Congratulations Katherine Bassford!

By Charlotte Comley

I am so pleased to announce the publication of Katherine Bassford's first book Oh Sugar.

This is the story of how Katherine's first published book turned out to be non-fiction rather than her long-dreamed-of children’s novel…

"I always wanted to write novels. As a kid I used to sit for hours and write and illustrate books about fire-breathing monsters. But then I grew up and realised I had better knuckle down and do something ‘sensible’, like be a Supermarket Store Manager. (Yes, this was my first job. It was AWFUL).

Ten years and several soul-destroying jobs later, I was a personal trainer and healthcare copywriter. But I still dreamed of writing a children’s book. I had sent three picture book manuscripts to agents (all rejected). And I realised that if I didn’t do something drastic soon, I would be looking back over my life with one humungous regret.

So I took a deep breath, and in 2013 I moved to the sea, started temping in a publishing company, and began writing a children’s novel in my spare time. Twenty thousand words into my novel, the publishers threw me a curveball: I had been writing sample content for their health title, they liked my writing and asked if I would be interested in being commissioned to write a small book about the dangers of sugar.

My initial reaction was Me? Are you sure? I had been writing health, fitness and nutrition articles for years. But a whole book? Hmm… After a few days’ deliberation, I decided it was too good an opportunity to miss. (Plus I was sneakily hoping it would boost my confidence when it came to finishing my novel.)

I signed the contract and spent the next few months manically researching and writing about sugar. It was hard work but great fun; for the first time I felt like I had a real purpose. I was a little sad that my first published book wouldn’t be my children’s novel, but when I held a copy of Oh Sugar! in my hands for the first time a few days ago, and saw my name on the front cover, it more than made up for any disappointment.

Looking back on the whole experience, I’m so glad I took the plunge and went for it. For starters, I can now say I am a writer/author without feeling like a complete fraud! But more importantly, something inside me has changed. I set out on a mission to write a book and I did it. This has given me a huge amount of confidence. I’m now (excitedly) turning my attention back to my children’s book and I have an idea brewing for another non-fiction title. (This time it’s a book about writing, rather than nutrition. Phew!)

Website: www.katherinebassford.com
Blog: www.youcanthidethespark.wordpress.com 
 

Introducing our New Editors for Words & Pictures

It gives me great pleasure to introduce our wonderful new, volunteer Editors. Please put your hands together and give a warm welcome to: Louise Cliffe-Minns (our new Events Editor), Charlotte Comley (our new Celebrations Editor), Jennifer Lane and Julie Sullivan Winn (our two new Monday Features Editors).

Louise Cliffe-Minns ~ Events Editor

Lou has moved about a bit, she grew up in the North West, but then moved to Leicester, Cambridge, London, Northampton and Sydney. She now lives between the UK and Australia with her hubby and three kids who force her to enjoy the Great Outdoors. When not grappling with deadly spiders and chasing kangaroos she writes Middle Grade and YA fiction.

Lou has been an English and Drama teacher, briefed MPs for Keynotes, written content for E-learning and has dragged reluctant CEOs around prisons and homeless shelters. She has an MA in creative writing, has been a member of SCBWI BI since 2011 and is a part of the Muddle Graders on line critique group.

Charlotte Comley ~ Celebrations Editor

Charlotte is owned by a small West Highland Terrier who is used to getting his own way. In between his walks and caring for her adorable two children, she works as a freelance writer, professional storyteller and tutor. She's had eleven educational resources published as well as various pieces of fiction, non fiction and radio work.  

Charlotte is currently studying an MA in Creative Writing for Children at Winchester University. She enjoys writing for the five to eight and middle grade age range but she's excited about writing her first YA novel. 

Jennifer Lane ~ Monday Features Editor

Jenn has always been surrounded by books: you can't move in her house for fear of knocking over a stack or two. She's worked in libraries, bookshops and has even turned her hand to writing a few of them herself.

She studied an MA in Writing for Children before being represented by Curtis Brown Literary and Talent Agency. Born in Liverpool but now based in Lancaster, Jenn loves to ramble on the moors, watch wildlife and scribble things down in her notebook.

Julie Sullivan Winn ~ Monday Features Editor

Julie is American and has lived most of her life in Europe, mainly in France and Germany. Her four children all went to school in the U.K. and two still live here. She moved to London this year from Paris and is looking forward to working on Words and Pictures.

I'm sure you'll agree, what a fabulous bunch they are. Here's to a fun time working on W&P. Cheers, Nancy.

Celebrating the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and the Best Young Critics Competition

By Candy Gourlay

PIERS TORDAY. Photo: Quercus

I am the keeper of the SCBWI British Isles Brag Book. Right now, it's a bit out of date because I've been extremely busy (to be rectified soon!).

I mention this because this was how I became aware that Piers Torday was getting shortlisted for all the major children's book prizes.



On Thursday, Piers won yet another one: the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize for his middle grade novel The Dark Wild, a sequel to The Last Wild, in which a boy discovers he can understand animals in a world where animals are fast becoming extinct.

I've tweeted with Piers a few times but the Guardian awards evening was my first time to meet him in person (this being the age of social media, every event in real time is like a blind date).

Katherine Rundell, whose gorgeous Rooftoppers won the 2013 Guardian Children's Book Award, introduced the list of nominees, of which I am a proud member.

I only belatedly realised that the whole presentation would make a good video, so my film below is shaky and blurry and all kinds of wrong. But still - it captures the generous spirit and enthusiasm of the evening:

(Hear Piers' message at 9:20 on the video) 

Piers used his speech to criticise Education Secretary Nicky Morgan for declaring that the arts limited the choices of children, calling it a collective "slur on the value of the humanities".

"When you are writing for children, you are writing for the adults of tomorrow. They will make the decisions that inform and shape our society," he said.

"Reading a wide range of stories and studying them does not hold you back in life. It CHANGES your life. The very least we can do is give the children of today a literature that is worth reading and worth studying to make them wonderful human beings with opportunities and a life ahead of them, rather than just a kind of functional literacy which gives them tools and skills to become productive units. If we don't do the former, none of us deserve any prizes at all."

I was thrilled and hopeful when I heard that my book Shine was among the nominees (especially because the Guardian prize comes with CASH). I quickly downloaded the books I had not yet read and immediately realised it was going to be a tough fight. There are some absolutely stunning books on this list. So I didn't have to practise my gracious loser face -- I was just grateful to be introduced to such wonderful reads.

View the nominees for the Guardian Fiction Prize here

But the lovely company of authors and editors and publishers at the reception was not the best thing about the evening. The BEST thing was that the room was full of children -- alongside the Guardian Children's Fiction Award was the prize giving for the Best Young Critics Competition.

And here are the winners! Congratulations, you splendid young people!

Josephina Edwards, 12 who reviewed Shine by Candy Gourlay
Esme McNamara, 8, who reviewed Flora and Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo
Ekaterina Rahr-Bohr, 13, who reviewed The Diaries of Bluebell Gadsby: Flora in Love
Charlotte Walden, 12, who reviewed Phoenix by SF Said
Ella Harrison Coggins, 11, who reviewed We Were Liars by E Lockhart
Eloise Schaw Miller, 10, who reviewed The Lost Gods by Francesca Simon
Sam Miller, 15, who reviewed She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick
Auden Chamberlain, 12, who reviewed She Is Not Invisible by Marcus Sedgwick
Rosa Gatley, 12, who reviewed We Were Liars by E Lockhart
Maya Sales-Hyde, 13 who reviewed We Were Liars
Petros Bougheas, 10 years old, who reviewed The Dark Wild

Remember these names, everyone. You'll be begging them for their autographs someday!

The winners of the group category of the Young Critics are students from Nightingale Academy
Also highly commended: students from Ellen Wilkinson Academy (pictured in the video)

The Guardian laid out a feast of SWEETS for the winning young critics. It made my teeth ache to look at it.

Thank you to the judges (on my list of favourite authors!): Frank Cottrell Boyce, Katherine Rundell and Gillian Cross. And thank you to the Guardian for keeping the faith with children's books.

(And Piers, your SCBWI membership lapsed just the other day. Please come back ... all is forgiven!)

Congratulations to Anne-Marie, an Outstanding SCBWI Volunteer!

@annemarieperks

It is such a joy to wish many many congratulations to the lovely Anne-Marie Perks, who has won this year's SCBWI British Isles Outstanding Contribution Award!

The Outstanding Contribution Award recognises a special volunteer, somebody who embodies the welcoming and supportive spirit of SCBWI and has made an outstanding contribution to shaping and growing our chapter.

Anne Marie has been firmly putting the I in SCBWI since it first took root in the British Isles. 

As Illustrator Coordinator she has worked tirelessly to promote and champion the contribution of the illustrators in the chapter.

Anne-Marie has created a successful series of events and opportunities for illustrators including the long running illustrator Masterclass series, the innovative Picture Book retreat and of course the Illustrator's side of the conference. She is a careful organiser keeping her smile and an open mind as she manages the difficult balance between work deadlines and the demands of an increasingly active illustrator membership.

It is thanks to her that illustrators continue to remain part of the heart of SCBWI

She also manages a small but steadily growing team of illustrators who share her vision.
In the spirit of this award, Anne-Marie is also generous with her time, experience and knowledge with a range of members, while working as a professional illustrator and a university lecturer. Not only that, Anne Marie also brings Words & Pictures readers the wonderful featured illustrators who make W&P so splendid!

It is thanks to her that illustrators continue to remain part of the heart of SCBWI.

Thank you Anne-Marie for all the years you've made an outstanding contribution!

At the conference, Anne-Marie was presented with her award in the best Oscar style - by video! We hope to embed the video here just as soon as we've tracked it down. So very soon please do watch this space!

We'd love to celebrate a new Celebrations Editor - could it be you?

Sharing members' good news by editing W&P's Saturday morning Celebrations is a lovely job - everyone loves you!
If you're a @SCBWI_BI member,  have a sunny disposition, spend more time than is good for you on Facebook and can deliver members' good news with lots of joy, virtual cake and fizz, please do study this card!

Click to enlarge

Very much looking forward to hearing from you !

Marie Basting, Our New Networks Coordinator!

Marie Basting
@riewriting

SCBWI British Isles has a new Networks Coordinator!
The British Isles chapter is currently divided into ten area networks and SCBWI writer, Marie Basting has stepped up to coordinate SCBWIs from the south west of England to the south east of Scotland!

About Marie

After many years of working as a Change Manager, Marie decided she fancied a change herself. So she took redundancy and signed up for the MA Creative Writing at Manchester Writing School. Marie is now in her second year of the course, and as well as the academic side of things, has enjoyed being involved in delivering a range of creative writing and educational activities to school children as a University Ambassador.

Marie lives in Manchester with her husband, son and a stuffed koala called Tommy. She is currently working on two main projects. A chapter book for 7-9 year-olds, which she is rewriting for the six millionth time and a Young Adult novel set in 1990, which is based on her family’s appeal to free her Dad when he was a hostage in Iraq. At the time Marie was a student in Nottingham, so the novel is a bit Skins takes on Saddam Hussein. If she’s had enough wine at Winchester, she’ll probably tell some of you about it.

Marie says...

I’m really excited to have joined the regional team as Networks Coordinator. There are so many great things happening in our Networks already, and I’m looking forward to working with the Network Organisers to develop this further. I’ve spent the last few weeks getting to know the team and I’m so pleased to be working with such an amazing bunch. We’ll be meeting in Winchester, before the conference, to talk about our plans for the Networks in 2015.

Over the coming months I’ll be looking to try and ensure that the Networks support the wider development agenda for the British Chapter of the SCBWI. It would be great to get the Networks more involved in delivering activity for our published authors and I’ll be talking with the Pulse Team about how we might do this. I’ll also be looking at our links with potential partner organisations, for example Universities and festivals, with a view to strengthening our local presence.

Finally, I’m keen to look at how we can build a stronger presence in the areas where we haven’t yet developed any local activity. I’m particularly interested in how we can support and involve members in some of our less densely populated areas, where because of geography face to face meetings might not be practical. Technology permitting, I’ll be exploring options such as on-line buddying or localised chat groups.

Effective communication and collaboration is a theme that cuts across all of these agendas and I’ll be working hard to build on our already strong relationship with members. I’d love to hear from you if you have any thoughts on how can develop Network activity.

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You can find out more about Marie via her blog http://riewriting.wordpress.com/ which you may have seen appearing in the Ten-Minute Blog Break.

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Huge Congratulations to Sally!

Charge your glasses and celebrate with SCBWI volunteer, Space on the Book Shelf Blogger and, among other competition successes, UV2012 Honorary Mention, Sally Poyton!

Sally has signed with Literary Agent Shelley Instone. Especially wonderful as Sally struggles with dyslexia. She wrote this beautifully candid post for W&P last year. We're delighted how Sally's persistence has paid off!

Over to Sally for how it happened...


I started writing in 2007. Like many writers, I stayed in the writer’s cupboard for a few years until I was coaxed out by other likeminded folk when I joined my first critique group. Since then I have embraced writing life, joining and volunteering for SCBWI. Like every aspiring writer, I have beavered away furiously; writing, editing, polishing, blogging and submitting. And like every writer I soon came to expect rejection, and despite trying to be the metaphoric rhinoceros, found each one would dip me down on the yo-yo of despair, to be pulled back with renewed hope (or stubbornness) to continue submitting.

In September, I stumbled on a new agent, Shelley Instone, and after researching her and finding she had worked with fellow SCBWIer, and UV12 Honorary Mention, Lara Williamson on her Début Novel A Boy Called Hope, I swiftly submitted. I then sat back with the expectation of a long wait and a lovely thank you but no response, to find three days later an e-mail from Shelley asking to see other work, and a request to meet up.

After I met Shelley, I quickly put my autograph on the contract and poured a rather large glass of something bubbly.

Being somewhat of a spreadsheet fanatic, I've kept records of all my submissions; here is my writing journey, to the point of signing with Shelley in numbers…

Books written – 2 Novels, I Novella, 5 Picture Book Texts

Agent Submissions – 31

Agent Requests for Full Manuscripts – 7

Agent Rejections – 30

Agent Signed - 1

Publisher Submissions – 7

Publisher Requests for Full Manuscripts – 7

Publisher Rejections – 6 (still waiting on one)

Competitions entered -10

Competitions won – 1

Competitions Long-listing – 2 (The Times Chicken House 2013 & 2014)

Competitions Honorary Mentions – 2 (Undiscovered Voices 2012 & Winchesters Writers Conference 2012)

Congratulations Sally, you're an inspiration!

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Hooray for Honorary Dave!

@iamdavegray

This week we're delighted to celebrate with Dave Gray for his Honorary Mention in this year's Margaret Carey Conference Scholarship. Dave's a busy illustrator so when my request for a few words about their success went out to the winners and Honorary Mentions, Dave was too snowed under to respond but deadlines pass, so it's wonderful to be able to catch up with him this week and say many congratulations, Dave!




Dave's work should be familiar, because until only a few weeks ago, as featured illustrator , he provided W&P with this story-filled banner...

Who is the shadowy figure? What is that landscape? Where are they going? Are they rescuing the bear?

Dave had this to say about this latest affirmation:

I’m so pleased to have have been given an honorary mention for The Margaret Carey Scholarship 2014.Thanks to everyone who has enabled this to happen. I’ve been tinkering with manuscripts and doodles in between design and illustration jobs for a few years now but it’s only lately that I’ve started to feel like it’s all finally coming together.
I entered a few of my picture book illustrations for the scholarship but I know that the competition is stiff so wasn’t expecting too much. The honorary mention feels like a huge endorsement and indication that I’m moving in the right direction and hopefully getting closer to being published. When I do, I’ll buy you all a drink!

 We'd love to see more of your work in print Dave, here's hoping you're now just a tiny step away!

Congratulations Dave!

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The Margaret Carey Scholarship Winners and Honorary Mentions 2014

Margaret Carey was a talented writer and illustrator and an  Undiscovered Voices winner in 2008. For many years, she organised events for both authors and illustrators in SCBWI British Isles with verve and passion. Her volunteering and amazingly generous spirit was recognized in 2010 when she received the inaugural SCBWI British Isles Outstanding Contribution Award. 

This Conference Scholarship was set up in memory of Margaret’s life as a children’s writer and illustrator and her large contribution to SCBWI British Isles.

Words & Pictures is delighted to celebrate with this years two winners Kim Hutson and Ali Oxtoby and four honorary mentions Emma George, Allison Friebertshauser Yasmin Finch and Dave Gray. Here are some of their reactions to the news…

Kim Hutson

@WineCrucifix

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!

My entry for the Margaret Carey scholarship was sent on a bit of a whim and in quite a rush. I didn’t think I stood a chance of winning but I thought I might as well enter. I was actually at quite a low point in the writing process – that point where you are convinced that it has all been a waste of time and everything you write is rubbish (I’m sure everyone knows that point well) so I flung in my entry and went away for the weekend. I was absolutely blown away when I was informed that I had won!

My book, The Times and Life of Mr M, is a story about a boy called Tom and his adventures with the enigmatic Mr M – a Victorian time travelling inventor. There’s pickpocketing, old rivalries, an asylum and even a dinosaur but the story is really about loyalty, family and trust.
Winning the scholarship has given me just the boost I needed and has given me confidence in my work. And, most importantly, it means that I can go to the SCBWI conference, which I could never have afforded otherwise. I can’t wait!
(Kim has just set up an author Facebook page.)

Ali Oxtoby

When I submitted my script for the Margaret Carey Award, I let go of the outcome. It's something I try and do, as it helps keep me sane. So the email telling me I was a winner was a wonderful surprise. I still can't quite believe it. As a writer we get so many nos and nearlies, it's hard to believe it sometimes, when we actually get a yes!

I chose There's A Bird On My Head to submit because it's my current favourite. It started off as a poem I wrote and performed. A bird lands on Molly's head. She doesn't like birds. Her father tells her to stay still while he goes into the house. Molly imagines all the things he might be fetching to help get the big scary bird safely off her head, while the bird inside her head grows bigger and bigger. She's not impressed when she sees what he actually comes back with.

Winning this award has done wonders for my confidence. I will be walking tall at the Conference, even though I am only 5ft 3 and a half! I went last year. It's intense, exciting and unmissable. And most importantly of all – extremely helpful. On a practical note, I can attend happy in the knowledge that I did not have to go into debt to be there. Many many thanks to everyone involved.

Emma George

The Dark Sky was written for my MA in Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. It is set in the Potteries in 1934, a time when many people joined the British Union of Fascists – the Blackshirts. My main character, Violet, is one such person. When she falls in love with Jack, a beautiful Blackshirt boy, she is drawn deep into his web of fascism, manipulation and control.

I entered The Dark Sky for the scholarship at the last minute, without any thought of winning. I was thrilled to receive an honorary mention. Since finishing my MA, I have submitted the novel to several literary agents – so far, without success. I’d been feeling somewhat discouraged, so this is a real boost to my confidence. Thank-you!

 Allison Friebertshauser

@allisonfriebs

Ghosts Underfoot is a teen novel about a group of friends involved in a fatal car crash and the trouble that one stubborn soul stirs up when he refuses to pass on. The reaper who drops into human form to close the case file ends up tangled in mortals and mayhem.

After years as an unpublished writer, it can become a struggle without any outside encouragement. It is an incredible affirmation for all that I have poured into a story that is ever evolving and especially heartening that this latest draft is hitting the mark. The best part by far has been celebrating with my critique group and writer friends, who are the most supportive and loving creative people I've met across three counties. I will also enjoy insisting that people call me the Honourable One. I'll let you know how that goes.

Yasmin Finch

Being awarded an honorable mention in the Margaret Carey Scholarship for Mr Mustachio was fabulous news. ‘Mr Mustachio’ is the story of a man, his moustache and the day his carefree roundabout ride ends in disaster.

To be picked out, of what I’m sure were a pile of strong entries, is such a boost. Writing for children is relatively new for me and makes a refreshing change from writing the PhD that I have just completed. This has encouraged me to keep going, keep writing and keep hoping.

Mr Mustachio swept into our lives one regular dinnertime. My two boys were causing the usual chaos in the kitchen and in the mayhem someone cracked a joke about a moustache. Suddenly the idea was there and I abandoned everyone to scribble down a rough draft. I’m really pleased I did.

---

Many Congratulations

Kim, Ali, Emma, Allison, Yasmin & Dave!

Exhibition Success for John!

Many, many congratulations today for  W&P Illustration Features Editor and very hardworking illustrator, John Shelley!  Most of us try to take a little time off, down tools and get away over the summer. Not so Mr Shelley. This summer he certainly escaped the UK but to solo exhibition frenzy in Tokyo and Yokohama. And it didn't stop in Japan; at home John had some more exciting news.

Meanwhile, here's a flavour of John's summer...

Space Yui and Yui Garden galleries

Much of the exhibition featured work from John's latest book The Stone Giant

The Librarian and Wolves in the Forest, two of the smaller pieces created especially for the exhibition

Party! 

Go to Shelley Scraps for the originals and if you'd like to see more of John's work head to Norwich where he came home to discover he'd been invited to be part of Supernatural Garden by  the Norwich and Norfolk Hospital Arts Project with Tsukuba University in Japan. John expects his work to be on display for the next few months. He says,

' I once met one the organisers at the Japan end (she came to one of our Tokyo SCBWI events some years ago and kept in touch), and I assume she must have recommended me to the Norwich Hospital Arts Project – hence once again I’ve indirectly SCBWI to thank for the germ of this connection!'

Brilliant News! Many Congratulations John!

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Author's Published Works Outgrow her Bookcase!

We are delighted to celebrate with the very lovely Anita Loughrey Super SCBWI Volunteer, organiser of London* and much published author!

A few weeks ago Anita revealed on Facebook that the Loughrey household had a furniture issue. Namely that Anita's published works had outgrown her bookcase. If that's not something to celebrate I don't know what is. Over to Anita...


'This month I celebrated two deliveries of new books. The first was from Ransom publishing and contained the second series of Starstruck books co-written with Steve Rickard under the pseudonym of Cathy West. They are aimed at fourteen year old girls with a reading age of seven. There are six new books in the new series – Bollywood, Hip-Hop, Street Style, Street Theatre, Star Singer and Stand-up Comedy.

The second parcel was from Harper Collins and contained the Science Around You teacher resources written for the Abu Dhabi Education Council and are closely matched to their science curriculum. The ADE resources include two teacher folders, two pupils' books, two homework books, two practical books and two digital resource packs aimed at Year Two (6-7 years olds).

The piles of books sat on my desk for several weeks because there was no room on my bookshelf to put them. I had mixed feelings – I am very proud that I have written so many books – there are 68 in total, although some are now out of print. But, the thought of having to clear a shelf and maybe even tidy my study gave me a headache. I was moved into action though because I got another commission and I needed room on my desk to start it. So after much deliberation, I decided to clear the bookshelf above the original bookshelf. The shelf to be cleared was full of Writers’ Forum magazines, which contain my monthly column on Research Secrets. I have written this column since October 2008 and so the shelf contained 61 copies of Writers’ Forum. Most of these magazines have been put in the attic and I have only kept this year’s in a magazine holder on another shelf, which contains, ‘Magazines I have written for’.

The New Bookcase!

I have measured my published books on the two shelves and they are not quite a metre long - they are 91cms. However, this does not include the Adventure Passport project, which is due for release at the end of September. I am thinking I may need to clear another shelf.'

Adventure Passport due for release this month!

Congratulations Anita!

We wish you much strength, emotional and physical, to face yet another round of tidying up.

Aahh, the trials of publication!

*We think Anita probably could organise London but at the moment she does a brilliant job with the SCBWI London network and their amazing socials.

A Diamond-Studded Success for Sarah Baker!

@bysarahbaker

Huge congratulations are on the cards today for Sarah Baker on signing with Bryony Woods from the Diamond Khan & Woods Agency.

‘Angela’s Ghost’ is Sarah’s first book, a middle-grade time slip tale, which she describes as A Monster Calls meets The Secret Garden; the story of a troubled twelve-year old suffering from survivor’s guilt after the death of her family and how she gets through this with the help of a boy from 1898 France.

Criminally, Sarah says she hasn’t yet had much chance to share her wonderful news. She says, ‘referring to 'my agent' in conversation is still relatively new, shiny and thrilling. I haven’t had much of an opportunity because I'm at home busy editing and in all honesty, the cats aren't that interested.’ So we asked Sarah to share her journey to representation with us at Words&Pictures, the perfect way to celebrate your success, Sarah!



So how did it all begin?

‘I followed a relatively standard submissions path, sending out only to a few agents I'd researched, actually met or been recommended to. Then came the agonising wait in that post-submission-time-vacuum where a week lasts a month and two weeks even longer. Thank goodness for supportive SCBWIs and Book Bounders.'

'It wasn't too long before I had requests for the full manuscript (very exciting) followed by requests for meetings (so exciting I had to revise the perfect 'meet the agent' outfit several times). With dress and shoes sorted, I have to say that there was nothing quite so wonderful as a professional enthusing about my book directly to me. In actual conversation (and not just in my head). I'll never forget it. I may have skipped in the street afterwards'.

'I knew when meeting Bryony Woods (my agent!) that she was the one. We met at the top floor cafe in the newly renovated Foyles on Charing Cross Road. I got there early to browse (and buy) books and check my hair (it was a windy day). She arrived with bags of enthusiasm, plenty of notes and a brilliant plan. She was definitely the one. I told her as much shortly after and she said I'd made her day. With the contracts signed and an announcement on Twitter, I soon received my line edits and a few weeks later I'm tweaking the book into the best shape I can get it. Oh and I'm loving it. Yep, loving the editing and loving having an agent who gets my book, gets my writing and trusts me to get on with it. So that's where I am. Getting on with it (and loving it). *skips*’

Sarah, thank you for sharing your adventure with us. We love the sound of ‘Angela’s Ghost’ and we wish you lots more success on your journey to publication. Come back and tell us all about it!

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Clare Welsh loves reading and writing picture books. She joined SCBWI in February 2013 and won a Margaret Carey SCBWI British Isles Scholarship for picture book writers and illustrators in November 2013. Most recently she won Silver Medal at The Greenhouse Funny Prize. Clare thinks SCBWI is a remarkable organisation, full of remarkable people and thoroughly enjoys volunteering for The Words&Pictures Celebrations Team, sharing the many SCBWI successes.

SCBWIs Scoop Greenhouse's Top Prizes!

  

It's a serious business making readers laugh; Swapna Haddow and Clare Welsh are seriously good at it, officially! Please lob great big guffawing congratulations to Swapna, winner of this year's Greenhouse Funny Prize and to 'close second', W&P's own, Clare. 

Greenhouse Funny Prize winner, Swapna Haddow!

Swapna won with the autobiography of a Pigeon called Dave, Dave Pigeon. Here's what she had to say on winning...

How I got an agent: 
When your four-year-old asks you what two pigeons talk about, the very same two pigeons that target your husband’s car every Sunday morning, you can either distract said son with the task of cleaning the car whilst your husband unfurls the hose or you could steal your son’s idea, claim it as your own, write a book and win the Greenhouse Funny Prize, nabbing yourself an agent, in the process.

I wish it had been that easy to get an agent but there were three years prior of plugging away at this craft called writing. For the last two years, I’ve sat frustrated on a number of shortlists, including the Funny Prize shortlist back in 2012, and collected a landfill-sized pile of rejection letters to boot. 

Thankfully I inherited the family stubborn streak. 

 I’m so chuffed (and quite frankly amazed) to have won this year’s prize, not only because my first piece of advice from an agent was not to write about animals (and there is nothing more animal than pigeon), but also because I now have the lovely Polly Nolan, agent extraordinaire at Greenhouse Literary Agency, championing my book.

Thank you Greenhouse!

Clare with friend Helen on shortlisting day, also celebrating their 30th birthdays.  

Clare's 'close second' features mice with plans to fly to the moon in a biscuit rocket!  Here's Clare on running up...

On a windy and wet campsite in Cornwall, I was delighted to receive an email from Polly Nolan of The Greenhouse Literary Agency saying my picture book 'The Aerodynamics of Biscuits' had made the shortlist for the Greenhouse Funny Prize 2014. I knew the judges' decision had been looming but I didn't believe I had a chance. So you can imagine my elation when she emailed a week later to say I had won Silver Medal.

Now that I am just about over the shock, the smiling has kicked in. Along with the occasional 'eeeek!' It means so much to have been noticed in what sounds like a flood of incredible and funny submissions... Another reminder not to give up on the dream. Congratulations to Swapna Haddow! I can't wait to read 'Dave Pigeon.'

Greenhouse literary agent and Funny Prize judge, Polly Nolan had this to say about Swapna's and Clare's entries…

Reading the dozens and dozens of entries for the Greenhouse Funny Prize each year makes me appreciate just how tricky it is to ‘do’ funny. The writers who manage it have a special talent. We are delighted that Swapna and Clare have done so well. They have written completely different stories, but both made us laugh. A lot. Congratulations to each of them.

Many Congratulations Swapna and Clare! 

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SCBWI Reception Rocks Edinburgh International Book Festival!

@edbookfest

This week it's HUGE Congratulations to..... 
SCBWI British Isles! 
Specifically to Natascha and South East Scotland, in the shape of Sheila Averbuch and Louise Kelly, for engineering a great big Sparkly SCBWI arrival at Edinburgh International Book Festival. Sheila has written a spectacular report, here it is....



Who attends the Edinburgh International Book Festival, come August time? Only everybody! That’s why we were triple-thrilled this year to host a SCBWI reception that gave rise to a lively industry discussion, involving a knowledgeable audience of seasoned literary professionals from around the UK.

 Jonathan Meres of The World of Norm
Photograph courtesy Candy Gourlay

Janey Louise Jones of the PRINCESS POPPY series, Jonathan Meres of WORLD OF NORM fame, Keith Gray of OSTRICH BOYS, Moira Young of BLOOD RED ROAD… all were guests at a glittering SCBWI British Isles reception hosted by the Southeast Scotland network on the evening of 13th August. The aim was to have a relaxed industry question-and-answer, "Festivals Uncovered," helping writers and illustrators understand what's expected of them when they're tipped to speak at a festival like Edinburgh, at a library or a school.

Janey Louise Jones of the PRINCESS POPPY series

Photograph courtesy Candy Gourlay

We were joined by a fantastic panel that included author Nicola Morgan (TEENAGE GUIDE TO STRESS), agents Lindsey Fraser and Lucy Jukes (Lucy also co-coordinates the Picture Hooks mentoring scheme for picture book illustrators in Scotland), Falkirk Librarian Yvonne Manning, Sales and Marketing Manager of Floris Books Chani McBain, and the Children & Education Program Director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, Janet Smyth.

Children & Education Program Director at Edinburgh International Book Festival, Janet Smyth Photograph courtesy Candy Gourlay 

In addition to the panel, we reached a great selection of librarians, booksellers and other industry guests who were invited to participate, thanks to Janet's assistance and the wonderful Scottish literary contacts of Louise Kelly and Nicola Morgan. The venue was the stylish multi-hexagon Party Pavilion inside Charlotte Square, made even more beautiful by the travelling SCBWI Illustrators Showcase, a curated annual exhibition of member images. And of course the whole event was made possible through the kind sponsorship of SCBWI British Isles and support of our Regional Advisor (Chair) Natascha Biebow, who is a passionate advocate of professional development events like these, which are dedicated to supporting published authors and illustrators in furthering their careers. Questions, answers and yurts.

L to R: Lucy Juckes of Jenny Brown Associates and Picture Hooks,

Lindsey Fraser of Fraser Ross Associates

Chani McBain of Floris Books

Photograph courtesy Candy Gourlay

Following a wine reception we kicked off the Q&A with questions for the panel about how the role of festivals has changed over the years, as well as how authors and illustrators can attend the events they want to without spreading themselves too thinly.

L to R: Susan Bain, Christina Banach and Maureen Lynas
Photograph courtesy Candy Gourlay

There was a real feeling of focus and intense interest in the topic among the audience, which included SCBWI authors Candy Gourlay (SHINE - shortlisted for the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2014), Christina Banach (debuting this year with MINTY) and Maureen and Katherine Lynas (CUPCAKE CATASTROPHE! ). We were also delighted to welcome Frané Lessac, Regional Advisor for SCBWI Australia West, an experienced illustrator who teams up with her husband Mark Greenwood on a number of collaborations.

And did someone say YURT? The evening finished off with a number of us decamping to the hallowed ground of the EIBF yurt, where the conversation about all things literary carried on 'til late in the glow of the wood-burning stove.

SCBWI reception highlights

For you SCBWI members who didn't get a chance to come to Edinburgh, more school-visit events are planned in London, York and at our annual conference in Winchester  later this year, but here's a selection of what you missed in Edinburgh:

Published authors need to protect their writing time.Beware the exhausting schedule that can spread you thin and make your creative time disappear. Be clear with your agent about what kind of events you'd like to do and how many, and they will help remind you to make time for writing.

If you're doing author/illustrator events, the standard rate is £150. Many schools and libraries know the rate, and if they don't, let them know and don't feel guilty about it. This prompted a robust discussion about fees. Many people feel willing and keen to do free events for the experience, and to spread the love of literature among kids, but Nicola Morgan advised you make it clear you're doing it free/cheap because you’re new to this and are looking for feedback. I guess the lesson is if you're doing it free or cheap, be very clear about your reasons why, rather than having "free" as the default because you feel you can't ask the standard rate. Candy, for example, has done free events in the run-up to a bookstore-based book launch to help ensure attendance (several people mentioned that bookstore events can often be badly attended); that strategy worked well, helping numbers for the bookstore event and leading to a number of paid school visits. (Bookstore events, incidentally, are unpaid and typically part of a promotional tour at launch).

More thoughts from Nicola on events, including why charging a real rate should be your default mode, is here in her excellent blog post: Getting and giving great author events.

Have a pitch ready if someone asks, "Do you do events?" Put your events info on your website, and make sure you're listed everywhere you should be (including in the SCBWI Speakers Bureau; the Scottish Book Trust  also lists authors).
Don't hesitate to say how long your events last. Janet Smyth mentioned that 30 min. to 45 min. is plenty for very young kids.

It's not only "big names" that get invited to festivals. For example EIBF in particular feels it has a role to promote new writers, including our Southeast Scotland member Emily Dodd, who's speaking at this year's EIBF following publication of her picture book with Floris, CAN'T DANCE CAMERON.
It's okay to approach festival organisers and librarians and let them know what you do; we were all stunned to hear that festival organisers who approach publishers seeking a specific writer don't always get them! The hard truth is that not all speaking invitations that go via the publisher are passed on to the writer, so make sure you clearly communicate your availability and preferences for events.

Panicked about the idea of doing a school or festival event? Ask your peers! The SCBWI community was terribly helpful to me when I did the mother of all school visits earlier this year, and many authors and illustrators will agree to allow you to tag along to see how they do events.

Make connections with storytellers where possible and take them along advised Janey Louise Jones, author and storyteller Janis Mackay (2014 winner of the Scottish Book Trust’s Children’s Book Award for THE ACCIDENTAL TIME TRAVELLER) and Chani McBain. See how they present stories, helping you to become more comfortable with the "performance" aspect of an event.

(Seated) Carnegie and Greenaway judge Joy Court, who's also behind
the free-to-attend Literally Coventry book festival, relates her Terry Pratchett anecdote
Photograph courtesy Candy Gourlay

Carnegie and Greenaway judge Joy Court, who's also behind the free-to-attend Literally Coventry book festival, related a fabulous anecdote about KM Peyton. Peyton willingly admits that in the days when authors were offered nothing more than a geranium as payment for an event, she would go along and "give them a geranium's worth." But one day, giving an event alongside a dynamic and fabulously entertaining young writer, Peyton realised how thrilling events can be – that young man was Terry Pratchett.

(Ed: BIG Note here)

'Live literature is where it’s at.'

As Janet Smyth noted, even with the distractions offered by so many other media and online, live literary events – like live music – are enjoying a resurgence. People long to connect in a face-to-face way with the artists who are the source of so much inspiration. You, authors and illustrators, are that source of inspiration – so embrace the chance to get out there!

A big team of people came together to make the SCBWI reception at Edinburgh International Book Festival so successful. Louise Kelly and I, who coordinate the Southeast Scotland network of SCBWI BI, would like to thank our RA Natascha for her support, Vento Ludens for donating display boards, and all the SCBWI members who gave their time to help bring the gorgeous SCBWI illustrators showcase to Edinburgh, especially Jeanne Dron, Sarah Broadley, Stephanie McGregor, Candy Gourlay, Anne-Marie Perks and Bridget Strevens-Marzo.

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L to R: Sheila and Louise

Sheila Averbuch is the co-coordinator of SCBWI British Isles Southeast Scotland network and is currently mudwrestling a draft of a reality-slip story for 9 to 11s, set in Massachusetts. She blogs at www.spacekidsbooks.com.

Ten Huge Congratulations to Mike Brownlow!

Many congratulations to Mike Brownlow on the publication of Ten Little Princesses, a fantastic companion volume to Mike's very successful Ten Little Pirates! These lovely ladeez are fearless and intrepid in the face of terrible danger and give pink the kudos it deserves. 


Over to Mike for how the Princesses arrived in a bookshop near you and some more exciting news...


'Last week the ‘Ten Little Princesses’ were let loose upon the world, giggling, screaming, swooning, as well as being brave and resourceful as they battle their way through a Dark, Dark Wood.

'This picture book is a follow-up rather than a sequel to an earlier book of mine, ‘Ten Little Pirates’. Following the same format, I wrote the words and Simon Rickerty drew the pictures. ‘Pirates’ was written in rhyme, and has proved an unexpectedly successful formula. It’s sold well, with the paperback version having been re-printed 6 times since February, plus co-editions with several countries, including the States. A Christmas version with a shiny red cover is due, and it will soon be featured on Bedtime/Lunchtime Stories on CBeebies.

'It’s amazing how many doors a few good sales figures opens! Buoyed by the success of ‘Ten Little Pirates’, Orchard approached me with the idea of doing a second book along the same lines. ‘Pirates’ was thought to have a boy-bias, and so the idea was floated to do a book aimed more at girls. Princesses were an obvious choice. I was fine with this as it was easy to find a wealth of fairy tale and nursery rhyme characters for the princesses to do battle with.

'As well as the counting element, (a bit like Ten Green Bottles but with more incident,) there are lots of noises throughout the book, and when I’ve read them out at school events, both of them are great for involving the children and getting them jumping about.

'Simon has excelled himself again with the illustrations. The cover, over which I had no control, is a very girly colour though, raising the whole uncomfortable ‘pink’ question and gender stereotyping. The paperback, due out in February 2015, will not only be pink, but thanks to a foiled cover, very sparkly as well. However pre-release figures are again very strong, and everyone at Orchard is really happy with the way things are going. So happy, in fact, that they asked if I was all right with the idea of making the ‘Ten Little…’ books into a series. I thought long and hard about this -- at least a couple of nano-seconds – before saying yes.

'Accordingly I’ve already written ‘Ten Little Dinosaurs’, which Simon is halfway through illustrating, and ‘Ten Little Monsters’, which is at 1st draft stage. At least two more are planned after that.

'So, when I next do a school visit I’ll be carrying a dressing-up bag full not only with pirate hats and plastic swords, but sparkly crowns and tiaras. Maybe I’ll throw in a few fangs and claws as well, because my Ten Little Princesses have quite a few trolls and dragons to overcome. Life is never dull for fairy tale aristocracy.

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Mike, we wish you lots of success for the series! Congratulations too on some excellent decision making and hope you'll send us some pictures of your sparkly, crowned, tiara'ed, and fanged school visits!