Recommended Groups
BookLinks is a Queensland organisation for writers, teachers and librarians. They host events and are very supportive of local writers. I met my writing group, Write Links - Brisbane Children's Writers Group and illustrators group through this organisation.
Your local writers centre has many resources and courses you can attend. They can also offer great advice. The Queensland Writers Centre is found in the State Library of Queensland.
The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) is an international organisation that links people all over the globe and they hold conferences. They have regions in the world, like the Australia and New Zealand region and local chapters in different states. The local chapters have meetings for writers and illustrators to gather together. I am a member of the Queensland chapter.
The Children's Book Council of Australia supports Australian children's literature especially through the CBCA Awards. They also are in charge of Book Week, celebrated each August which coincides with the announcement of the CBCA award winners.
The Australian Society of Authors is a great organisation that looks after writers in Australia. They provide information, advice and mentorships.
Recommended Resources
Buzz Words is another valuable Australian e-magazine. It is a paid resource and is released fortnightly.
Kidlit 411 is an excellent website featuring industry information on children's publishing. It is free! The weekly blog posts have current links for you to check out and also feature interviews with children's authors and illustrators.
Kids' Book Review is a fantastic website that reviews children's books, interviews writers and illustrators and has many resources. KBR have an annual Unpublished Picture Book competition which provides feedback and their monthly themed short story competition. They publish local writers every week on their website for the month for the short story competition.
Pass It On is an Australian children's literature industry weekly e-newsletter. Contact Jackie Hosking to find out more information. It is a paid resource.
Storystorm is held every January to help writers generate 30 different ideas for children's picture books in 30 days. This is a free online event.
