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.)
Write Direction Meetings
⭐ WD Zoom Forward! (Formerly "The SW Write Direction") meets every second Saturday on Zoom from 3–5:00 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 [email protected].
🐴THREE SISTERS WRITE DIRECTION is relaunching to establish a continued SCBWI Oregon presence in central Oregon. The first meeting is to plan future meetings and place emphasis on the Write Direction as a social gathering for writers and writer-illustrators to provide connection and support. Contact Linnea for more information at [email protected].
October 9th 11:00am at Teal Tea and Art Lounge, 1024 NW Bond St., downtown Bend
☕ WRITE DIRECTION COFFEE HOUR – Portland Kidlit Coffee Chat - This casual meet up is looking for a new host who will choose a location and time. Contact [email protected] if you are interested.
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.
Plan your own Write Direction Meeting!
1. Get approval from The Write Direction Coordinator (this position is open, contact Laura Byrd 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 [email protected] 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 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.