WHAT’S ON June 2017

Events Editor A M Dassu looks at upcoming SCBWI events and shares all the details you need to know. 


Where there is a SCBWI network, there is an event. There’s always something going on around the country. Here, is a quick round up of what to expect over the coming months. Simply click on the links for more information and to book your place!

JUNE

What Makes a Best Seller with Barry Cunningham, Robin Stevens and Stephanie - London

From Winnie the Pooh to Harry Potter, from Tom Gates to The Hunger Games, what are the universal features of those children’s books that take the world by storm? And what role does marketing have to play in the success of stories such as these?

In this panel event, a high profile editor, agent and author will discuss these and other questions, followed by a Q&A.
Date: 13/06/2017
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm


First Chapters workshop with Claire Fayers - Cardiff

First impressions are vital, whether you’re entering SCBWI’s Undiscovered Voices competition this year or polishing up a manuscript for submission. Give your story the best possible start and come along to a writing workshop with former Undiscovered Voices winner, Claire Fayers.
Date: 17/06/2017
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm



A Creative Guide to Mindfulness - Edinburgh

Do you constantly find yourself juggling everything that life throws your way? Perhaps you have a non-literary career, are looking after children or caring for family members and just can't seem to find the energy for some quality 'me' time? Join Gwen Bedey as she brings a renewed focus and perspective to people’s lives by supporting their learning of mindfulness, whilst developing approaches to accept and providing the link to what we need to be kinder to ourselves.
Date: 17/06/2017
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

JULY


Manchester Panel Event: The Author/Illustrator as a Brand (Plus 1-2-1 opportunity for members) - Manchester

In association with the Manchester Children's Book Festival, SCBWI BI North West is bringing together a wealth of knowledge from all aspects of the publishing industry, including literary agents Penny Holroyde and Sinead Heneghan, editor Tilda Johnson and author and lecturer in literature and creative writing at MMU, Livi Michael. So, if you want to know the ins and outs, the hows and whys and the dos and don'ts of the business, they'll have it covered. And if you're daring to think about your art as a product, and yourself as a brand, this is the panel event for you.

Date: 01/07/2017
Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm


Picture Book Retreat: Picturing Words and Writing Pictures – Worcestershire (Fully Booked)

A creative weekend for picture book writers and illustrators on the River Avon in Worcestershire. Members will be waking up each morning and jumping into a creative workshop to kick-start their writing, explore new techniques and experiment with words and images. N.B: This event is now SOLD OUT - please look out for next year's booking opening in spring 2018
Date: 07/07/2017 - 10/07/2017


COMING SOON


London Masterclass: Plot and Structure: Translation software for your story - London

Based on the plot and structure techniques of bestselling writer, James Scott Bell, coupled with Christina Banach's own experiences of applying his guidance when writing her young adult novel, Minty, this seminar is suitable for the plotter, pantser and everyone in between.
Date:16/09/2017
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm


London Masterclass: Fiction Focus: Creating characters to care about - London

Characters are your story, but first we need to care about them. How do you write fictional characters, be they human or otherwise, that leap off the page? From story function to naming, voice to visual hallmarks, and that often problematic issue of character development, Piers Torday will discuss different strategies for writing characters who live long in the memory after a book is finished.
Date: 21/10/2017
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm


And of course the THE SCBWI CONFERENCE is on 25th and 26th November 2017! Watch this space for more information and booking details!

Feature image courtesy of Alison Smith

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A. M. Dassu is a member of the Words & Pictures editorial team, she manages the Events team and SCBWI BI events coverage.
Contact her at events@britishscbwi.org
You can find her on Twitter @a_reflective and Instagram @a.m.dassu