SCBWI Pennsylvania: West

SCBWI Pennsylvania: West is an enthusiastic group of people who write and illustrate stories for children, ranging from picture books to novels for young adults. We welcome folks from all regions, whether published, pre-published or self-published, providing webinars, in-person events, critique groups, a book club and more. Our region's territory stretches as far east as Potter, Clinton, Centre, Huntingdon and Franklin Counties.

SCBWI PA: West will be hosting our second annual art show showcasing the amazing kidlit illustrators in our region! Come see the art on Opening Night, August 8 at 6PM EST at Artist Image Resource, 518 Foreland St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Now accepting submissions!

Canva is a powerful tool that anyone can use to create book trailers, Instagram reels, slide presentations, social media headers, and other graphics. With the free desktop version of Canva, this webinar will cover the basics of setting up a project, adding images, text, and animation, changing colors, fonts, and other effects, downloading or sharing your project, and more. Monday, Aug 18 at 7 PM EST / Zoom 45 Minute Presentation / 15 Minute Q&A $15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members

As an award-winning author of three children’s picture books, Leslie Eva Tayloe has queried publishers directly for the past five years without an agent. In this presentation, she'll share helpful tips onpreparing submissions, finding publishers, keeping records, submitting work, and query letters. Thursday, Nov 6 at 7PM EST 45 Minute Presentation / 15 Minute Q&A $15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members

Sketchy Characters is a group of Picture Book writers and artists. We meet in person monthly for writing and sketching and exercises, coffee and casual conversations. Our illustrators work in both digital and traditional mediums. We also talk about upcoming event ideas. This is a supportive community of artists committed to the Kid Lit craft – join us!

Come mix and mingle with us at Margaux in East Liberty, 5947 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Cocktails, food, chatter and cheer will be in abundance! All members are welcome. Bring cash for the bar and for food! See you there!

The best way to get inspired to write is to read, and to read lots of different kinds of books! SCBWI PA West is launching a book club with a monthly online zoom meeting to discuss our reading. We would love to have you join us!