Brisbane Write Links, Creating Kids' Books- My Superheroes.

Me, Sam Sochacka and Rebecca Sheraton holding Caylie Jeffery's book.

It is about time I wrote a blog post in honor of my local writer's group, Write Links.

The group started a little more than a year ago as a collaboration between Book Links and our local SCBWI after they identified a need for a writing group specifically for emerging children's writers. I was there from the start and haven't missed a meeting since.

Our group has grown considerably since that first meeting, our Facebook group has 88 members, and we have around 25 members show up for our meetings each month. I get requests from new members on a weekly basis.


Our members are emerging or established writers, as-of-yet unpublished, traditionally published and self-published.

In addition to the networking and professional development, there are three motivated critique groups; Picture Books, Junior Novels and Young Adult.

Over the last year, the formidable and knowledgeable Sam Sochacka, has educated us, overwhelmed us, or introduced us to all things Social Media for writers. Jenny Stubs from Book Links is our fairy godmother, coaxing us on, and sharing the latest and hottest news and opportunities. Jenny is also a walking encyclopedia on anything related to children's books. Mia Macrossan, CBCA (Qld) Book of the Year Judge is a strong supporter, so is Sheryl Gwyther from our local SCBWI, Peter Taylor, Pamela Rushby and many others. I have slowly grown into the role of coordinator,  which I share with Sam Sochacka and it has been a rewarding experience.

The most rewarding aspect of Write Links is the friendships and supportive network this group has created. I now have superhero writing and illustrating friends for life! Why are they superheros?  Trying to fit in writing with or without having to look after families, working full-time or part-time in another profession  or trying to make a living out of writing or illustrating, is REALLY is not easy to achieve. This group of superheros keeps me focused, inspired and encouraged.

Oh, and I love that my social calendar has filled up with book launches and writing events.

Keep an eye out for our own Write Links logo in the next couple of months, designed by our own members, and check out some of our favourite Write Links blog posts:

Pamela Rushby on writing and her latest novel: The Ratcatcher's Daughter

Getting the most out of a writers' and illustrators' conference

April Write Links Meeting with Stephanie Hogan at Black Cat Books


Write Links meets on a monthly basis as the State Library Qld from 1 to 5pm, for more information please have a look at our website:

www.brisbanewritelinks.weebly.com


And on the topic of interesting blog posts ... Here is the link to a guest post I did for Alayne Kay Christian:

ALL ABOUT SUBMISSIONS GUEST BLOGGER YVONNE MES: HOW TO SUBMIT WITHOUT FEELING LIKE THROWING UP

And to round it all off, here are some pictures of last Saturday, the 3rd of May,  dedicated to children's writing in the company of my Superhero Write Links friends:

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11am - 1pm -Book Launch

Kaz Delaney launched her new book 'Almost Dead' at Black Cat Books hosted by the wonderful Angel Sunde.

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There was a Q & A session between Angela and Kaz which included the telling of some spine tingling spooky stories.

 Kaz is absolutely amazing and will be looking forward to more of her books.

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1pm -  5pm - Write Links meeting

Sam's social media presentation at the State Library Qld, followed by our networking and critique sessions.

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5.30 pm - till late -Book Celebration

Caylie Jefferey had a book celebration for 'Bedtime Stories for Busy Mothers' at the Lethbridge Gallery in Paddington, gearing up for her book launch next Saturday.

As we arrived a little late, the place was so packed, we couldn't even get a glimpse of Caylie until the crowd had thinned out a little!

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For more information about 'Bedtime Stories for Busy Mothers' read my review here.

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