Ignite The Spark: Open Mic + Creator Spotlight

Friday, Sept 18th 7 pm - 8:30 pm

Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Asheville - Biltmore West

Authors and illustrators of the Roundtable are summoned to the Carolinas’ favorite meet-up, Ignite the Spark! The ITS Team, Linda Gerber, Demetrios Liollio, and Becca Wheeler will host this interactive work-along session. Prompts will be shared and attendees will have time to create a micro-fiction story (250 words or less) or an illustration. 

Then it’s time to be brave! Step up to the microphone to share your work! Illustrators will have the opportunity to share their illustrations on the large screen.

Saturday, Sept 19th, 2026 7 pm - 8 pm

Conference Center of A-B Tech

Ignite the Spark invites attendees to participate in the ITS Creator Spotlight, a video project to highlight the work created during ITS and encourage new attendees to join in the fun! Filming will take place during the Saturday evening Portfolio Showcase Reception.

What to expect

• During your spotlight video, you will read an ITS prompt that inspired you and share the piece you created for that prompt (max 250 words of micro-fiction or an illustration).
• Videos will be posted to the SCBWI Carolinas social media and participants will be tagged. You will also receive a copy of your video to use for your own promotional purposes. 

Who is eligible to participate?

Any past or present attendee of ITS. There are three more opportunities to attend ITS between now and the event: 

• June 16th
• July 21st
• August 18th

You must follow SCBWI Carolinas in your SCBWI Member Home to receive the monthly ITS invitation emails.

How do I participate with the ITS Creator Spotlight?

• During registration for Author and the Roundtables: Agents/Editors/ADs Day, select the ITS Creator Spotlight option and the sign-up form will appear in the MY EVENTS tab of your Member Home.
• An ITS host will send a calendar invite for your scheduled filming time during the Portfolio Showcase Reception, and the onsite location will be listed on the invite.
• We will create videos for as many participants as time allows, and in the order of sign-up. 
• Participants are encouraged to wear solid colors or clothing with minimal patterns for filming.
• Don't forget to bring the short fiction or illustration you wish to spotlight and the prompt that prompted it all!