Colorado, Wyoming (Rocky Mountain) Regional events

Illustrator Connect: Mingle and Play

When: Sunday, August 3, 12:30-2:30pm Join your fellow RMC Illustrators for a FUN back-to-school Connect. We'll start with a bit of mingling, then around 1pm or so, we'll try some group activities including "No Look" line drawings and "Coloring Like a Kid". RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdf3E3W3kbpBCNyw3gBbJrCwTpECcautiBD1RHAygjfDz6grw/viewform

Illustrator Connect

When: Sunday, August 3, 12:30-2:30pm Where: Koelbel Library, Meeting Room A, 5955 S Holly St, Centennial, CO Join your fellow RMC Illustrators for a FUN back-to-school Connect. We'll start with a bit of mingling, then around 1pm or so, we'll try some group activities including "No Look" line drawings and "Coloring Like a Kid." RSVP here.

Colorado Springs Connect & Critique: Map your Writing

When: Sunday, August 10, 1:30-4:30pm Successful road trips require more than a full tank of gas and your favorite playlist. So does writing a successful manuscript. Learn how to map your writing in this presentation by Merida Bass and Catherine Dilts.  Remaining Time: Critiques, if interested, bring 8-10 copies of your work in progress (up to 5 pages or 1500 words) to share.

Novel Connect: Writing Sprint

When: Tuesday, August 19, 6:30 - 8:00pm Where: On Zoom Join us for our first writing sprint as Novel Connect. This is an opportunity to carve out some precious writing time for yourself. We will gather via Zoom for some words of encouragement and brief sharing before settling in for an hour of writing time. The last fifteen minutes will be for reconnecting and celebrating our work. The Zoom link will be sent to all who register a few days prior to the event, as well as with a reminder the day before. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEYuprwmP59WsJi6B_zT0U3ZkhMkgPRIbt9TXCYAcpyIXoZg/viewform Questions: Contact Tiffany Painter or Kelly Kandra Hughes at [email protected]

Western Slope Connect: Canva Demo

When: Saturday, August 23, 10:00am-12Noon Where: Zoom Jessica Speer will present a 30 minute Canva demo plus 15 minutes of Q&A. During the demo she will share how to create branded, vibrant social posts and reels on Canva as well as promotional materials such as book flyers, business cards, book marks, etc. She will keep it simple for beginners. After the presentation we will have critiques. If desired, please submit up to 650 words of your work to [email protected]. We will critique for as long as time permits. Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link a few days prior.

Metro Denver Connect: Giving and Receiving, Tips for Providing Quality Feedback and Sorting Through Feedback You Receive

When: Thursday, August 28, 6:30-8:00pm Where: Sheridan Public Library, Thersa Dando meeting room, 3425 W. Oxford Ave, Denver, CO Writers and creatives need support, and giving and receiving feedback can be a big part of that. In our time together, award-winning author Denise Vega will help us discuss both sides of that experience: What are some ways we can provide feedback that is truly helpful, whether we are new to the process or have been in a critique group for years? And on the other side, how do we sort through feedback we receive and figure out what to use and what may not be in service to our vision? There will be time to share ideas and learn from each other. We will give Denise the full time so will not be doing critiques in August. Bring a snack to share if you'd like! RSVP: Please use this form to RSVP. Contact Stacey Simmons or Jenny Johnson at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

Illustrator Connect: Portfolio Pre-Conference Prep

When: Saturday, September 6, 2:00-4:00pm  We'll be discussing portfolios, postcards and picture book dummies in preparation for the Letters & Lines Conference, BUT you can absolutely enjoy and educate yourself at this free Connect even if you don't attend the Conference. Bring your portfolios and postcards to share (but it's not required). No sign up required, just drop in!

SCBWI RMC Self-Publishing Connect

When: Tuesday, September 9, 6:00-7:30pm Where: On Zoom We will be examining the Lines & Letters schedule and talking about the exciting information that is going to be presented to help advance any self-publisher’s career.  We will also have very important news for anyone who has published a book during the November 2024 - October 2025 year! Don't miss it!  Ann will send the ZOOM link to everyone on our Self-publishing Connect list. If you are not on our list but you would like to receive the zoom link,  please send your name, email address and let her know if you have published before or are new to self-publishing. We welcome everyone interested learning  about self-publishing! Please email Ann at: [email protected]. Hope to see you there.

Boulder Connect: Writing Reviews

When: Thursday, September 11, 5:00-6:30 pm. Writing book reviews is a meaningful way to support fellow authors and illustrators. Together, we'll delve into the features of a strong, simple review. Beforehand, find reviews online or in print, noting what you like and dislike about them (and bring them with you). We'll discuss and then each craft a review. If possible, bring a small snack or beverage to share. Email Laura Perdew at [email protected] with questions. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYpVbP6b4acoXr5tatBPOhnOq_GVatlU2rSndPRvm_Y-Kf-A/viewform

Colorado Springs Connect & Critique: Using Theme to Craft Your Story

When: Sunday, September 14, 1:30-4:30pm Writers have many tools at their disposal when it comes to crafting a story, and one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—is theme. Join us as Ariane Peveto presents: Theme as Inspiration and Revision Tool. Move beyond limiting one-word themes and learn to use this tool to revise and structure your manuscript. Remaining Time: Critiques, if interested, bring 8-10 copies of your work in progress (up to 5 pages or 1500 words) to share.

Novel Connect: Find Your Conference Buddy

When: Tuesday, September 16, 6:30-7:45pm The Letters & Lines Conference is fast approaching! We spend most of our working time alone, but the conference is an opportunity to make connections and build relationships. Join us as we spend some time “speed dating” with fellow conference attendees. The goal is to have at least one friend for the conference, but you’ll probably walk away with many people who will happily share a table with you. This Connect is best in person, but if Zoom works better for your schedule, you can still attend virtually and find a conference buddy. Reminders and Zoom links will be sent to all who register several days prior to the event, as well as the day before.  RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEYuprwmP59WsJi6B_zT0U3ZkhMkgPRIbt9TXCYAcpyIXoZg/viewform Questions: Contact Tiffany Painter or Kelly Kandra Hughes at [email protected].

Letters & Lines

RMC Book Birthday Bash

During the "Dessert First" session at the Letters and Lines Conference, we will celebrate RMC creators who had a book release between October 20, 2024 and October 20, 2025. Creators with book birthdays during this window who have registered for the Letters and Lines Conference can attend the Birthday Bash for no additional charge. However, creators with new releases who would like to attend the Birthday Bash ONLY, without registering for the conference, will need to register/purchase a ticket for the event here. You must be an SCBWI member to have your new release included the Book Birthday Bash.