SCBWI Midsouth Mindset Reset

MIDSOUTH MINDSET RESET - Feb. 21, 2026

Mark your calendars for Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, and a special in-person and online region-wide MEETUP designed to help you reset your mindset about creating in the coming year. The Meetup will take place 1- 3 p.m. Central/2-4 p.m. Eastern.

Register HERE for the event.

Then on Feb. 21, join the event one of two ways.

1) IN PERSON at the following venues (you'll still need the Zoom link to join in person, so be sure to register at the link above):

• Chattanooga - Lanewood Studio, 2502 Cummings Hwy.
• Johnson City –Philosopher’s House, 117 W Fairview Ave.
• Knoxville - Powell Branch Library, 330 W Emory Rd.
• Lexington - Lexington Writer’s Room, 271 W Short St. # 202
• Louisville - Carmichael’s Bookstore, 2720 Frankfort Ave.
• Memphis - Geoffrey Redd Public Library , 5094 Poplar Ave.
• Nashville - Edmondson Pike Branch Library, 5501 Edmondson Pike, OR East Branch Library, 206 Gallatin Ave. (Pick whichever location is most convenient for you.)

2) ONLINE via Zoom if you can't make it to one of the above locations

The afternoon includes videos, live talks and community-building discussions from the following speakers:

Chelsea DiCicco presents "How to Stay Tenacious in a Slow-Moving Industry Fraught with Rejection"

Elspeth Lorraine presents "Pursuing Community"

Elspeth Lorraine is a writer, audiobook narrator, artist, cyanotypist, cat scratch fever survivor, and human living in Chattanooga. She is currently writing her debut six-book chapter series about two adventurous cats who fly around the world in a litter box, trying new snacks and meeting new cats, sold to ABDO Publishing and coming out in Winter 2026. Follow her @ElspethLorraine or visit her website ElspethLorraine.com

Heather Mahlinger presents "5-Minute Tai Chi Gung Refresh"

Heather Mahlinger is a children's book author and Tai Chi instructor based in Owensboro, Kentucky. She enjoys helping people experience improved physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, while bringing their life into balance through the ancient practice of Tai Chi. Heather's picture book, Taylor's Tangles, is available through online retailers, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and Books A Million.

Heather L. Montgomery presents "Sound Mapping"

Heather L. Montgomery writes for kids who are wild about animals. An award-winning author and educator, she credits SCBWI for helping her gain skills and confidence. Her recent nonfiction books include: Something Rotten: A Fresh Look at Roadkill, SICK!: The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs, and What’s in Your Pocket? Collecting Nature’s Treasures. www.HeatherLMontgomery.com 

Amy Murrell presents "An Experiential Flip Through Acceptance and Mindfulness Strategies in Kidlit"

Amy R Murrell is a licensed clinical psychologist and has authored approximately 50 peer-reviewed articles and chapters on psychological science. In addition, she has authored an evidenced based self-help book for parents (The Joy of Parenting, published by New Harbinger). She is the traditionally published author of a picture book series utilizing acceptance and mindfulness concepts (The Becca Epps Series; Shawnee Scientific Press) as well as a self-published author of a trauma healing book for parents and children. 

Mark Sloniker presents "An Illustrator's Take on Redirection and Inspiration"

Mark Sloniker is the Art Director at Animax. He is also an illustrator, character designer, writer and sculptor. He has self published 2 books and illustrated 3 books for other authors.