November 22 to 23, 2008
West Downs Campus
University of Winchester SO22 4NR

Day-Before Conference Critique Meet
Friday, November 21, 2008

5.30pm
Coffee and nibbles in Gallery
6:30 to 8:30pm
Split into groups for Critique session in Chapel

A great way to break the ice, meet other SCBWI members, show off your writing or portfolios! We will split up into groups (Picture Books, YA, Younger Fiction) led by experienced SCBWI members to discuss each other's work. PB can bring texts to read aloud, if they wish, novelists can agree beforehand to submit chapters in advance. Afterwards, everyone can filter off hand in hand into the sunset to sample Winchester's many excellent restaurants and bars. Check here for more details closer to the time.

Contacts: Candy Gourlay and Christopher Klimowicz

Say It Loud and Proud Wall
Throughout Conference

Illustrators - show off your skill! Pin your showcards and art samples up on our 'Show Off' Wall ... who knows what will catch the eye of the editors and art directors attending the conference! Come on folks, this is your chance to be seen! There will be editors, agents and art directors lurking!

Contact: Oh, just bring the stuff along (keep it small - no hogging the board though!!

Saturday Night Open Portfolio Exhibition
6pm to 7.30 with open bar

A great aperitif before our dinner with Barry Cunningham. Illustrators! Here's a chance to show off those portfolios!

Note of care: please try not to include original artwork, label all your artwork and your portfolio case. Promotional pieces/business cards are limited to 50 and must fit inside the portfolio. Please, no boxes or fancy three dimensional set ups that extend beyond the portfolio's dimensions. SCBWI-BI cannot be responsible for any damage to original artwork..

Contact: Anne Marie Perks

Comixtravaganza
Throughout Conference

Create a four panel comic strip on the theme of 'my writing/illustrating life'. Have fun exploring anything from rejection to procrastination. Stick figures welcome!

Plus: email your comics to Candy in digital form and your comics will be included in our online comics gallery. View the earlybird comics here. More good exposure for all!

Sarah McIntyre (who draws the DFC's Vern and Lettuce strip) kindly provided the strips from her Liquid Comics blog post (inspired by beverages, from the looks of it) below for inspiration . And here's a template you can use but feel free to design your own (thanks, Sarah) ... or choose from one of the templates on this page on the DFC website (thanks, Margaret).

Contact: Candy Gourlay