SCBWI Pennsylvania: West

Looking to explore your passion for writing or illustrating children's books? As a member you'll gain access to an array of helpful resources, including information on upcoming events, opportunities to connect with other professionals in the industry, and valuable insights on the art of creating and publishing children's books.

Join award-winning author and illustrator Anoosha Syed as she does a deep dive into the journey behind her picture books from development to pitching to the final art. Since every book project is different, she will compare the processes between three of her author/illustrator titles (That's Not My Name!, Lost Stick, and the upcoming The Salt Princess). Optional add-on Portfolio Critiques from Anoosha are available! 45 minute presentation / 15 min Q&A $15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members $60 for optional add-on Portfolio Critiques from Anoosha available for Members! (Limit 4) NOTE: ALL ADD-ON CRITIQUE SLOTS HAVE BEEN CLAIMED.

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is an approach to working with others that validates their experiences, builds feelings of safety and trust, and provides space for shared growth and empowerment. Commonly implemented in social work, counseling, and human services fields, TIC provides guiding principles for interacting with anyone who might have experienced trauma, but it's not "special treatment"; it's a form of universal design that can make any environment more welcoming and respectful. This workshop will first provide a background on the fundamentals of trauma-informed care. Then, we'll discuss ways to incorporate those principles into storytelling, as well as into author/illustrator school visits and events. Zoom Webinar / June 12, 7PM EST 45 Min Presentation / 15 Min Q&A $15 for Members / $20 for Non-Members

Sketchy Characters is a group of Picture Book writers and artists. We meet in person monthly for writing and sketching and exercises, coffee and casual conversations. Our illustrators work in both digital and traditional mediums. We also talk about upcoming event ideas. This is a supportive community of artists committed to the Kid Lit craft – join us!

Come mix and mingle with us at Margaux in East Liberty, 5947 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206. Cocktails, food, chatter and cheer will be in abundance! All members are welcome. Bring cash for the bar and for food! See you there!

The best way to get inspired to write is to read, and to read lots of different kinds of books! SCBWI PA West is launching a book club with a monthly online zoom meeting to discuss our reading. We would love to have you join us!