The Carmen Oliver On-the-Verge Annual Austin SCBWI Conference Scholarship is awarded each year to a children’s book writer who has the passion and desire to pursue a career in this industry. It is designed to give the winning writer a good foundation from which they can continue to learn and grow as a children’s book author.
In Carmen’s words:
As a former Austin SCBWI ARA, I saw and learned firsthand how important it is to be investing in people and how the opportunities to study craft strengthens you as a better writer and a better person. I’m a published author because of SCBWI and a large part of that apprenticeship was a direct result of attending Austin SCBWI conferences and my volunteer leadership roles in the chapter. I guess you could say I grew up and was raised by SCBWI. Along the way, I had many SCBWI members invest in me and coupled with my hard work and determination to get my stories right — I made it. In my early years, my family and I struggled financially. I wasn’t allowed to work in the United States for over eleven years until my immigration papers were processed. It was a very difficult time in my life. I felt helpless. I cut back where I could to find the dollars to attend as many writing/publishing SCBWI conferences as possible but there were many times where I had to let go of opportunities because I couldn’t afford to go. We needed the money elsewhere. My hope is that this scholarship will encourage another writer who might be struggling a bit financially to apply and attend the conference. Everybody needs a little help. Everybody needs a friend. And my friends at SCBWI helped me along the way. They were a constant in my life when there were so many uncertainties. This is my chance to give back to the organization that gave me so much. And to help another who might be going through a similar situation or worse.
Eligibility
Members and non-members in Texas are eligible. Pre-published, unagented writers only.