The Write Direction
The Write Direction is an informal gathering where members meet to socialize and talk about children’s writing and illustrating. It is a support/fellowship/networking meeting. Often there are no guest speakers at The Write Direction. Nor is extensive critiquing done. These are always free! (☕ Some groups meet in coffee shops/restaurants where it is a courtesy to purchase something.)
Information
Who can participate?
1. Open to SCBWI members and nonmembers.
2. Anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed at SCBWI events for liability reasons.
3. Caregivers or facilitators for physically impaired attendees are always welcome.
Where are the meetings held?
For purposes of comfort and safety, gatherings are usually held in public venues (libraries, churches, parks, restaurants, bookstores, etc.).
What do we talk about? What do we do at a meeting?
A topic for discussion may be chosen ahead of time to “get the ball rolling,” but the object is to encourage everyone to participate. Input from attendees with experience related to the topic is always welcome. Or participants may attend an event together (e.g., a book signing, author appearance, etc.).
Anything else I should know?
SCBWI has a zero-tolerance policy against harassment of any kind. Any violation of this policy is actionable. Go here for more information.
Write Direction Meetings - 2024
⭐ WD Zoom Forward! (Formerly "The SW Write Direction") meets every second Saturday (see note above) on Zoom from 3:00 to 5:00 PM. The meeting is informal; we critique, and try to solve writing problems.
***If you wish to join us, see the link in the newsletter or contact Carol Bloemen at bloemen.carol@gmail.com
THREE SISTERS WRITE DIRECTION – Three Sisters Write Direction meets monthly, on the second Saturday of odd-numbered months for writers and illustrators to share WIP news, enjoy topic-focused discussion, and partnered critique time. Our aim is to provide each other support and community. Because of the Eugene Pinic on September 14 and the fall conference in Beaverton, our next meeting will be March 8th, 2025 at 1:30pm at Paulina Springs Books (252 W Hood Ave, Sisters, OR 97759). See you there! Questions? Contact Francine Rockey at francine.rockey@icloud.com
☕ WRITE DIRECTION COFFEE HOUR – Portland Kidlit Coffee Chat meets every other Friday from 10 am - 12 pm at Insomnia (Cedar Mills Location) 12535 NW Cornell Rd, Portland, OR 97229
Questions? Contact Niyyah at niyyahrhaqq@gmail.com
Plan your own Write Direction Meeting!
1. Get approval from The Write Direction Coordinator (this position is open, contact Laura Byrd or Lisa Gerlits for more information).
2. Choose a free location (a library, a community center, a café, etc.) and a date and time—one to two hours is a good length. Note: Gatherings are free to members and nonmembers alike, so it’s a good way to introduce people to SCBWI.
3. Please fill out this form for publicity purposes. Include a contact email and/or phone number. It’ll go to the appropriate people for the website if there’s enough lead time, and for the next NewsWorthy (see deadlines, etc. here.) if you give us enough notice.
4. Share your Write Direction meeting on our Twitter account, our Facebook page, or Portland Kidlit on Facebook, if appropriate. You may also announce it on Toad Hall, or other listserves where you can invite writers and illustrators.
5. If your meeting is location based, an email announcing it to people in that area can be sent. Contact our webmaster at beckylancekidlit2@gmail.com at least a week before you want the announcement to go out. Be sure to provide the text you want sent to potential attendees.
6. Report back to Laura or Lisa on results and it will be shared in the newsletter. If you take pictures of your group’s meeting, those can go in the newsletter too.