Congratulations to the Winners of the 2013 SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grants

If you're an aspiring writer of books for young readers, my first piece of advice would be to join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators . This 22,000-member strong group will provide opportunities to hone the craft, meet editors and agents, and become part of our supportive community of writers and illustrators. I've been a card-carrying member for twenty years.



Today, SCBWI announced the winners of their annual work-in-progress grants, given to unpublished authors.

Contemporary Category 

Mary Ann Scott | The Unfolding of Ripley Kent

Runner-up: Margo Rabb | Kissing in America 

General Category 

Jocelyn Leigh Rish | The Drama Queen Who Cried Wolf

Runner-up: Rebecca Louie | Tru U 

Multicultural Category 

Suzanne Linn Kamata | Indigo Girl 

Runner-up: Natasha Tarpley | Alchemist Bread 

Nonfiction Category

Patrice Sherman | The Vitamin Sleuths: A Tale of Mystery, Medicine and Nutrition 

Runner-up: Suzanne Slade | The Music in George’s Head 

Anna Cross Giblin Award

Caren Stelson | Sachiko

Barbara Karlin Award 

Elizabeth Coburn | Captain Bilgewater and the Buccaneer Ballet 

Runner-up: Karol Ruth Silverstein | Other

Unpublished Author Award

David Arnold | Mosquitoland 

Congratulations to the winners and runner-ups! If you're curious, like I was, the "multicultural" grant was established in 2010, and is not dependent on the race/ethnicity of the author but awarded to "any work focused on multicultural/minority issues, including picture books."

Come visit me on the Fire Escape!