About the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI)


Formed in 1971 by a group of Los Angeles-based writers for children, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is the only international organization to offer a variety of services to people who write, illustrate, or share a vital interest in children’s literature. The SCBWI acts as a network for the exchange of knowledge between writers, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, educators, booksellers and others involved with literature for young people. There are currently more than 19,000 members worldwide in over 70 regions, making it the largest children's writing organization in the world.

The benefits of membership in SCBWI are many. The SCBWI sponsors two annual international conferences on Writing and Illustrating for Children as well as dozens of regional conferences and events throughout the world. It also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter, offers awards and grants for works in progress, and provides many informational publications on the art and business of writing and selling written, illustrated, and electronic material. The SCBWI also presents the annual Golden Kite Award for the best fiction and nonfiction books and the Sid Fleischman Humor Award.

To learn more about becoming a member of SCBWI, click here.

For the answers to frequently asked questions about children's book publishing, click here.

About the Southern Breeze Region

The Southern Breeze region of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators serves the states of Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. In addition to two annual conferences, Southern Breeze plays host to a number of smaller conventions and "schmoozes," designed to help members cultivate their craft, meet editors and agents, and network with other writers and illustrators.

Members of SCBWI are automatically members of the region in which they live. Therefore, the Southern Breeze region is comprised of SCBWI members residing in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Membership is international, and members may participate in the activities of any region, paying the member rate for any tuition.

Like all SCBWI regions, Southern Breeze is organized and run by volunteers. We are fortunate to be served by two active and talented Regional Advisors - Donna Bowman and Jo Kittinger. More volunteers help plan conferences, create the newsletter, update the web page, maintain the Southern Breeze listserve, and coordinate illustrator programming. These volunteers make up the Southern Breeze Steering Committee:

Co-Regional Advisor: Donna Bowman
Co-Regional Advisor: Jo Kittinger
Publicity Coordinator: Shelli Johannes-Wells
Fall Conference Coordinator '06-'07: Hester Bass
Spring Conf. Coor. '07: Robyn Hood Black

 Critique Group Coordinator: Paula Puckett
Illustrator Coordinator: Connie Fleming
Listserve Moderator: Claudia Pearson
Newsletter Editor/Publisher: Donna Bowman
Webmaster: David Green


Finally, Southern Breeze is pleased to have many volunteer contact persons in cities throughout our region. If you're new to SCBWI or are looking to become more involved, these individuals can help you learn more about what's happening in your corner of Southern Breeze:

Alabama

Albertville/Boaz - Opportunity is knocking!

Auburn/East Alabama - Doraine Bennett

Birmingham - Claudia Pearson

Huntsville - Heather Montgomery

Mobile - Tracy Hurley

Montgomery - Doris Jean Peak

Muscle Shoals/Tuscumbia - Sheila Renfro

Tuscaloosa - Now's your chance!

Georgia

Atlanta - Diane Shore

South Atlanta / Newnan / Peachtree City - Kimberly Campbell

Augusta - Sherri Rivers

Carrollton- Beverly Bruemmer or David Green

Columbus/West Georgia - Doraine Bennett

Conyers/Decatur - Connie Fleming*

Athens - Gail Karwoski

Cumming - Heather Kolich

Gainesville - Paula Puckett*

Ocilla, Tifton - Tracey Cox

Macon/Warner Robbins - Melanie Jones

Savannah - Catharine Varnedoe*

Mississippi

Jackson - Sarah Campbell

Meridian - Richelle Putnam

Starkville - Operators are standing by. Call now!

Florida Panhandle

Though technically part of the Florida region, Panhandle members often find themselves closer to Southern Breeze programming than events in their own state. Affectionately known as the "Border Patrol," Panhandle members are welcomed as active members of both regions!

Tallahassee - Ann Morrow

* Illustrator