2007 Past Events Our chapter is a busy one! You may have missed some of these 2007 events, but we hope you will attend future ones! SCBWI-MI Events October 12-14, 2007 SCBWI-MI Fall Conference Don't Give Up the Fight Gull Lake Conference Center Kalamazoo, MI The journey towards publication can be long and tiring battle, a fight against great odds. Yet the road does not have to spell defeat. With the proper training, tools, and determination, success in the writing ring can be yours. SCBWI-Michigan is ready to assist in your training. From a top-notch lineup of speakers, more professional critique sessions, peer critique groups, and a strong network of colleagues, this conference has it all. So whether you are just beginning your journey and need encouragement or have beaten the odds and are willing to share your success, we have a seat in the corner of the ring just for you. Speakers Michelle Andelman Michelle works as the East Coast representative for the Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Based in New York City, Michelle specializes in all categories of children’s books: fantasy, sci-fi, thriller, adventure, romance, graphic novel, and serious literary projects. She appreciates high-concept, commercial projects whether they’re edgy and gritty or sweet and light. Stories with authentic voices, magical realism, freak and geek protagonists, and fully developed plot lines catch her eye. Laurie Halse Anderson Laurie is a New York Times bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, she have earned a National Book Award nomination, a Printz Honor, and numerous ALA and state awards. Mother of four, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes. Novels include Speak, Catalyst, Fever 1793, Prom, and Twisted. Read Laurie's blog. Marla Frazee Marla teaches children’s book illustration at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California and works in a small studio cabin in the backyard under an avocado tree. She is the author-illustrator of Roller Coaster, Santa Claus the World’s Number One Toy Expert, Walk On! A Guide for Babies of All Ages, and the upcoming A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever. She is the illustrator of many award-winning picture books, including The Seven Silly Eaters, Everywhere Babies, and the New York Times bestselling book, Clementine. Allyn Johnston Allyn grew up in Malibu, California. When she wasn’t playing on the beach, she was reading. She is Editor-in-Chief of Harcourt Children’s Books, where she has been for twenty-one years. Her clients include Debra Frasier, Lois Ehlert, Mem Fox, Cynthia Rylant, Arthur Howard, Jeanette Winter, Keith Baker, M.T. Anderson, Marla Frazee, Ursula K. LeGuin, and Avi. Andrew Karre Andrew is the young adult fiction editor for Flux, an imprint of Llewellyn Worldwide. He has edited a variety of subject categories throughout the world of book publishing, but none have been more interesting or rewarding as those written for teenagers. Read Andrew's blog. Simon Rose Born in Derbyshire, England, Simon graduated with a degree in history and has lived in Canada since 1990. He is also a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature. He and his two children (a dog and a cat) live in Calgary, where he is active in the local community as a junior soccer coach. His books include: The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, and The Heretic’s Tomb (due in fall 2007). Hope Vestergaard Hope is a charter member of the compulsive rhymers club. To date, only one of her nine picture books does not rhyme, although she’d love to sell more prose. Hope grew up listening to and reading the poetry of A.A. Milne, Shel Silverstein, Ogden Nash, and others. Hope was a preschool teacher for many years before she began writing children’s books and educational materials. Her most recent books are What Do You Do When a Monster Says Boo and I Don’t Want to Clean My Room: A Mess of Poems About Chores (both with Dutton) Deborah Vetter A 20 year veteran with the Cricket Magazine Group, Deborah is currently Executive Editor for CICADA, Senior Contributing Editor for CRICKET, and Editor for Cricket Books. She has edited such works as Woolies and Worms by Stephen MacNeil; Chief Sunrise, John McGraw and Me by Timothy Tocher; The Princesses of Atlantis by Lisa Williams Kline; Scorpio’s Child and Flying Lessons by Kezi Matthews; Casebook of a Private (Cat’s) Eye by Mary Stolz; and several chapter books in Barbara Seuling’s popular Robert series. Opportunities at Conference Paid Manuscript Review Paid Portfolio Review First Pages Submissions Open Mike Peer Critique Groups Portfolio Display Silent Auction Book and Merchandise Sales Deadlines to Note Manuscript Review, Portfolio Review, First Pages Submission, Mentorship Application Deadline September 1 Conference Registration Deadline September 24 About the Facility and Directions Gull Lake Conference Center For complete conference information including speakers' presentation topics, weekend schedule, manuscript & portfolio review details, and opportunities (there is much you need to know!) download 2007 SCBWI-MI Fall Conference Information, a PDF file, 2.1 MG and 2007 SCBWI-MI Fall Conference Registration Form If you wish to have a brochure mailed to you, contact Monica Harris. If you have questions about the conference, call Janice Boyles 989-732-7940, or email Janice. For mentorship information and application, see SCBWI-MI Mentorship Program.   August 12, Sunday, 2-5 PM Shutta's Schmooze Ann Arbor Author and SCBWI member Shutta Crum hosts her annual Summer Schmooze for SCBWI-MI members and anyone interested in writing or illustrating for children. Bring a munchie to pass, any LIKE NEW books to donate to the Martin County Library in KY (No yellowed or worn books, please! These kids get enough hand-me-downs in their lives!), any give-away writing magazines, etc. that you want to pass on to others, and galleys, new art, new books you want to show/share with the group . . . This year you do not need to bring anything for the writing prompt. (Just your imagination!) Shutta provides drinks, paper products, plastic ware, etc. Address: 8941 Waters Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48103 734-996-8457 shutta@shuttacrum.com Directions have been posted on our email list michkids. If you are not a member of michkids and can not access the archives through yahoo groups, email Shutta. RSVP by phone or email is helpful but not essential. If you have a friend who is interested in writing for kids, please bring him, or her along.   May 17-20, 2007 Ann Arbor Book Festival Ann Arbor www.aabookfestival.org Copyright 2007, www.heidibooks.com Mark your calendars! The fourth annual Ann Arbor Book Festival is coming May 17-20, culminating in its spectacular Street Fair, Saturday May 19, from 9:45 AM-5:00 PM. This year's theme focuses on children, so it should be a great place for SCBWI members to bring their kids, make great contacts and learn new things. On Sunday, May 20, SCBWI-Michigan children's authors and illustrators Ruth McNally Barshaw, Shutta Crum, Susan Kathleen Hartung, Heidi Woodward Sheffield, and Lisa Wheeler will be featured in a panel discussion about their craft. for more info, see Children's Authors and Illustrators at the Ann Arbor Book Festival, May 20 (a PDF file) For the latest schedule of events, visit Ann Arbor Book Festival website. April 28, Saturday, 2007 2007 SCBWI-MI Spring Conference Growing your Story: from Seed to Fruit Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI Speakers Ann Turner, Author James Ransome, Illustrator Stacy Cantor, Assistant Editor, BloomsburyUS Erin Murphy, Agent, Erin Murphy Literary Ruth McNally Barshaw, Author-Illustrator Professional Reviews of Your Work are offered by Lottery Manuscript Critique Lottery Portfolio Critique Lottery Story Pitch Lottery: Something New! There will be opportunity to show your portfolio. Speakers' books will available for purchase. To learn more about our speakers, their books, the lotteries, and conference details, see our Conference Quick Links: Complete 2007 SCBWI-MI Spring Conference Information 2007 Conference Registration form About the facility: Prince Conference Center Driving Directions to Prince Conference Center The conference was terrific! Many thanks to our conference coordinators Ruth McNally Barshaw and Sandy Carlson. February 10th and 11th SCBWI International 8th Annual Winter Conference New York This is a biggie you won't want to miss! Full information online at SCBWI.org February 24 1:00 - 4:00 PM Networks Day: Nipping Back At Jack Frost Various Locations throughout Michigan Tired of Jack Frost chilling you to the bone? Need a winter pick-me-up? If so, make sure and attend Networks Day, Saturday, February 24, 2007 from 1-4 pm in several locations across the state. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet new and old friends, socialize, swap information and thaw out those creative juices. If you have published books or magazine articles, bring them along to share. There is no charge for this event and light refreshments will be provided by the host/hostess. (Contributions are welcome.) The event is open to anyone who shares a passion for children’s books. Contact the host nearest you and RSVP. If you have any questions about Networks Day, please email event chair Monica Harris or phone her at 269-353-4249. Locations, Hosts and Contact Information Please RSVP to the host at the location you will attend. BATTLE CREEK Sandy Carlson sandycarl642@yahoo.com ROYAL OAK Lindy Lenk ltlenk@comcast.net GRAND RAPIDS Scthoms@aol.com KALAMAZOO Monica Harris monicaharris24@sbcglobal.net CANTON Diane Telgen diane@neglet.com JACKSON Vicky Lorencen lorencen.bvar@juno.com LANSING Tim Bogar timbogar@sbcglobal.net (NOTE: NEW EMAIL) ELK RAPIDS Linda Egeler lindaegeler@yahoo.com ANN ARBOR Alicia Comer Astewart14@aol.com Read about 2006 Past Events