I’m so excited! I’m the new Critique Group Coordinator for the Louisiana/Mississippi chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (aka SCBWI-LA/MS)!
Starting this January, I’ll be the point person for members in our region interested in forming or attending critique groups in their area. We’ll have a webpage that we’ll keep updated with contact information and materials for successful, supportive creative work.
After experiencing lots of critique groups over the years, both positive and less-so, I believe strongly in forming relationships with fellow writers and illustrators to encourage, offer feedback, and commiserate. The support of SCBWI members has been instrumental in my work over the past few years, and I can’t wait to pay the favor forward.
I’ll be part of an amazing team working to support our growing region; not only do we offer an annual Big Chill Retreat each fall, our JambaLAya Conference in the spring attracts local talent (Angie Thomas, Linda Williams Jackson, Whitney Stewart) as well as nationally acclaimed editors, agents, and publishers (Cheryl Klein with Lee & Low Books, Mallory Kass with Scholastic, Alexandra Penfold from Upstart Crow Literary, and Pelican Publishing).
Look for more information when we launch our new initiatives this January!