Serious about improving your craft? SCBWI's regional events provide opportunities for professional growth and help you connect with a supportive, creative community.
A FREE online social for SCBWI Members hosted by MD/DE/WV Regional Advisor Mirka Hokkanen. Geared mostly for illustrators, but authors welcome to jump in too. Hop on zoom to build community with fellow kidlit creators. Ask questions, share wins, ask for feedback on a piece you are working on. These sessions will not be recorded.
Come and listen to PAL authors and illustrators read their published book, and discuss their creative process. After reading, members are asked to share an online review of the story and/or request the book at their local library. This is a great time to come and ask questions from PAL members and give something in return. Register for this event via the google from link below.
In this informative, eye opening, and interactive webinar, author and early childhood educator Katrina Moore will take audience through an in-depth look into creating board books for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. She will break down their format, key features, target audience, and elements that make them stand out in a crowded marketplace, as well as give a behind-the-scenes look at the making of her Big Jobs For Little Babies board book series, from crafting through production. A Q&A will follow her presentation.
Join us for a lively discussion with three published authors as they discuss their pathways to publication and share their tips from along the years. We’ll have a full 30 minutes for Q&A after their talks, so this is a great time to bring your publishing related questions to the table. The panel will be moderated by our chapter regional advisor Mirka Hokkanen. This event will be recorded and a replay will be sent the following day. You’ll have 30 days to watch the replay.
Illustrators! Do you have a new project you’re working on and would like feedback on rough drawings BEFORE committing to a final? Join us Saturday, May 23rd, 12-1pm EST for our first open critique zoom hosted by MD/DE/WV IC Brittanny Handiboe. Don’t worry, the drawings don’t have to be perfect but do join with more than a thumbnail. Sessions will not be recorded so bring your notes and maybe a cup of coffee! Let’s work on those tricky compositions.
Join LaTasha Tucker, our assistant regional advisor, for this FREE virtual event on Saturday, June 13, at 1 pm EST. Together, we will focus on how to create powerful stories and illustrations that inspire our youth and highlight the joys of being seen, heard, and valued for our authentic selves. This collaborative session will not be recorded. So, show up with your iced tea, coffee, or lemonade and a story or illustration that you can work on for 35 minutes.
In person get-together in Olney, MD area. Location TBA closer to the date. If you would like to join us Sunday, June 14th at 2pm. Please email Naomi Milliner to RSVP at: [email protected]
Our Summer Spring Board session for Illustrators is going to be amazing: Step into the world of professional illustration with confidence in Industry Ready: Best Practices for (beginning) Illustrators—a dynamic webinar designed to help you bridge the gap between passion and paid work. Whether you're refining your portfolio or wondering if you're ready to start querying, this session will give you clear, actionable guidance on what industry professionals actually look for. You’ll learn how to build a portfolio that stands out, discover insider tips for getting noticed and hired, and understand the subtle but critical differences between “good” and “ready.” We’ll also review real portfolios and websites together, breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and how to level up your presentation instantly. If you’re serious about turning your illustration skills into real opportunities, this is the roadmap you’ve been waiting for.
Launch your query this summer! Over the course of three sessions on Saturday, July 11 book coach Sam Cameron will help you draft your query, synopsis, and start your agent research. You’ll finish the day with everything you need to stop stalling and start submitting.