General Information
General Information
The Orange County/Inland Empire Region (OC/IE), includes 3 counties in the Southern California area; Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside. We are known for our sunny beaches, snow-capped mountains and legendary desert oasis and for our famous attractions; Surf City USA, Laguna Beach, Disneyland, Palm Springs and The Real Housewives of Orange County. ??The OC/IE region features the following activities.
Spring Writer's Retreat - South Coast Winery Resort & Spa May 3rd - May 5th.
Meet the editors at the Spring Retreat;
Wendy McClure - Senior Editor, Albert Whitman
Sally Morgridge - Editorial Assistant, Holiday House Books for Young People
Kate Sullivan - Editor, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Andrea Welch - Senior Editor at Beach Lane Books, a San Diego-based imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Picture yourself strolling along a serene path through a tranquil vineyard. Our retreat location is tucked in the heart of Temecula's Wine Country. Day Trippers are also invited to attend. From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, the retreat includes the Friday Night VIP Reception, three author-led workshops, presentations by authors and editors, faculty-led round table critiques, a First Pages panel, manuscript critiques, coffee with the editors, Saturday lunch or dessert at an editor's table, and the Saturday night Fact or Fiction game. May 3rd - May 5th.
Click Here For Retreat Details and Registration
Annual OC Agent’s Day in March
The info and registration details up for Agent's Day went live today. Here are a few details on our speakers;
Stephen Fraser Literary Agent at Jennifer De Chiara Literary, Stephen has been voted top agent for both picture books and middle grade fiction. He has more than twenty-five years’ editorial experience.
Susan Hawk Literary Agent at The Bent Agency. Susan represents picture books, chapter books, middle grade and YA. Susan is actively building her client list. Literary YA and MG in the areas of mystery, sci-fi, historical fiction and humor, as well as author-illustrators are of particular interest.
Kerry Sparks Literary Agent at Levine Greenberg Literary Agency. Kerry represents picture books, middle grade and YA. She is looking for Young Adult and Middle-Grade fiction, both commercial and literary, with the perfect combination of a great hook and solid writing.
Taylor Martindale is a new member of Full Circle Literary, actively acquiring fiction and non-fiction projects.
Anna Olswanger Literary Agent from Liza Dawson Associates and Sara Scuito from Full Circle Literary. Once the critique spots have all been filled Anna and Sara have generously agreed to critique off-site any overflow picture book manuscripts that we may have. Though Anna and Sara won't be at the conference, your written critique will be available at the event.
This yearly event is held in the heart of Orange County at the beautiful Newport Sea Base. The program is filled with opportunities to connect with outstanding agents. Come out and join us at the beach and give your career the boost that it deserves!
For on-line 2013 Agent's Day information and to register on-line click here!
Annual Editor's Day in October
This fantastic event is filled with opportunities to promote your career, including manuscript critiques, editor pitch sessions, Friday night Illustrator’s art exhibit, portfolio displays, lunch with the editor, book signings, contests and raffles. Don't miss out on this fabulous event to connect with industry professionals! Expect to meet 4 or 5 editors at this one of a kind event.
Click here to see Upcoming Events
Graphic Novel Day (rotating schedule)
Graphic novels sales continue to grow faster than many publishing categories. But how do you write and draw a children's graphic novel? Are graphic novels a match for your creative aspirations? How do you submit a manuscript or dummy for a graphic novel? If you are interested in getting the scoop on this fast growing genre, than Graphic Novel Day is for you. Check calendar for dates.
Author/Illustrator’s Tea (rotating schedule)
Every once in a while we get together to welcome new (and recently new) members, celebrate members’ successes, and just chat over a cup of tea. This get together might include a speaker or we just might have an open Q and A with published authors and illustrators in the group. Check calendar for dates.
Schmoozes
The Writer's Schmooze is a great way to connect with your local SCBWI community of writers. We meet to share information on the business-end of writing, as well as the craft of storytelling. For information about upcoming Schmoozes visit;
Click here for information on upcoming Schmoozes!
Orange County contact Lori Polydoros at kidtales@hotmail.com?
San Bernardino/Riverside Counties contact Marilyn Cram Donahue sanayeh@aol.com.
For illustrators the SCBWI OC Illustrators’ Schmooze is a great way to rub elbows with your fellow artists. We meet to share on-going projects and to exchange ideas and info on the craft of storytelling with pictures. Come participate in topics and demos such as techniques, technology, publishing and self-promotion. Contact ;
Jennifer Gray Olson jgrayolson@gmail.com jennifergrayolson.com
Click here for more on Illustrator Schmoozes
Independent Critique Groups
Members may be added at any time to our Independent Critique Group list. Nancy I. Sanders will e-mail you a list of names so you can make your own contacts and get plugged into a group. Or if you form a new group, just let her know! You can contact Nancy at jeffandnancys@gmail.com
Join our Chapter ListServe
Members can sign up by sending a blank message to;
scbwi-OC_IE_LB-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
OC/IE Advisory Board
Regional Advisor; Francesca Rusackas
Assistant Regional Advisor; Q. L. Pearce
National Illustrator Coordinator; Priscilla Burris
Listserve Administrator;
Marlene Perez and Merrily Kutner
Communication Administrator;
Bev Plass
Critique Coordinator;
Nancy Sanders
Schmooze Coordinators (Writers);
OC - Lori Polydoros
IE - Marilyn Cram-Donahue
Schmooze Coordinators (Illustrators);
OC - Jennifer Gray Olson jgrayolson@gmail.com jennifergrayolson.com
Mailing Address;
SCBWI Francesca Rusackas
4195 Chino Hills Pkwy, # 381
Chino Hills, Ca. 91709