The February meeting will be at BookPeople on February 13 from 11am – 12 noon.

Come join author Bethany Hegedus for a nuts and bolts approach to scene and structure. No hammer needed, or nails—just bring a notebook and get ready to examine Aristotle’s Incline and the 7 Key Scenes every book needs. Please be familiar with Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, (and who isn’t?) as Bethany will discuss the 7 Key Scenes used to build this gem of a book. [Continue reading February Meeting: If You Build It, They Will Read»»]

Lila Guzman’s Lorenzo and the Pirate (Blooming Tree Press) launched on Feb. 2, 2010. Hurray!!! We wish you oceans of success, Lila.

In 2008 and 2009, readergirlz worked with Guys Lit Wire and YALSA to facilitate the donation of 20,000 new books to hospitalized teens. This year, readergirlz also working with If I Can Read, I Can Do Anything and donating loads of books to teens on Native American Reservations.
 
Operation TBD happens on April 15 (which is also Support Teen Literature Day).  In addition to the publisher-donated books we give out, part of Operation TBD has always been for people to leave books in their own community — to secretly “drop” a book in a public space where a teen will find it and can read it. 
 
This year, there is a large scale effort to get more YA and middle grade authors out dropping their own books! Your participation is key! All you have to do is drop one of your books in a public location–some lucky stranger will be psyched to find it.

[Continue reading Operation Teen Book Drop – April 15th»»]

Established in 1985, the Highlights Foundation is a nonprofit organization which helps authors and illustrators who write and illustrate for children of all ages. We have genre specific workshops and working retreats year round. There is also a scholarship program available for our flagship workshop, the Writers Workshop at Chautauqua, and the deadline is quickly approaching. Applications must be postmarked no later than February 12, 2010. Please visit www.HighlightsFoundation.org or e-mail jo.lloyd@highlightsfoundation.org for more information.

On Saturday, February 20th our beloved Cynthia Leitich Smith will be presenting at the fabulous Houston SCBWI Conference. There are a few registration slots still available. Cruise on out to the Merrell Center in Katy, Texas and have a super time with our fellow Houston SCBWI’ers. You’ll be glad you did!

For additional information contact RA Vicki Sansum. Enjoy and write on!!!!

In efforts to meet the wide range of Austin SCBWI writerly/illustratorly needs,  three special events have been planned for 2010. Mark your calendars and, once regsitration becomes open, sign up right away. These events will fill up fast!

For the Advanced Writer (those that are published and listed, agented, have earned an MFA in writing or equivalent advanced training, or won major writing awards) on Saturday, May 15th a one-day Master Class/Salon with highly acclaimed author Carol-Lynch Williams. Event specifics and registration information will be posted on the website Wednesday, Feb. 10. Spaces will be limited!

[Continue reading 2010 Special Events!»»]