Can't make it to Brazos Valley? Enjoy our conference via Zoom! We will have a dedicated volunteer on hand to man the Q&A and you will receive all the same conference materials as in-person attendees, as well as the replay. Please note, IN PERSON attendees: will also receive the replay.
Quick Info
Registration details:
In order to register for this event you will need to have a Free Preview Membership or a Premium Membership. Be sure you are signed in in order for your member discount to be applied during registration. Learn more or sign up for a Premium or Free Preview membership here.
Registration fee:
SCBWI Premium Members - $60.00
SCBWI Non-Members - $75.00
Virtual option for SCBWI Premium Members - $50.00
Virtual option for SCBWI Non-Members - $70.00
IF you would prefer attend in person, please VISIT THE IN PERSON MFA IN A DAY EVENT PAGE to register.
MFA in a Day Schedule
9 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
FINDING HUMOR & JOY IN YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS
Workshop with Author-Illustrator Eliza Kinkz
Are you hard on yourself when it comes to creating? Eliza will go through exercises to get your artist's brain back on track to the playfulness, and excitement you came to creating as a kid!
This workshop is suitable for creators at all stages of their journey: beginner, intermediate and advanced authors and illustrators.
12:00pm - 1:30pm LUNCH
Order lunch in (more info coming soon), bring your own or eat out nearby! The Arts Center offers several interesting exhibits for inspiration and relaxation as well.
1:45 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.
ASK A BOOKSELLER
Q & A session with bookstore owner and young adult author Kalena Miller
Learn what it takes to make it onto the shelves of your local bookstore. Kalena Miller answers moderated questions from the SCBWI Brazos Valley team about running an independent bookstore. Find out what you should and shouldn’t do when approaching your local bookseller, what is hot in today’s market, and more. Submit questions ahead of time to [email protected] with the subject line “MFA in a Day Q&A session.”
3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
ALL ABOUT GRAPHIC NOVELS
Informational session with author/illustrator Drew Brockington
Creator of the Catstronaut graphic novel series, Drew will talk us through his process taking a graphic novel from idea to illustrated reality. He will also offer advice on preparing a graphic novel concept to pitch an agent or editor. This session will be full of useful information, whether you are an author, illustrator, both, or simply a fan of graphic novels.
4:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. Break
4:15 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
RESEARCH FOR HISTORICAL NOVELS
Author Darlene P. Campos
This session will cover tips and strategies on how to find resources for historical fiction writing. Archival research, interviewing, and library services will also be discussed. This session is useful for those interested in writing historical fiction as well as anyone working on personal and family memoirs and journalism students.
5:15 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Closing
The Brazos Valley SCBWI team will close with information on how to continue improving your craft including upcoming regional conferences and scholarship opportunities.
About Our Presenters
Purchase a professional critique from our faculty!
Eliza Kinkz, Kalena Miller and Darlene Campos have critiques available for purchase. Please see our Critique page for more details.
Price:
Critiques are priced at $60 each per SCBWI's honorarium policy. You will be prompted to chose an optional critique on the event registration page.
Dates:
Registration window: March 1st - April 11th, 2026
Submission Window: April 12th - April 26th, 2026
In order to allow attendees to incorporate knowledge gained during the MFA in a Day event, submissions will be accepted until midnight CST on April 26th, 2026.