I love SCBWI! If you’ve met me, you probably already knew that. It’s been a whirlwind romance for me. I joined SCBWI in 2013 and immediately started attending events. A few months later, I met Kim Briggs at the Winter conference in NYC and expressed an interest in volunteering. First, Kim suggested I write an article for the blog. Then the team asked me to organize the Peer CAT at the Pocono Retreat. Soon after, I became the chapter’s critique group coordinator. In 2016, I had the pleasure of working with Adrienne Wright to plan illustrator events and started organizing bi-monthly meet & greets in Bucks County with author Anita Nolan. This is the way it works with non-profits. Get your foot in the door, do a good job and they’ll ask you to do more. (Seriously that’s the way it works!)
When I became the illustrator coordinator last fall, Heather Pierce Stigall became the chapter’s critique group coordinator. I know Heather is going to do a bang-up job because she and I have been in a critique group together since December 2014. Heather is everything a critique partner should be: dedicated, invested, ambitious, thorough, well-read, supportive, and kind. I hope you get a chance to meet her! If you’re not in a critique group already, definitely contact Heather and ask her about the advantages of sharing your work with others. I bet she’ll be mighty persuasive.
Critique groups offer writers and illustrators an opportunity to socialize with like-minded souls, but they’re not the only way to connect with members. We can also attend meet & greets. Meet & greets are free, casual events organized by a chapter member. They usually last about two hours and can be held in a coffee shop, ice cream parlor, bookstore, art center, or any place that is willing to have you. Meet & Greets are a lot of fun! Going forward, Heather will be the chapter’s Meet & Greet Liaison as well. (See how that works? Just like I said!)
If you’d like to join or start a critique group or organize a Meet & Greet, please contact Heather Pierce Stigall at heatherstigallcm@aol.com. Leading a critique group or organizing a meet & greet is a great way to get your foot in the door!
My critique partners are writing family–indispensable!
Mine too!
My Eastern PA SCBWI critique group (Delaware County) is the reason I finally have a picture book manuscript ready for submission. And soon will have a few more! Much thanks to my critique group, Virginia, Heather, and all the SCBWI volunteers!
I feel exactly the same way.
Thank you Virginia and Heather for keeping the wheels turning 🙂
Congratulations, Heather! Everything Virginia said about Heather is true, and I am so lucky to be in a critique group with both of these wonderful ladies. It has been invaluable!
Aw! Thanks, Rose. We are so happy to have YOU in our group!
Thanks for all of your hard work, Virginia and Heather! Your time and effort is greatly appreciated. =)
Thanks Kristen!
Thank you everyone who commented! I’m glad so many of you love your critique groups!!! Best of luck to all!