Children's Writers and Illustrators Group

Joined-up Reading Conference

The CWIG conference website is now live at www.cwigconference.com. Visit the website to book your place and for all conference information (and conference updates) between now and September 2012.

Let’s Share What We Know!

An Overview of the CWIG Conference, April 2011

St James the Less

That was the idea behind the CWIG conference on 2nd April – and almost a hundred members turned up to listen and contribute.

Helena Pielichaty and Tony Bradman started the day with a sober and well-informed overview of how the cuts are affecting children’s writers and illustrators. Then Anne Cassidy, Steve Barlow and Steve Skidmore suggested dozens of steps we could take, both as individuals and in groups, to raise our profiles and let people know about our books. There were also lots of useful suggestions from the floor.

The focus was practical, but speakers kept reminding us that we don’t write and illustrate primarily to make money. In the final session Frank Cottrell Boyce brought us back to the real reason for it all, speaking about the importance of reading and how it shapes people’s lives.

Thank you to everyone who made it happen and to all the people who shared ideas and enthusiasm.  We are our own best resource!

Gillian Cross, CWIG Chair

•  
• - Want to know more about the April CWIG Conference? Member Sue Eves's report is here
•  
•  - Want to see more? Peek into Sarah McIntyre's fantastic journal here
•  
•  
•   

Frank Cottrell Boyce by Sarah McIntyre

• If you are a member of the Society, don't forget to log-in to the Members area for access to further information.

About the Group

The Children's Writers and Illustrators Group works within the Society to further the interests of children's writers and artists.

The annual subscription to the Society of Authors includes membership to CWIG, which is open to writers and illustrators who have had at least one book published by a reputable publisher. Election is, however, at the discretion of the committee.

Regular meetings are held to give members an opportunity to meet each other as well as to network with industry figures. Speakers have so far included publishers, librarians, booksellers, reviewers and many distinguished writers and illustrators.

Most meetings are held in London, but CWIG members can subscribe to an e-robin which details newsworthy information, events and job offers suitable for members.

The CWIG is run by the elected committee and a professional secretary from the Society, Jo McCrum