2010 Events

2010 MNSCBWI Annual Conference: Confessions of a Book Lover

© Sharon Wagner

Saturday, October 2, 2010 • 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
University of Minnesota Continuing Education and Conference Center, St. Paul, MN

Download a registration form

Read more about conference details and registration information

Message from Quinette Cook, MNSCBWI Regional Advisor:

It’s no secret that I love children’s books. It could be a beautifully written and illustrated picture book like The House in the Night or a heart wrenching and hopeful YA novel like Thirteen Reasons Why – two great examples of how the craft of writing and illustrating for children can transport readers to fantastic places while taking their breath away.

So it’s no surprise then, that the theme of our 2010 Minnesota SCBWI conference is Confessions of a Book Lover. This year’s conference includes keynote speakers Susan Marie Swanson and Jay Asher, and a line up of workshops that will entertain and inform.

Back by popular demand are First Pages for Writers and First Looks for Illustrators. We are also offering manuscript and portfolio reviews again – so don’t wait too long to register, they fill fast.

NEW this year, we are inviting SCBWI members to participate in the Book Sale and Signing. To participate you must: be a current member (writer alnd/or illustrator); register for the conference before September 17; and, have a book(s) published in 2009–2010.

Best writing and illustrating wishes,

Quinette Cook

2009–2010 MNSCBWI Mentorships

One writer and one illustrator will be selected as the recipients of this award. The winner of the competition isn’t necessarily the “best” submission, but one the judges feel would benefit the most from a mentorship program. The specifics of the mentorship relationship are determined by the mentor and mentee–mentors may provide critique, instruction, ideas, etc. through one-on-one meetings, email and/or phone calls.

Guidelines:
Applicant must be a current member of MNSCBWI.
• All applicants must include an essay, stating in 500 words or less why you should be selected and what you hope to accomplish during the year if chosen.
• Writer applicants, send the first 5 pages of your manuscript (double-spaced, 12 pt. type such as Arial or Times New Roman). Picture book manuscripts can be sent in their entirety.
• Illustrator applicants, mail or email 3 images (save as a jpeg file).
• These are blind submissions. Please do not put your name on any of your manuscript pages or illustration samples. Name and contact information should be included on a cover letter, along with the title of your manuscript or illustrations.
• Manuscripts and illustrations will not be returned – DO NOT SEND ORIGINALS.
• Submission must be postmarked by September 23, 2010.
• Please send submissions to Jessica Freeburg, Assistant Regional Advisior, MNSCBWI, 17418 Homestead Trail, Lakeville, MN 55044, jessicafreeburg@yahoo.com

If you are interested in mentoring in 2011–2012 please contact Quinette Cook at quinettecook@studio.com

2010 MNSCBWI Field Trip to the Minnesota Zoo

© Sharon Wagner

The Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd., Apple Valley, MN 55124

Illustrators and writers spent the day gathering inspiration from the various creatures and activities at the Minnesota Zoo either sketching, painting, writing, new story ideas, or practicing a creative technique.

2010 MNSCBWI Summer Workshop

© Nina Crittenden

Elva Resa Publishing, 1890 Wooddale Drive, Suite 100, Woodbury, MN 55125

Attendees learned more about working with small presses. Karen Pavlicin, an award-winning author and partner at Elva Resa Publishing, talked about the collaboration process used when creating children’s books for its general-interest imprint, Alma Little, as well as its main imprint for military families. Author, illustrator, and editor roles were discussed in the creative process and how those roles have played out in the creation and marketing of the company’s most recent releases.

2010 MNSCBWI Spring Workshop

© Stephen Shaskan

Stillwater Public Library, 224 3rd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082

Attendees learned how to see writing through a "guy's eyes," how to write in ways that spark a boy's enthusiasm, and how to incorporate that interest into a manuscript pitch. The latest studies on boys and the reading achievement gap was reviewed: why is the gap between boys' and girls' reading levels a major concern among health experts and educators? Why are the vast majority of reluctant readers and high school dropouts boys? This informative seminar was based on a session delivered at leading library conferences across the U.S.

After the workshop, attendees met for the 1st Annual MNSCBWI Spring Mingle at Charlie's Irish Pub in historic downtown Stillwater.

2010 MNSCBWI Winter Workshop

© Christina Rodriguez

Brookdale Library, 6125 Shingle Creek Pkwy. Brooklyn Center

Award-winning author John Coy talked about the steps involved before submitting a story to a publisher and ways to stand out when you do. Illustrator and designer Mareka Heinlen shared tips from her experience as a creative director to create eye-catching art samples, effective personal branding, and a strong portfolio.