New resolutions, new opportunities, new writer events

Well, it's a new year and I'm sure we all have brand spanking new resolutions. Perhaps one of them is to wade a little deeper into the realm of writing. If writing for children interests you, then the SCBWI-Houston chapter has a couple of events that range from a solid getting-back-to-basics Academy 101 to a special Editor's Day with five New York editors and a rare opportunity to submit your material t these closed houses to an actual cruise that you might want to try. The Houston group is a great writing group and they put a lot of time, energy and talent into their events. Yours truly will be at Academy 101. Sign up early. I won't be at Editor's Day but I've signed up so that I can submit some manuscripts. :)

ACADEMY 101

	SCBWI-Houston's ACADEMY 101
Location:	North Harris College
When:	Saturday, February 5, 8:30am
Phone:	713 840 7625
It's time to fulfill your NEW YEAR's RESOLUTION--do something for yourself--Sign up for ACADEMY 101: Part 2 SATURDAY FEB. 5, 2005! This all day event, designed to compliment Academy 101 features more of Everything you ever needed or wanted to know about writing and illustrating for children. Presentations by published authors will focus on writing, cover letters, plotting, picture books, magazines, non-fiction, fiction and more. Afternoon sessions for illustrators will focus on creating art for children's literature. Portfolio and manuscript critique sessions will give you an opportunity to have your work reviewed by seasoned professionals. SCBWI-Houston's website: www.scbwi-houston.org is a registration form. ___________________________________________ Editor's Day February 26, 2005 North Harris College   •   2700 W. W. Thorne Drive   •   Houston, TX 77073 Map – 2700 WW Thorne Blvd, Houston, TX 77073 Here's a rare opportunity to meet editors and submit to closed houses. Amy Hsu-Editor, Books for Young Readers, Little Brown--Picture Books Susan Van Metre, Sr. Editor, Abrams Books for Young Readers-Mid Grade & Teen Lit Doug Sanders, Editor, Marshall Cavendish Benchmark--Nonfiction Kay Olson, Editorial Director, Capstone Press--Educational nonfiction and fiction J. Elizabeth Mills, Associate Editor, Scholastic, Cartwheel--Very young fiction and novelties The speakers will explain the focus of their houses and will each accept one appropriate manuscript or proposal from those registered for the event. Submissions in unsealed 9x12 SASE will be gathered the day of the event and shipped to the editor. Manuscripts are limited to 10 pages regular format, unless specifications of an editor indicate otherwise. Art samples can include 10 letter-size copies. Nonfiction may be in the form of proposals. Catalogs and complete instructions will be provided at the January meeting for those who register. Seating is limited and has sold out each time for Editor Day. Cost includes a box lunch. Optional dinner Saturday night will be at attendee’s expense. Click here for the registration form. ___________________________

SCBWI Texas chapters present  Writin’, Drawin’, and Cruisin’ TEXAS Style
An All You Can Eat Workshop For Anyone Who Can Swim!

From:	SCBWI-Houston
:	Where The Sharks Live From Galveston and, hopefully, back,Galveston,TX
When:	Thursday – Monday, April 14 –18, 2005 Deposit deadline is Friday, January 21, 12:00pm
Phone:	1-800-bring a Life Raft
Carnival Cruise Line sailing out of Galveston on the ship Ecstasy (refurbished October 2004)! Texas style defined = You can eat your weight in lobster and they'll still give you dessert. The 4 day cruise cost begins at only $495 per person The conference fee: $120 per person for SCBWI members $170 per person for non-members Prices are per person double occupancy/inside cabin, all port fees & taxes included. Upgrades available. For Writers: 2+ days of writing workshops, small group critique sessions, manuscript reviews, and the opportunity to submit a manuscript to an acquiring Agent and Editor. For Illustrators: 2+ days of craft workshops, a portfolio display, portfolio review, breakout sessions for illustrators, and the opportunity to submit your work to an Art Director and Editor. To register go to http://www.priscillaburris.com SUBMISSIONS Writers: Submit either one picture book, one article, or one chapter from a longer work, in double spaced format. Include a cover letter with a short summary of your manuscript. Illustrators: Submit no more than 5 copies (8”x10” maximum size) of artwork (do not send originals). Include a cover letter with a short summary of your work. Submission deadline: February 15, 2005. SPEAKERS Jane O’Connor, Vice President/Editor at Large, Penguin Children’s Books Priscilla Burris, Illustrator & Author, SCBWI Board Member Sharene Martin, Agent - Wylie-Merrick Literary Agency Robert Brown, Agent – Wylie-Merrick Literary Agency Debra Sfetsios, Art Director, Simon & SchusterFaculty