EVENTS IN ALASKA
We’ve got a lot going on!
Come join us to sharpen your skills, try new things, and learn from pros and each other. We have monthly critiques and get-togethers, distance critiques with industry professional, webinars, an annual Spring Retreat and an annual Fall conference. And we’re constantly changing so stay tuned for MORE!
Look below* OR click dates on the GREEN “Events Calendar” on the Home Page and click on any orange highlighted date to see what’s on tap that day. *There may be some meeting variations for holidays, etc.
Don’t see what you want below? Contact us at alaska-ra@scbwi.org. We’d love to help you organize an event and will put funds your way to make it great!
Writing Critique Group
Participating in a critique group is ONE OF THE BEST WAYS to improve your writing and advance your career.
ONLINE:
We now have an online critique group for SCBWI members only. This meets every second Tuesday of the month (usually) on Zoom. The Zoom link is sent via email to members the day of the meeting.
We email 3-7 pages of a novel, picture book manuscript, query letter or synopsis, to share and critique in advance of the meeting (details are sent in an email to members) so everyone can read the material before we meet online. You’re always welcome to come without work, too, and learn more about SCBWI.
If you’re a member interested in submitting something, just want to participate as a reader, OR you’re interested in finding out more, contact Jena Lasley at alaska-ic@scbwi.org
Illustrator Get Togethers
ONLINE:
Our illustrator group is now meeting online every other month as well. We meet the 4th Thursday of the month (usually). Zoom links are sent out in an email the day of the meeting to members. Join our members-only Illustrator Facebook Group “Illustrators Art Annex.”
Come and meet other illustrators, learn about the craft of kidlit illustration, and/or bring work to share. You’re always welcome to come without work, too, and learn more about SCBWI.
Illustrator Contests
Some years there are two annual contests for illustrators every year to get recognition for their work. These may not always be done annually.
Conference Illustration Contest:
Usually announced in the early Spring. We look for an Alaskan image that will reflect both children and adult writers for the advertisements and program cover of our Fall conference in conjunction with other local writing organizations (AWG and RWA). There will be more details when it is announced.
Art Show Contest:
Usually announced in the Summer. There is a prompt which must be the focus of the entry and is usually part of our annual Fall “Making Waves” online illustrator event. There will be more details when it is announced.
WEBINARS
Can’t make it in person to one of our critique groups or Annual events? There are always online webinars! We try to offer a variety on multiple topics throughout the year.
Check out our list of upcoming webinars here. You can also watch other virtual events from other SCBWI regions here.
SPRING Retreat
Enjoy lots of time for writing or illustrating in an intimate location, along with opportunities to workshop, brainstorm, and network with other writers and illustrators. Your scenic location is the perfect place to write and illustrate to your heart’s content, or attend workshops with published authors and possibly an agent or editor in person. You can also select a one-on-one critique to have your work reviewed by the guest presenter.
Fall Conference
SCBWI partners with other local writing groups like Alaska Writers Guild and the Alaska Chapter of the Romance Writers of America to put on an annual Fall conference. There are events like Keynotes, Industry Panels, Breakout workshops, Intensives, Illustrator Portfolio Show, critiques and more!
We work hard to invite agents and editors to Alaska, and plan workshops and intensives that will meet your needs.
Annual Fall Illustrator ONLINE “Making Waves” Event
We also offer an annual ONLINE event for illustrators in combination with other SCBWI regions. “Making Waves” includes illustration presentations, workshops on crafts (digital & traditional), an art contest, critiques, and scholarships! This is where we can bring the Art Directors, Agents, and Editors to you!
National SCBWI Conferences
Every year, SCBWI hosts two national conferences. The winter conference is in New York City usually in FEBRUARY, and the summer conference is usually in Los Angeles in the SUMMER (see the National website for updates). The last few years these have been offered virtually ONLINE.