization. Austin, you have to be there. No question about it…none at all.
What’s the LA National like, you ask? Why should you want to go? Just click on the link below, access the flickr slide show and you’ll see what we mean. See all of those beautiful smiling faces? Take note of the talent behind the podiums. Look at the brilliance paired up in those panels. Wow. The only person missing in those shots is YOU! [Continue reading 2011 LA National SCBWI Conference or BUST! It’s Registration Raffle Time.»»]
Update! Esteemed Authors and Illustrators to Participate in Diversity in Kid-Lit Panel Discussion
Posted in EventsSaturday, August 14th author/illustrator Don Tate, illustrator Mike Benny, author Varian Johnson, author Lila Guzman, author/librarian Jeanette Larson and others will participated in a not-to-be-missed panel discussion focusing on Diversity in Literature for Children.
The word is spreading! Check out this wonderful blog post by Adventures in Publishing.
http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/08/conference-round-up-representing.html
Here’s another by The Hate Mongering Tart.
http://www.ekristinanderson.com/?p=665
And Cynsations.
http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2010/08/cynsational-news-giveaways_20.html
Author Mari Mancusi to be Featured at Cedar Park Library
Posted in EventsSaturday, August 28, 2010 at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM come out to the Cedar Park Library located at 550 Discovery Boulevard Cedar Park, TX 78613 and join author Mari Mancusi for a discussion of the book Boys that Bite. The Teen Book Club is open to all teens ages 10-17 and meets in the Teen Zone. Come by the library and pick up your copy of the book in advance.
Hope to see you there!!!
Latest in Events
- Update! Esteemed Authors and Illustrators to Participate in Diversity in Kid-Lit Panel Discussion
- Author Mari Mancusi to be Featured at Cedar Park Library
- September 11th Meeting – Combating Aliteracy with Andy Sherrod
- Texas SCBWI chapters attend ground-breaking SCBWI art exhibit in Abilene
- Browse all Events
Latest Opportunities
- Texas SCBWI Chapter Authors! Advertizing Spots in the Upcoming “Texas Authors on Tour” TLA Sourcebook Will Be Made Available Soon.
- 2011 LA National SCBWI Conference or BUST! It’s Registration Raffle Time.
- Bedford Public Library Short Story Writing Contest
- WLT Hosts ‘Building Your PR Team’ with Chris Barton
- Browse all Opportunities




