Saturday, March 27, 2010

Conference registration

Just a reminder.  Advance registration for the SCBWI-Dakotas conference in Sioux Falls is due on April 5.  All details are at http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/

The conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 10.  No blizzards this time, right??  Instead, we'll give a warm welcome to Chris Richman (agent), Lindsay Schlegel (editor), Chris Browne (illustrator/cartoonist), and Rebecca L. Johnson (author).

Specific questions about the conference can be directed to SCBWI-Dakotas Regional Advisor, Chris Rylander:  cdrylander@yahoo.com

See you soon!

Jean
(No longer Blizzard Queen)

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Spring Conference - Saturday, April 10

Although I'm no longer the SCBWI Regional Advisor for the Dakotas, I'm still spreading the news about the upcoming Spring conference in Sioux Falls on April 10, 2010.  The line-up of speakers is incredible:  an agent...an editor...a cartoonist...and an author! 

For speakers and registration/critique information, please visit the website:  http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/  

All the best,
Jean
http://www.jeanpatrick.com/

Friday, February 5, 2010

Speakers and Critiques - Dakotas-SCBWI Spring Conference

Hi!

The snow keeps falling, but the plans are coming together for the Spring Conference on April 10.

Here are the speakers (so far):

Chris Richman, Agent -Upstart Crow Literary
http://www.upstartcrowliterary.com/

Lindsay Winget, Editorial Assistant - Atheneum, Simon & Schuster

Chris Browne, Cartoonist and Writer - Best known for Hagar the Horrible

AND....

Critique opportunities will be available!  As usual, you are invited to submit a manuscript (no more than 1500 words).  This can be a picture book, first chapter of a novel, etc., etc.    The critique deadline has not been set, but I imagine it will be around March 10.  (In other words, it's time to get to work! :)

Complete information will be coming soon. 

Jean

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Dakotas-SCBWI Spring Conference - April 10, 2010

Hey, Everybody!

I know... It has been a long time since I've posted.  I've been recovering from the last conference...and gearing up for the next one! 

Here's the scoop:  The Dakotas-SCBWI Spring Conference is scheduled for Saturday, April 10, 2010, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Details will be coming soon. 

Meanwhile, some big changes are underway.  As many of you know, I will be stepping down from my position as Regional Advisor.  However, you will be in good hands with the new Regional Advisor and an Assistant Regional Advisor.

More later.  Stay warm!

Jean

Saturday, October 31, 2009

New Opportunity at Conference

Hi Everybody

Here's a new opporutnity!

As many of you know, Alexandra Penfold (Associate Editor at Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) will be leading a First Page session at our conference next weekend in Hill City, SD.
http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/

What does this mean?

In this session, she will read the first page of an attendee's picture book, novel, etc. to the audience.  Then she will respond, allowing the entire group to see what goes on in her head when she meets a manuscript for the first time.

Why is this a great opportunity?

This is your chance to find out how an editor responds to your writing.  I can't guarantee that she will have time to read all of the first-pages that are submitted, but it's worth a try.

What do I do?

Please bring your manuscript (typed, double-spaced) to the conference and put it in the First Page box.  On the top, include a very brief synopsis (one or two sentences maximum).  Also indicate if it is novel, picture book, nonfiction, etc.  Start the text about halfway down the page.

Remember . . .

Conference registration is due on Nov. 3.  The conference itself is on Nov. 6 (evening) and Nov. 7 (all day).  

For full details (as well as online registration options), go to http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/    Please use this website.  The old website has problems!!

See you soon!

Jean Patrick
SCBWI Regional Advisor, Dakotas
http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Media Splash in the Black Hills

Some of you may have seen the article in Sunday's Rapid City Journal about the upcoming conference on Nov. 6-7. 

But if you live in the Hills, great ready for another article that will be published today in the Hill City Prevailer

Thanks to Jen Fischer for the media splash!  For full conference details, visit http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/

See you next week!

Jean Patrick
SCBWI Regional Advisor - Dakotas
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Where are you from?

Amazing.

We're taking a risk by having a conference in a low population area...but get this.  We have received registrations from people in North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, New Mexico, Ohio(!), and of course, South Dakota.

That's six states!

Do you think we can get to seven?  (There's got to be someone from Nebraska...)

See you soon!

Jean Patrick
Regional Advisor - Dakotas
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
Black Hills conference details:  http://www.dakotas-scbwi.org/