SCBWI

Society of
Children's Book Writers
and Illustrators

Iowa

Iowa

  • I had the pleasure of attending the DSM Book Festival this weekend and got to hear from so many inspiring authors. Our very own SCBWI published authors made up the Writing for Children panel. Including: Cindy Chambers Johnson, Katie Kennedy, Jenny Moyer, and Rebecca Janni. I compiled all the major tips the authors had to say into a list of the top 30 for you to look at. The top 10 being: 1. You must read, read, read! 2. There will be lots of books that won't sell (At least not right away). Keep writing! 3. Everyone's process is different. Don't worry! 4. Separate the writer from the person who wants to be published.  5. Be patient and take your time. 6. Write what you love and don't focus on trends. 7. Don't tell anyone your great ideas. It can stifle your drive and creativity! 8. Know your reader and your market. 9. Your mom and BFF are NOT honest feedback. Get a critique group! 10. Make connections and put your work out there. Thank you so much to our panelists for offering your stories and insight! If you want to read my full list of publishing tips from the conference, check out the article here: https://journeytokidlit.com/publishing-tips-from-authors-dsm-book-festival/   As always, happy writing! Contributor- Brooke Van Sickle- Webmaster, SCBWI-Iowa
  • ADVENTURES IN NONFICTION WORKSHOP PART II September 7, 2019 Early Bird registration will be July 20-August 3 Speakers: Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Author Miranda Paul, Author Carolyn Yoder, Senior Editor, Calkins Creek Books  
  • Learn more about how to sign-up here!  
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Welcome to Iowa

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Writing can seem like an individual sport, but it truly takes a team. Our region offers state-wide
conferences and local events that feature lessons on craft; industry advice; and connections to great agents, art directors, editors, and authors. Most importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to meet (Read More)

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EVENTS CALENDAR

2019 News & Events

Iowa Writers Blog- Read the Latest

Adventures in Nonfiction Workshop: Part II Early Bird registration will be July 20-August 3 September 7, 2019 with: Jacqueline Briggs Martin, Author- Miranda Paul, Author- Carolyn Yoder, Senior Editor, Calkins Creek Books at: Hiawatha Community Center, Hiawatha, IA
Autumn Prairie Retreat-Illustration ~Transform Your Pictures and Words- October 25 - 27, 2019- with: Maria Middleton, Art Director, Candlewick Press- Jessixa Bagley- Author/Illustrator and Autumn Prairie Retreat-Writing ~Transform Your Pictures and Words- with: Linda Camacho, Agent, Galt & Zacker Agency- Sarah Jane Abbott, Assistant Editor, Simon & Schuster at: Prairiewoods Retreat Center, Hiawatha, IA
Spring Conference  April 24-26, 2020 At the Marriott in West Des Moines. Details coming soon!  

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