SCBWI SA - Gauteng

Illustration Workshop

2012-01-26T20:13:00.001+02:00

Events

2012-01-09T09:07:00.002+02:00

SCBWI SA is planning several exciting events in Gauteng for 2012. Our 2011 end-of-year event says it all in the photo showing us wearing our hearing aids, supplied courtesy of Lynn Joffe who inspired us with her music.

Crystal Kite Award Submission

2012-01-09T08:57:00.001+02:00

If your PAL book was published in 2011, we want to make sure that your book is included for consideration in the 2012 Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards! The deadline for receiving your book is Tuesday, January 31, 2012. How do I make sure my book is a contender for the 2012 Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards? 1. Go to and click on the Awards tab to familiarize yourself with the guidelines

Illustrator Workshops at Alliance Francaise

2012-01-09T08:51:00.001+02:00

On Saturday 19th November, the Alliance Francaise in Parkview, Johannesburg was alive with rabbits in rocketships, and elephants with wrinkly knees. SCBWI member and illustrator Maja Sereda had an exhibition of original work that included the wonderfully evocative spreads from her Crystal Kite award-winning book The Kite’s Flight. Maja and fellow SCBWI member Rico (Madam and Eve) Schacherl

Second South African Writers' Symposium - Call for Papers

2012-01-09T08:43:00.002+02:00

“Striving for Excellence in South African Literature" - 8-10 March 2012 DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: 31 JANUARY 2012 INTRODUCTION The Centre for the Book is hosting the second South African Writers' Symposium from 8 – 10 March 2012 in Cape Town. Members of the public, publishers, librarians, booksellers, printers, authors, academics, and all other relevant stakeholders are hereby invited

MML Literature Awards

2012-01-06T08:30:00.003+02:00

For more information about MML Literature Awards for a novel, double click on the link above. Entries are invited only in the category of NOVELS. An official entry form MUST accompany all entries. Prizes: R10 000 will be awarded to the winner in each language and there will also be a runners-up prize of R5 000. Entrants MUST be South African citizens or permanent resident Go to www.mml.co.za or

IBBY Africa Conference

2011-11-23T12:49:00.001+02:00

A group of SCBWI members attended the IBBY Conference from 31st August to 2nd September. Two members gave presentations. Hazel Cuthbertson's talk was entitled: Are we there yet? – The importance of sketchbooks in the journey from idea to final publication for some South African children’s book illustrators. Hazel used the work of Rico Schacherl, Joan Rankin and Themba Mabaso to illustrate her

MER Award

2011-07-02T08:00:00.001+02:00

Joan Rankin and Wendy Hartmann win MER award Media24 Books Literary and Jan Rabie Rapport Awards (formerly known as the Via Afrika Literary Awards) were announced at an award ceremony on Friday 10 June 2011. These esteemed prizes are awarded annually for works published in the previous year and aim to acknowledge and applaud excellence in local literature. Eighteen judges from various spheres

SCBWI SA (Gauteng) Writing and Illustrating Retreat

2011-06-02T21:00:00.131+02:00

Create Develop Review 20-22 May 2011 Sixteen writers and illustrators signed up for the first SCBWI SA Retreat to be held in Gauteng. Our venue was Mokoyo Lodge near Hartebeespoort Dam. The owners allowed us to have this beautiful resort completely to ourselves for the weekend and that was a real treat. We could go out and be inspired by the lovely, tranquil setting without being disturbed or

Illustrators and Writers Retreat in Gauteng

2011-04-11T07:19:00.004+02:00

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) (Gauteng Branch) will be holding a Retreat at a secluded venue in Gauteng on the theme: CREATE, DEVELOP, REVIEW ... The Retreat will be led by two established practitioners: Joan Rankin (illustrator) and Donna-Wyckhoff Wheeler (writing specialist) The workshops and discussions will cover topics such as plotting, characterisation

Sketchbook Project

2011-02-15T11:30:00.003+02:00

Join SCBWI Gauteng’s Sketchbook Project If you haven’t already joined up, you are still welcome to do so. Buy or make a sketchbook sized between A5 and A4. It can open up to any size but must close to between A4 and A5.Decorate and personalize the cover.Draw / write anything you like in your sketchbook during the next few months. SCBWI Gauteng will also set a theme for each month. Use any

WRITING COURSE

2011-02-01T11:32:00.003+02:00

WRITING FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MARKETS. (7 Weeks: 3 February – 17 March.) This module will deal with reading and analysis, writing practice, and marketing opportunities in the basic genres of children’s literature: picture books, poetry, fiction and non-fiction. Class Times and Venue: Thursdays, 18h00-20h30, in the Upper Hall, St Columba’s Presbyterian Church, 45 Lurgan Avenue, Parkview. A

MML Annual Literature Awards Competition

2011-01-18T17:10:00.004+02:00

Maskew Miller Longman calls for drama entries for its annual literature awards competition Leading South African educational publisher, Maskew Miller Longman, is calling for entries for its 2012 Literature Awards, which will be for youth dramas. Each year Maskew Miller Longman runs an award for writing in all South Africa’s official languages. The award aims to Now in its fifth year, the annual

So Much More than Just a Book: the Bookazine

2010-12-14T07:38:00.001+02:00

12th December 2010, Johannesburg: Entertaining, easy-to-read and affordable – the Bookazine ™ has arrived and will be available in selected C N A stores across Gauteng and all major holiday centres from December 14th. Published by Nollybooks, the mass market imprint of MME Media SA, the book has been reinvented and at R49.95, now offers so much more for the reader. “Bookazines are all about

Playwriting opportunity

2010-12-13T16:51:00.002+02:00

Junkets Publisher: The Collected Series Short, Sharp and Snappy: S.A. plays for high schools Junkets Publisher is a small independent publisher in South Africa. It was founded in 2005 by Robin Malan, and in 2009 it was the winner of the Arts & Culture Trust Excellence Award for Literature. It specialises in publishing The Playscript Series, new Southern African plays. It is now moving into a new

ENGLISH ACADEMY PERCY FITZPATRICK PRIZE FOR YOUTH LITERATURE

2010-12-02T17:07:00.003+02:00

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES FOR THE ENGLISH ACADEMYPERCY FITZPATRICK PRIZE FOR YOUTH LITERATURE AND THOMAS PRINGLE AWARD FOR A SHORT STORY After months of hard work, the panels adjudicating the above listed awards have come up with shortlists of potential winners. Below is detailed information about the shortlisted entries. PERCY FITZPATRICK PRIZEThe panel reports that there were

Open Studios of 2010

2010-12-02T06:00:00.002+02:00

Illustrators and writers visited one another's studios during 2010 and learnt about how different people worked. Each illustrator / writer generously shared individual experiences, knowledge and techniques. This SCBWI project provided an incredible opportunity to learn from one another and helped to weld together a supportive group in Gauteng. March Paddy (Marleen Visser) showed how she works

Sketchbook Project

2010-11-11T16:02:00.004+02:00

Join SCBWI Gauteng in a Sketchbook Project Buy or make a sketchbook sized between A5 and A4. It can open up to any size but must close to between A4 and A5. Decorate and personalize the cover. Draw / write anything you like in your sketchbook during the next few months. SCBWI Gauteng will also set a theme for each month, although you're free to do your own thing if you prefer. Use any

Blue Elephant Storyshaping

2010-11-11T15:59:00.000+02:00

I am delighted to announce the launch of my new venture, Blue Elephant Storyshaping, an editing, mentoring and coaching service for children's book authors and illustrators. I will also be offering editorial support and creative brainstorming services to publishers and agents, as well as running workshops. Please check out my website at www.blueelephantstoryshaping.com and help spread the word!

Writing opportunity

2010-11-11T15:57:00.002+02:00

STORY BRIEF: Background It is time – BK Publishing is calling all aspiring writers to submit short stories for Metz and Bop on the Trail of the Lost Tales, the second book in the Metz and Bop series. The publishers are motivated and passionate about creating book awareness and developing alluring, enchanting and affordable reading material for a wider South African audience. Metz and Bop on

Joan Rankin - writer and illustrator of children's books

2010-11-08T12:41:00.003+02:00

Joan Rankin was born on 24 June. Her Zodiac sign is thus Cancer, a water sign. This is important to her as feelings predominate in her life.When Joan was three years old, her grandmother told her mother that she was going to be a famous artist. This prediction was based on a drawing which Joan had done and interpreted for her grandmother. Joan doesn’t think much of the drawing but

Need some expert help with school visits

2010-09-23T09:02:00.001+02:00

Hi SCBWI Friends - I’ve just launched a new site to help children’s authors & illustrators navigate the fun, but often confusing, world of doing school visits and public appearances. It’s called: www.SchoolVisitExperts.com Come and visit! The purpose of this blog is to offer advice to published children’s authors & illustrators on designing quality school visit programs and managing the

Reading Promotion and Storytelling Festival for Children

2010-09-03T12:36:00.003+02:00

The Second UNISA conference on Reading Promotion and Storytelling will take place from 6-8 October 2010. For more information, see http://www.unisa.ac.za/default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=24238

M-Net/Via Afrika Literary Award Winners - 2010

2010-09-03T12:05:00.002+02:00

The M.E.R. Prize was established in 1983 and is awarded annually by M-Net and Via Afrika in two distinct categories. A prize is awarded to the best illustrated children’s book and another to the best youth novel published during the previous year. The only condition is that the books must be aimed at younger readers and that the authors and illustrators must be South African citizens. The award

Toonlab political cartooning workshop

2010-07-23T11:17:00.001+02:00

Can you draw? Interested in politics? If the answer is yes to both questions, join CCIBA's Andy Mason, Zapiro, Sowetan's Sifiso Yalo and others. Jozi Book Fair and CCIBA (Centre for Comic, Illustrative and Book Arts) presents: Toonlab Workshop On Political Cartooning, Saturday 7 August, venue: Workers Museum, Newtown, Johannesburg, time: 9am - 4pm. This will be fascinating and challenging

Creating literature for children in Africa

2010-07-23T11:08:00.003+02:00

Librarians, educators and others concerned with creating literature for children in Africa, come and share your ideas about what books we want our children to be reading, what they should look like, how we should get these books to them AND who should make sure that all of this happens! Speakers: Carole Bloch (PRAESA), Niki Daly (Writer and Illustrator), Arabella Koopman (Publishing Consultant),

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL IBBY MEMBERS

2010-07-23T10:59:00.002+02:00

As was the case for the past two Cape Town Book Fairs, IBBY is opening up a few shelves in the IBBY SA stand to their members! The IBBY SA stand will be up and ready for display in the afternoon of the set-up day, Thursday 29 July at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. For more information, call Robin Malan on 076 169 2789 This offer is open only to paid-up IBBY SA members, and

LIASA 12th Annual Conference

2010-07-23T10:50:00.000+02:00

LIASA 12th Annual Conference Theme:Libraries driving access to knowledge Date: 27 September – 1 October 2010 Venue: St George Hotel, Centurion, Gauteng Contact: conference2010@liasa.org.za Registration is now open. Take advantage of the early bird special.

Belgian Illustrator Receives World’s Largest Children’s Literature Award

2010-07-23T10:43:00.002+02:00

Illustrator Kitty Crowther received the world’s largest children’s literature award in a ceremony on 1 June. The 5 million SEK (approx 490, 000 EURO) Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award was presented by H.M. Queen Silvia of Sweden in the presence of the Swedish Minister for Culture. On receiving the award, Kitty Crowther comments: “This is a huge honor. I think of this award as a huge tree, covered

Upcoming event

2010-07-12T13:32:00.000+02:00

Date: 21 July 2010 Time: 10:00 Cost: R50 for members and R100 for non-members (who are welcome to attend) Venue: Sandton Public Library RSVP: By 19 July 2010 to SCBWI.Gauteng@MWeb.co.za Description: 10:00 – 11:30: Detlev Friemeldt. A special privilege for illustrators! Detlev Friemeldt is a buyer for the well-known Pretoria art company, E. Schweikerdt. He will meet illustrators' needs with his

2nd Announcement and call for papers

2010-06-08T12:42:00.005+02:00

2nd UNISA Storytelling Festival and Conference on Reading Promotion and Storytelling for Children 6-8 October 2010 We welcome: 1) Abstracts (of not more than 250 words) that address particular issues regarding reading promotion for children and storytelling to children. Theoretical papers as well as more practical presentations about specific projects are welcome. 2) Proposals for workshops on

A letter from Hans Wilhelm (Writer of children's books)

2010-05-09T04:49:00.001+02:00

Dear fellow writer and illustrator: When I started to write and illustrate children’s books some 30 years ago I knew very little about it. I had just arrived to America and had not heard about SCBWI. However, I was fortunate to have met some wonderful successful children’s book authors and illustrators who guided and helped me through my first struggling years. I am deeply grateful to these

Smories

2010-05-09T04:29:00.001+02:00

Smories are free original stories for kids, read by kids. 50 added every month. Submit yours! Smories.com is a place for children's story writers (published and unpublished, professional & amateur) to get their work published online, whilst retaining all rights. Prize money is offered. You can submit from anywhere in the world. Submission is free. Films of 50 narrated stories can be seen at:

English Academy Awards 2010

2010-05-09T04:23:00.001+02:00

INVITATION FOR ENTRIES FOR ENGLISH ACADEMY AWARDS IN 2010 OLIVE SCHREINER PRIZE The prize is presented to honour new talent. It is conferred for excellence in prose, poetry and drama, and devoted to one of these categories each year. In 2010 it will be awarded for POETRY. Entries for the prize are invited from publishers and/or authors who have published collections of poetry during 2007, 2008

Judy's Writing course

2010-04-14T15:36:00.002+02:00

Aspirant writers might enjoy this online writing course.

UNISA Storytelling Festival and Conference on Reading Promotion and Storytelling for Children

2010-04-13T09:43:00.004+02:00

Announcement and call for papers 2nd UNISA Storytelling Festival and Conference on Reading Promotion and Storytelling for Children 6-9 October 2010 Organised by the Department of Information Science of the University of South Africa and the Children’s Literature Research Unit of the Department. 6-8 October: University of South Africa, Pretoria 9 October: Polokwane, Limpopo Province (Venue to be

2011 Pen/Studzinski Literary Awards

2010-03-15T17:02:00.001+02:00

2011 PEN/STUDZINSKI LITERARY AWARDS Entries invited from 1 March 2010 The South African Centre of International PEN (SA PEN) is pleased to announce the launch of the second in the series of PEN/STUDZINSKI Literary Awards. Entries for the award for original short stories in English are called for from 1 March 2010 and AFRICAN PENS, a compilation of the short-listed stories, will be published in

INVITATION FOR ENTRIES FOR ENGLISH ACADEMY AWARDS IN 2010

2010-03-15T16:42:00.002+02:00

Exhibition by Illustrators and Writers of Children's books

2009-11-24T14:29:00.040+02:00

An exhibition by illustrators and writers of children's books was organised by the SCBWI Gauteng branch of the South African chapter of SCBWI. The exhibition was opened on 3 November 2009 at the University of Pretoria by Professor Thomas van der Walt of UNISA. The guest speaker was Marjorie van Heerden, well-known illustrator and writer of children's books and founder of SCBWI in South Africa.

Next really BIG event

2009-10-12T12:44:00.003+02:00

Exhibition by Illustrators and Writers of Children’s Books University of Pretoria Opening Function: 3 November 2009 15:00 Venue: Edoardo Villa Gallery (Old Merensky Building 19) Daily visiting hours: 4-10 November 2009 10:00 - 16:00 Alliance Francaise Opening Function: 12 November 2009 19:15 for 19:30 Venue: 19 Rivier St (cnr de Kock) Sunnyside Daily visiting hours: 13-27 November 2009 08:30 -

Reading Promotion and Storytelling for Children

2009-08-15T08:35:00.001+02:00

Please support this exciting conference on: Reading Promotion and Storytelling for Children Date: 20-21 August 2009 Venue: University of South Africa, Pretoria. Time: 8:30 - end of day For the programme, see: http://www.childlit.org.za/conference.html A group will be going through from Johannesburg. If you’d like to share transport, please email SCBWI.Gauteng@MWeb.co.za You can still register

Writing for child and adolescent markets

2009-08-03T08:01:00.002+02:00

Dr Donna Wyckoff-Wheeler will offer a 7-week module on WRITING FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MARKETS. The module will begin on August 6 and continue through September 24 (no class, September 3), and will deal with analysis, writing practice and marketing opportunities in the basic genres of children’s literature. A module fee of R1250 is payable after the first class. CLASS TIMES AND VENUE: Thursdays

School visits

2009-07-27T11:29:00.001+02:00

For information on a new register of authors and illustrators being created in the UK, see this article.

Kids Literature Quiz

2009-07-27T11:18:00.002+02:00

The 6th annual Kids Lit Quiz™ is a major international literature competition where teams of students work together to answer wide-ranging literary questions. Exclusive Books is pleased to announce their sponsorship of the quiz for the fourth year and will be providing book vouchers and cash prizes to the winning teams. The Kids' Lit Quiz, dubbed the Olympic Games of Reading, aims to motivate

SCBWI Bologna Conference and Showcase at the Bologna Book Fair

2009-06-08T14:04:00.002+02:00

SCBWI International will host a Conference and put up an SCBWI Booth at the Fair. Bologna 2010 will feature a one-day conference and 3.5 days of the SCBWI Bologna Showcase at the Bologna Book Fair. Both events will give you an opportunity to mingle with editors, art directors, publishers and authors and illustrators in a close, intimate setting for the conference, and then branch out and see

On-line writing course by Janie Oosthuysen at Skryfgeheime.co.za

2009-06-08T12:46:00.003+02:00

Skryfgeheime - van idee tot publikasie - for more information see www.skryfgeheime.co.za DIE TIEN-MODULE-PLAN MODULE 1: Uitgewers en storie-idees Die Afrikaanse kinderboekwêreld Waarom moet ek hierdie kursus doen? Meer oor uitgewers Hoe lyk ’n suksesvolle kinderboek? Die kind se sielkundige leesbehoeftes Waar kry ek idees? Werkstukke: 1. Doen ’n taak oor die skryf van kort sinne 2. Skryf ’n

Reading Promotion and Storytelling for Children

2009-06-08T12:28:00.001+02:00

Announcement and call for papers Seminar on Reading Promotion and Storytelling for Children 20-21 August 2009 Venue: University of South Africa, Pretoria Organised by the Department of Information Science of the University of South Africa and the Children’s Literature Research Unit of the Department. We welcome abstracts (of not more than 250 words) that address particular issues regarding

Workshop: Illustrate and write a Children's book for the Trade Market facilitated by Joan Rankin

2009-06-08T12:13:00.002+02:00

Dates: Beginning Wednesday 27 May and continuing with three more workshops on dates to be agreed on by participants Time: 10:00 -12:30 Where: Houghton, Johannesburg Cost: For Non-members R500 per person Cost: For SCBWI members R250 per person Description: The course will comprise of four hands-on sessions: 1) Background and brainstorming session 2) Writing and illustrating stories 3) Discussion

Cape Town Book Fair 2009 - 13-16 June

2009-06-08T12:01:00.000+02:00

Cape Town Book Fair 2009 - 13-16th June. SCBWI SA will have a stand where SCBWI members can display their work. The aim is to assist South African writers and illustrators to make contact with representatives from international and local publishers coming to the Fair. For more information, click on the title above.

Draft Programme for Exhibition in November 2009

2009-05-21T11:49:00.006+02:00

Exhibition by Illustrators and Writers of Children’s Books The same exhibition will move from the University of Pretoria to Alliance Francaise in Pretoria. The focus of the exhibition is on how illustrators illustrate and writers write for children. Each exhibit will introduce an illustrator / explain how he or she works / tell how he or she illustrated or wrote a particular story. The

Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature

2009-05-14T06:50:00.003+02:00

The closing date for the Tafelberg and Sanlam competitition is on 30 June 2009. Tafelberg and Sanlam once again invite writers, established or beginner, to enter stories suitable for 12-18 year olds in which humour plays a role. Entries may be in Afrikaans, English, Nguni languages, Sotho languages, Tshivenda or Xitsonga. The winning novels will be published by NB Publishers under the

Meet Jaco Jacobs

2009-04-23T10:17:00.017+02:00

SCBWI Gauteng thanks the Sandton Library and its staff for once again allowing us to host our event in the auditorium. The picture shows Margaret Houliston and two members of staff paging through some of Jaco Jacobs' books. On 21 April, SCBWI Gauteng, enjoyed finding out about how Jaco Jacobs wrote his first articles, stories and books for children and young people. He described how he began

Worlds in Dialogue 8-11 July 2009

2009-04-22T14:52:00.001+02:00

Second call for papers: Worlds in Dialogue NOTE: The CFP is also available in Setswana and Afrikaans – see below A conference presented jointly by the Association of University English Teachers of Southern Africa (AUETSA), the South African Association for Commonwealth Language and Literature Studies (SAACLALS), the South African Society for General Literary studies (SAVAL), the 4th Conference

Magic world of Czech Illustrators for Children

2009-03-02T13:50:00.000+02:00

This exhibition is opening on Tuesday 3 March 2009 at 15:00. It will be held in the Foyer of the Library at the University of South Africa until Friday 13 March 2009.

New literature for young adults at Macmillan

2009-02-07T16:48:00.003+02:00

Macmillan South Africa would like to invite writers to develop new literature for young adults. For more information about this project click on the title above.

Derrick Hurlin launches new book

2009-02-02T11:03:00.001+02:00

Jenn Hurlin is one of our SCBWI members. Her husband, Derrick Hurlin, is launching his book of 41 short stories “Let’s go. You drive” on Saturday 14 February 2009 at 10:30. The event will take place at 303 Murray Street, Brooklyn Pretoria. The cost is R30 per person and there will be eats and great company. Derrick will give a brief chat entitled “The Magic World of the Short Story”. RSPV:

Writers' Critique Group

2009-02-02T11:01:00.002+02:00

To join a Writers' Critique Group, send an email to SCBWI.Gauteng@MWeb.co.za. Indicate your level of experience as well as the suburb in which you live.

Beginner Illustrators' Critique Group

2009-02-02T11:00:00.002+02:00

To join a Beginner Illustrators' Critique Group based in the Northern Suburbs of Johannesburg, send an email to SCBWI.Gauteng@MWeb.co.za

Maskew Miller Longman Children's Literature Awards; competition

2008-11-13T11:18:00.001+02:00

Maskew Miller Longman has announced its annual competition. They are inviting writers to submit unpublished and original children's stories and illustrations. R7500 will be awarded to the story winner in each language and to the illustration winner. There will also be a runners-up prize of R3500. Click on the title above to get more details.

Writers and illustrators required

2008-11-13T11:06:00.004+02:00

Writers and illustrators are required by MasterSkill, an American publisher. Click on the title above to read more.

Illustrators required

2008-11-04T21:13:00.004+02:00

Fantasi Boeke are looking for illustrators for a new reading series. For more information, click on the title above.

Book Reviews on Bookchat

2008-09-21T21:15:00.003+02:00

For information about Bookchat and its reviewing of South African children's books, click on the title above.

Notes on translating

2008-09-21T21:06:00.002+02:00

For Notes on translating children's books and in particular Nina and little Duck, click on the title above.

Thoughts on Book Awards and Prizes

2008-09-21T21:02:00.002+02:00

For Jay Heale's thoughts on book awards and prizes in South Africa, click on the title above.

SA Pen Studzinski Literary Award

2008-09-21T16:59:00.004+02:00

The closing date to enter this competition is 30 September. Click on the link above from more details or see http://www.sapen.co.za

South African publishers of children's books

2008-08-06T08:30:00.004+02:00

Please scroll down the panel on the right for links to South African publishers of children's books. See "Websites of interest".

A blog with South AFrican book reviews

2008-08-06T08:00:00.002+02:00

For book reviews and information about books, click on the title above.

2008 M-Net/Via Afrika Literary Award Winners!

2008-08-06T07:55:00.004+02:00

Wendy Hartmann (writer) and Marjorie van Heerden (illustrator) win the M.E.R. Prize for best illustrated children's book and S.A. Partridge wins M.E.R. Prize for Best Youth Novel. To read more, click on the title above.

SCBWI Retreat: Gauteng representatives

2008-05-20T14:50:00.009+02:00

Jenn, Rozenn, and LeAnne Jenn walking up the big hill Paddy and Joan cheer other delegates Phylis, LeAnne and Sindiwe on a walk to the hill above Goudini" /> Carol recording an eventRozenne, Phylis and LeAnne at dinner

SCBWI Retreat

2008-05-20T14:46:00.005+02:00

For coverage of the SCBWI Retreat, click on the title above. It'll take you to brief reports on: From story board to published book: How to find your own way in the world of publishing - a talk by international literary agent Susanne Koppe. Blank page to under a child's pillow: the creative process - a talk by Editorial Director, Picture/Gift Books, Macmillan Children's Books, UK, Suzanne

Book Design

2008-05-16T13:21:00.002+02:00

For some tips regarding Book Design discussed at an SCBWI meeting in Cape Town, click on the title above.

Spoke, Rillers en ander Grillers

2008-05-15T11:48:00.007+02:00

Fantasi Books/Boeke has a great opportunity for writers to create ghost stories. Click on the title above for more information. Also, see the link to Fantasi Books in the Websites of Interest below right.

SCBWI Writing Course

2008-04-21T23:04:00.005+02:00

Reviva Schermbrucker facilitated a wonderful writing course for Gauteng writers in March 2008.

Katrine Harries Award for Children's Book Illustrations

2008-04-11T16:29:00.006+02:00

For the winners of the 1999-2001, 2002-2003, 2004-2005 and 2006-2007, click on the title above.

Centre for the Book

2008-04-11T11:02:00.003+02:00

Nombulelo Baba has taken over as Project Co-ordinator for the Children's Literature Programme at the Centre for the Book from Colleen Higgs who resigned at the end of February. For more information, click on the title or visit http://www.nlsa.ac.za/NLSA/centreforthebook

Local Language Publishing Program Writing Competition 2008 Room to Read

2008-04-11T10:55:00.004+02:00

Cash prizes for the best five stories. Click on the title above for details.

Cape Town Book Fair

2008-03-27T18:10:00.000+02:00

Cape Town Book Fair, 2008 The Publishers Association of South Africa (PASA), and the organisers of the Frankfurt (European) Book Fair will be organising the Third International Book Fair in Cape Town, (June 14-17, 2008). SCBWI SA has already been allocated a stand and we are working with the organisers to plan their “Kids Zone” and the Pin Board area like in 2007. We plan to provide the

Illustrators' Rates

2008-03-27T17:57:00.002+02:00

Have you ever wondered what you should be charging for illustrating? SAFREA (Southern African Freelancers' Association) suggests some minimum rates. These can be accessed at: http://www.safrea.co.za/. For the rates suggested in 2007/2008, click on the Title above.

Resources for Writers in SA compiled by Colleen Higgs

2008-03-27T15:35:00.002+02:00

Colleen Higgs left the Centre for the Book at the end of February 2008. She developed a Resource list over her years working there and shared this with the e-group before leaving to start Modjaji Books. Her list is very valuable and can be accessed at http://scbwi-za-news.blogspot.com/2008/03/resources-for-writers-in-sa-compiled-by.htm

Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Retreat

2008-03-25T21:11:00.006+02:00

For the full programme and costs of the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators Retreat at Goudini Spa from May 5-9 2008, see http://sa-writers-illustrators.blogspot.com or click on the Title above. This is a wonderful opportunity, NOT TO BE MISSED!

Multiple images of South African Adolescents as reflected in Youth Literature

2008-03-04T13:56:00.000+02:00

On 28 February 2008, at the Sandton Public Library, Judith Inggs delivered a paper, The Multiple Images of South African Adolescents as reflected in Youth Literature.Judith explored the ways in which South African writers make use of language and focalisation to construct their adolescent characters. She analysed a number of South African young adult novels in order to establish whether or not

Maryanne and Shayle Bester’s books

2008-03-03T15:50:00.002+02:00

SCBWI Gauteng thoroughly enjoyed meeting Maryanne and Shayle Bester at the event on 28 February at Sandton Public Library.Maryanne and Shayle spoke about writing and illustrating their books for children, namely Three friends and a taxi, The cool Nguni (for which they received the Exclusive Books IBBY award) and The long trousers. They also read the texts of the first two books to the delighted

Nominations wanted for the Katrine Harries Award

2008-02-18T09:06:00.006+02:00

Nominations awaited for the Katrine Harries Award for Children's Book Illustrations The Katrine Harries Award, originally the only and most prestigious award in South Africa for children's book illustrations, but which has been dormant for the past ten years, will again be awarded from this year. For the complete article, click on the title above.

Exclusive Books IBBY SA Award

2007-12-13T15:31:00.002+02:00

At the SCBWI meeting held on Tuesday 20 November 2007 at UNISA Penny Hochfeld discussed the Exclusive Books IBBY SA Awards. Exclusive Books, in association with IBBY S.A., has taken on the sponsorship of the award for the best original children's picture book or illustrated children's story book published in South Africa. For the EXCLUSIVE BOOKS IBBY SA AWARD for 2007, they invited submissions

IBBY SA's Representative South African Books for Children and Young People

2007-12-04T11:44:00.005+02:00

IBBY SA has drawn up 100 Representative South African Books for Children and Young People • The books are recognisably African in character. • The authors and illustrators are South Africans, or non-South Africans living and working in South Africa. • The books are in print. • The books are mentioned in the list in the language in which they were originally written. Many titles have been

What township children are reading: a case study of three schools in Atteridgeville / Saulsville

2007-12-03T09:52:00.000+02:00

At the SCBWI meeting of 20 November 2007, Nicoline Wessels and Hannalie Knoetze, lecturers at UNISA, shared some of the results of their research on the reading patterns of township children. Many University lecturers have noticed the poor reading skills of their first year students and suggest that these are approximately on a grade 8 level. This means that some first-year university students

Reviva Schermbrucker

2007-11-06T08:10:00.002+02:00

Reviva Schermbrucker will be presenting a Writing Course in Johannesburg from 10 to 14 March 2008. See right-hand side for course details and how to register. Born in Israel in 1954, Reviva arrived with her family in South Africa aged 5 and a half. Reviva became a South African in Johannesburg in the 60’s. After matriculating, she attended WITS (the University of Witwatersrand) and began a Fine

Journal of African Children's & Youth Literature (JACYL)

2007-10-16T18:47:00.000+02:00

CALL FOR PAPERS JOURNAL OF AFRICAN CHILDREN'S & YOUTH LITERATURE (JACYL) Editor:Osayimwense Osa Associate Editors: Betsie van der Westhuizen, North West University, South Africa Chikoko Muponder, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa The Journal African Children's & Youth Literature invites contributions from Children*s and Youth Literature theorists, practitioners, scholars and

IBBY SA Honour List

2007-10-04T09:05:00.000+02:00

IBBY SA has announced that the following books have been selected as IBBY SA’s Honour List to be presented at the IBBY World Congress in Copenhagen in 2008 as having made a significant contribution to recent South African literature for children and young people: Author: Afrikaans Jaco Jacobs: Suurlemoen (LAPA Uit-gewers, Pretoria, 2006) Jaco Jacobs het hier daarin geslaag om op oortuigende

Katrine Harries Award for Children's Book Illustrations

2007-09-30T11:58:00.000+02:00

The Katrine Harries Award, originally the only and most prestigious award in South Africa for children's book illustrations, but which had been dormant for the past nine years, will soon be awarded again. Protea Boekhuis has kindly agreed to sponsor the Award on a continuous basis.The award that was made for the first time in the early 1960's by the SA Library Association and later the South

IBBY Award

2007-09-07T11:41:00.000+02:00

Exclusive Books will be presenting the IBBY award on 11 September 2007. They have decided to sponsor this award to: - nurture a love of reading in children from an early age, - recognise the best South African children’s story-book writers and illustrators - recognize local writing talent and illustrating, and - encourage more South African authors and publishers to develop this important

Update: 3rd Conference on South African Children's Literature

2007-08-31T20:05:00.000+02:00

UPDATE: 3rd Conference on South African Children's Literature - 17 - 20 September 2007, North West University, Potchefstroom Campus, Potchefstroom, South Africa Conference theme: Writing (on) South African Children’s Literature The full conference programme is now available and included below. REGISTRATION: The details for registration can be found on the conference website at the following

Franschoek Literary Festival

2007-08-27T12:55:00.000+02:00

The first Franschhoek Literary Festival in early May drew an estimated 2 000 readers. Readers, writers, media and book clubs strolled through the village interacting with 30 authors, poets and publishers in lively informal discussions, signings, fundraisers, talks, breakfasts, dinners and over drinks. The dates for next year are 16 - 18 May 2008 and the very generous sponsorship of the Delta

Opportunity for writer

2007-08-27T12:20:00.000+02:00

Peter Lancett, the series and commissioning editor for Ransom Publishing in the UK, is looking for a SOUTH AFRICAN writer to contribute a novella (30 - 35,000 words) to the 2008 Cutting Edge series. This series is aimed at teenagers and deals with hard-hitting issues - drugs, alienation, violence, death, crime etc. Peter is particularly looking for a writer who can contribute a work told from the

ISASA School Librarians' Conference: 8-11 April, 2008

2007-08-27T11:47:00.000+02:00

This will be held at Hilton College (near Pietermaritzburg), Kwazulu Natal, South Africa from 8th - 11th April 2008. The official website will be launched on 20th August at the following address: www.isasamediameander.co.za. All details and online registration will be available from the site. Librarians of the 21st century face many challenges as they encounter an ever changing world.

Kids Lit Quiz

2007-08-16T11:44:00.000+02:00

The fourth Kids Lit Quiz will be held in SA this October. The quiz is a general knowledge literature quiz and started in New Zealand in 1991 - the brainchild of Wayne Mills, senior lcturer in children's education at the University of Auckland. In SA, children in grade 6 or 7 may enter, in teams of four. The aim is to reward good readers, just as good sportsmen or women are rewarded. Exclusive

Writers and illustrators share their work …

2007-07-24T09:13:00.000+02:00

The Gauteng region of the SCBWI had a meeting on 12 July at Brescia House School. The hostess and school librarian, Sharon Rogers, gave some background information about the school. All the participants were most impressed with the library and the school’s facilities. It was a really convenient venue for travellers from the north as well as the south.

Write a Children's Book

2007-07-23T22:21:00.000+02:00

Are you tired of reading predictable stories to the children in your life and think you could do better? Do you have a great idea for an engaging picture book? Do you want to be the next Dr. Seuss, Eoin Colfer or J.K. Rowling? This practical, interactive course is designed to help you turn your great idea for a children’s book into a reality.

Blogging for the busy writer/illustrator: an article by Damaria Senne

2007-06-28T11:52:00.000+02:00

Last year this time I decided I was finished with blogging. It was an interesting experiment but it was too much work and brought too few returns. So I quit. Weeks later, a colleague sent me a quick email to say my blog was getting stale. He was looking forward to the next post, he said. I hadn’t promoted the thing (still learning how it works, no time) so I thought my blog was like performing

3rd Conference on South African Children's Literature

2007-06-27T07:11:00.000+02:00

Invitation to attend and participate in the 3rd Conference on South African Children's Literature 17-20 September, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus As was the case with the preceding conferences, this conference is for all who are currently involved or who wish to become involved in the production (e.g. oral storytellers, writers, illustrators, translators, publishers), marketing and