Networks – SCBWI British Isles

Words & Pictures - Newsletter of SCBWI British Isles

About SCBWI networks in the uk

SCBWI British Isles Networks groups run local events for you!

Each Networks group runs regularly holds small-scale schmoozes and workshops, and sets up critique groups.

Please get involved and let us know what kinds of events you would find helpful in developing your craft and furthering your career.

We have so far established four Networks groups covering the Central West of England, the North of England, the Southeast and Scotland. Networks that are being established include: Southwest, Central East, London East, London North, London West, Ireland/Northern Ireland. Come and join in!

Check out the latest happenings on our events page!

Central west Network

Our first meeting was in Birmingham in November 2005. We were extremely pleased (and surprised!) when a total of 34 people crowded into the Waterstone's café for what turned out to be a very successful and interesting meeting.

Only five attendees were SCBWI members but many of the others are now intending to join so we hope to see a big boost to the membership from our area. Lots of ideas for what we can do in the region were discussed and we will continue to work with all members (present and future) to make Central West an exciting region to be part of.

Several critique groups are being set up, and we are planning a 'Critique-nique' (a free event where people bring food and critique each other's work) and an Illustration event of some kind within the next six months. We are looking for more ideas from our members and hope that future gatherings can be as positive and inspiring as our first. A big thank you to all who attended and we hope that those of you who were unable to come this time may be able to participate in future events. All events will be advertised on the events page of this site.

For further information or ideas contact Donna Vann or Clare Bell on CentralWest(AT)britishscbwi.org or phone Clare Bell on 0121 442 6224.

North east Network

New! There is now a SCBWI group in York. We meet for coffee and book chat on the first Sunday every other month.

WHEN: Our next meeting is SUNDAY 6 th MAY at 2.30 p.m.

WHERE: El Piano, 15/17 Grape Lane , The Quarter, York - www.elpiano.co.uk

WHAT: Feel free to drop in and join in. For any further information contact Addy or Alan on 01724 711191

SEE YOU THERE!

E-mail Addy Farmer at Northern(AT)britishscbwi.org or Alan Gidney at fitzal(AT)hotmail.com

All our events are advertised on the events page. Read a report on our 2006 Lincoln Book Festival event featuring Carnegie Medal nominee Linda Newbery.

Michael Lawrence will be our featured author at the festival this year. More information

north west Network

NEW! This is a totally new network in the very early stages but we are looking forward to the first Critique Group taking place in Manchester City Centre some time in mid November .

There is also the possibility of other smaller groups in areas such as Chester and Liverpool in the future (if there is enough interest).

The first issue of the regional newsletter is being sent out to local members and there are plans for an event in early 2008. There are also ideas for a Network Project – full details available by contacting Steph.

We are looking to attract non-members with flyers and advertisements which should hopefully be circulated before the end of the year.

Anyone who would like to help or have any ideas for the area please email Stephanie Williams at (email address) or telephone on 07899 031 447.

Southeast Network

In the Southeast, the emphasis is on getting members together to form small and supportive local groups that meet regularly for chat and/or critique. There is a thriving critique group in Deal, and another in Brighton, and a new drop-in-and-chat group meeting monthly on a Saturday morning in Canterbury.

The Canterbury meetings are open to all, and the next meetings are 1 April, 6 May from 10.30am -11.30 am (and later if people wish to stay on) at Costa Coffee, 11 High Street, Canterbury. Grab a coffee and meet us at a table (or tables) upstairs, no need to rsvp, just turn up. Bring along a piece of work if you'd like to participate in a critique swap. Illustrators, we'd love to see some of your work, too. No pressure, you're very welcome if you just want to come along to chat/ network etc.

You can read about our very first regional event, featuring Natascha Biebow (Random House Commissioning Editor) which took place on 7 April 2006, In March 2007 we featured author John Singleton (Angel Blood) speaking on Writing Fiction for Older Children.

Contact Jane Clarke, on Southeast(AT)britishscbwi.org.

Southwest Network

SCBWI Southwest Region is in the process of getting up and running. Regional meetings, 'mini-events, critique groups and ride-sharing schemes to national events are all on the agenda. Contact us and help develop a regional network which will serve your needs and interests. Contact Ellen Renner on Southwest(AT)britishscbwi.or or 01884 855607.

Scotland

The Scottish SCBWI committee provides a focus and a collective voice for writers and illustrators of children's books working in Scotland. Elected annually at the AGM, the committee meet regularly to discuss issues and plan events and is currently chaired by Claira Jo Craig.

Visit the SCBWI in Scotland website.

ireland

The Irish chapter was begun on November 24th 2007. We look forward to SCBWI Ireland becoming a vital part of a wonderful organization. We meet on the last Saturday of each month at 2:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room in Children's Books Ireland (CBI), 17 North Great George's St. Dublin 1 (off Parnell St.). Contact Maeve

Visit the SCBWI Ireland's new website.