Who scored a Highly Commended and an agent this summer?

What a fabulous summer it's been for Scoobies.... This week, we're toasting the double achievement of Helen Dineen, who won a Highly Commended at the Winchester Writers' Conference and is now celebrating signing with the Anne Clark Literary Agency.

@aitcheldee

Southampton-based SCBWI member Helen Dineen has been concentrating on writing picture books, inspired by her two children and dog. She was awarded Highly Commended in Writing for Children aged 4-7 at this year's Winchester Writers' Conference, just before she received the offer from Anne Clark. 

“I am thrilled to be working with Anne, and am very pleased that she has so much confidence in my work as a new writer,” says Helen. She adds, “I joined SCBWI in early 2013, and have learned a great deal from the online resources like Word & Pictures and the Yahoo group (although I admit to being a skulker and not posting a comment myself yet!) And I was very lucky to join just before the Southampton goal-setting meet ups were started by Jan Carr. One of the main benefits I have had from my SCBWI membership is this chance to meet with other writers and illustrators every month to cheer each other on - or up if needed!” 

"... she establishes appealing characters and tells a satisfying story in a few hundred words."

Anne Clark says: "I'm so pleased to be representing Helen Dineen. I was immediately drawn to the combination of warmth and wit in her picture book texts, and the way she establishes appealing characters and tells a satisfying story in a few hundred words. Helen's presence as a blogger about children's apps is a significant bonus. I'm really looking forward to working with her!"

After such a exciting summer, Helen is looking forward to seeing what the rest of 2013 might bring! So let's say a big Hurrah! to Helen and wish her every success!

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Tania Tay is an ex-advertising copywriter and has been published in Sable LitMag. She is writing MG and YA fiction, and is on the editorial team at Words & Pictures.