Derbyshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Shropshire, Leicestershire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire
What We DoCRITIQUE GROUPSWe have two critique groups. One for Picture Books Writers and one for Young Adult or Middle Grade Writers. The dates planned so far for this year are as follows: All announcements will be made by email to the mailing lists and on the SCBWI Central West Critique Groups page. SEPTEMBER: Friday 14th-Sunday 16th (two nights). Stratford YHA Writing retreat for writers/illustrators. SOLD OUT for accommodation, but anyone can join for the rest, free. OCTOBER: Saturday 13th 10am -3pm, followed by Social 3pm onwards Picture book group –Critiquing (am) and session on Ann Whitford Paul’s Writing Picture Books and STRUCTURE (pm). Novel writing group: 10am-3pm NOVEMBER: Friday 16th-Sunday 18th Winchester conference (No local monthly session) DECEMBER: Saturday 8th 10am -3pm, followed by Social 3pm onwards Picture book group: Critiquing (am) and session on Books with underlying issues (pm). Novel-writing group: Topic to be confirmed for session; looking back over last six months and goal-setting for next six months JANUARY: Saturday 19th 10am-3pm Picture book group: Critiquing (am) and session on Rhyming and Rhythm (pm) Novel-writing session: Subject for session will be announced by the end of August. The session will include writing time, brief goal-setting and checking back on last month’s goals. FEBRUARY: Saturday 16th 10am-3pm, followed by Social 3pm onwards. Picture book group: SPEED-DATING WITH IDEAS (am and pm) Novel-writing session: Subject for session will be announced by the end of August. The session will include writing time, brief goal-setting and checking back on last month’s goals. MARCH: Saturday 16th 10am-3pm, followed by Social 3pm onwards Picture book group: Critiquing (am) and session on Strong characters in picture books (pm) Novel-writing session: Subject for session will be announced by the end of August. The session will include writing time, brief goal-setting and checking back on last month’s goals. APRIL: Saturday April 13th 10am-3pm, followed by Social, 3pm onwards Picture book group: Critiquing (am) and session on Humour (pm) Novel-writing group: Subject for session will be announced by the end of August. The session will include writing time, brief goal-setting and checking back on last month’s goals. MAY: Saturday May 11th 10am-3pm, followed by Social, 3pm onwards Picture Book group: Critiquing (am) and session on Twists (pm) Novel-writing group: Subject for session will be announced by the end of August. The session will include writing time, brief goal-setting and checking back on last month’s goals. JUNE: Saturday June 8th 10am-3pm, followed by Social, 3pm onwards Picture book group: Critiquing (am) and session on Self-Editing (pm) Novel-writing group: Subject for session will be announced by the end of August. The session will include writing time, brief goal-setting and checking back on last month’s goals. JULY: Saturday July 6th 10am-3pm, followed by Social, 3pm onwards Picture book group: Critiquing (am) Novel-writing group: Subject for session will be announced by the end of August. The session will include writing time, brief goal-setting and checking back on last month’s goals. Whole group together: Looking back over your last six months and goal-setting for your next six months Please note: SCBWI has a zero-tolerance policy against harassment of any kind. Any violation of this policy is actionable. WRITERS RETREATWe try to hold the retreat twice a year at the beginning of February and mid-September, at the beautiful YHA in Stratford-Upon-Avon. These weekends are always very popular as it feels a bit special, getting away from it all in peaceful surroundings, having a nice time with fellow writers, discovering new ideas and what great things they’re all working on. In the past, the Picture Book group have held events such as “PB Speed Dating” (of all things!). This is where everyone generates 30 or so ideas, pitches the best ones to the group to choose the strongest, before taking the winning idea away to write out for the next session. The YA/MG group have looked at different techniques, such as The Snowflake Method, with a view to developing tighter story core and plot, on both new and old ideas. Everyone has a great time, learns a lot and even has loads of time for writing… away from all the distractions at home 🙂 SCBWI has a zero-tolerance policy against harassment of any kind. Any violation of this policy is actionable. |
Hi, I’m Elton and welcome to the Central West region! In SCBWI Central West we provide a support network for both published and unpublished writers and illustrators. We hold regular critique sessions and events in Birmingham to encourage the full spectrum of talent – from novice upwards – so please come along and tell us what you’re up to. As we’d like to raise the profile of children’s books and literature in the region, please get in touch if you have:
If you’re not a member, brilliant! Tell us what your news is and maybe we can convert you into one! Here’s the form… just below there… can you see it? Good 🙂 Get in touch with our Network!
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