Pace Yourself for the Big Race: Networks Weekend 2011
February 25-27, 2011

Writing is a lot like running a marathon. You can't just wake up one morning and decide you are going to do a marathon when you've never run before. Writing for kids is the same way. No matter how good you are, you can't pen the great American novel in a day. It takes discipline, hard work, lots of practice, training, revision, revision and more revision, along with blood, sweat and tears to make it to the finish line (publication). In honor of the 2500th anniversary of the running of the first marathon, the theme for the 2011 Networks Weekend is "Pace Yourself for the Big Race." What is Networks Weekend? It's an opportunity to informally meet up with others who love children's books as much as you do! You pick the day and time during the weekend of Feb. 25-27, invite fellow writers to your home (or other location in your area) and schmooze for a couple hours.  You do not have to be an SCBWI member to attend, in fact, we encourage non-members to come and learn more about us!

Currently scheduled locations:

Battle Creek
Sat. Feb. 26, 1-3 pm
100 Minges Forest Rd.
Host: Catherine Bieberich
bieberichwoman AT yahoo DOT com

Bay City
Sat. Feb. 26, 1-3 pm
Alice and Jack Wirt Library
Host: Suzanne Klein
suzanne DOT r DOT klein AT gmail DOT com

Ferndale
Sun. Feb. 27, 1-3pm
2505 Pinecrest
Host: Margaret Mason
mhm AT prettybug DOT net

Grand Rapids
Sat. Feb. 26, 9:30 am-???
Kava House
Kalamazoo and 60th
Host: Wendy BooydeGraaff
wjbd AT sbcglobal DOT net

Houghton
Sat. Feb. 26, 1-3 pm
Portage Lake District Library
Host: Boni Ashburn
boni DOT ashburn AT gmail DOT com

Inkster
Fri. Feb. 25, 5:30-7pm
Gracie See Pasta Ria, (313) 359-0900
26734 Michigan Ave.
Host: Robin Morris, (734) 620-1335
*Food will be served at this event, $8/person for pizza/pasta and soft drink.

Lansing
Fri. Feb. 25, 10-12
Schuler Books and Music
Eastwood Towne Center
Host: Michelle Bradford
gardensow AT gmail DOT com

Ludington
Sat. Feb 26, 12-2pm
Redolencia Coffee House
119 W. Ludington Ave.
Host: Trinja Henrickson
trinjart AT yahoo DOT com

Pinckney
Sat. Feb. 26, 10 am-???
Bear Den Gallery
1877 Brandes Lane
Host: Lori Taylor
loonwoman AT gmail DOT com

Rochester Hills
Sun. Feb. 27, 2-4pm
Rochester Hills Public Library
500 Olde Towne Rd.
Host: Cheryl Adams
cadams2000 AT comcast DOT net


Ideally we'd like to have every part of the state represented so that no matter where you live, you won't be left out.  Won't you join them?

Contact coordinator Pat Trattles at trattles AT yahoo DOT com if you'd like to host!