Archived news and events: SCBWI SA
This blog contains archived events and news for SCBWI SA. For the latest news and events, please visit our website at http://scbwi.za.org/
SCBWI SA– Upcoming Events
Happening in Cape Town
Happening in Cape Town
SCBWI (SA): A WEEK-LONG SPRING EVENT
Deadline has been extended to the 25th of August
Deadline has been extended to the 25th of August
To celebrate the 40th birthday of the international Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the South African chapter is arranging a gala Spring Event from 21 to 27 October, open to members and non-members. The event will have three components, each with a separate attendance fee:
1. A one-day children’s book conference
2. Gala luncheon with specialist speakers
3. Four days of specialist review sessions by appointment for individual writers and illustrators
Note:
The conference and luncheon are open to all with an interest in children’s books, e.g. writers, illustrators, parents, teachers, booksellers, librarians, publishers and policy-makers. The review sessions are for writers and illustrators, whether or not they are members of SCBWI or whether they have been published or not.
For more information and the program in full and deadlines for bookings and submissions go to http://springevent2011-scbwi-sa.blogspot.com/
MER Awards
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 were appointed to adjudicate the entries received
across the various categories.
The
following two children’s book awards were given:
- The M.E.R Prize for best youth novel (ages 8 to 16,
however not exclusive). - The M.E.R. Prize for best illustrated children's book
(ages 0 to 8, however not exclusive).
The
prize money is R35 000 per category. For the M.E.R. Prize for children’s
illustrated books, the prize money is divided between the author and the
illustrator.
The
winner of M.E.R. award for best illustrated children’s book is
Just
Sisi / Net Sisi by Wendy Hartmann, illustrations by
Joan Rankin
The
short list for the M.E.R. Prize for best illustrated children's book was (in alphabetical
order):
Just
Sisi
/Net Sisi
by Wendy Hartmann, illustrated by Joan Rankin, published by Human &
Rousseau
Thandiwe's Choice / Thandiwe
besluit by Mari Grobler,
illustrated by Elizabeth Pulles, published by Tafelberg
Nici's Pocket Presents / Sandra se seepresente by Marion Drew, illustrated by Vian Oelofsen,
published by Tafelberg
THE WINNERS
Wendy
Hartmann Joan Rankin
JUST SISI contains five stories by Wendy Hartmann: a
journey past unseen African dangers, a surprise party, painting the wall of
Gogo’s house, welcoming Dad home and saying goodnight. Also translated into
Afrikaans by Philip de Vos. Beautiful, expressive illustrations by
internationally known artist, Joan Rankin, compliment the sparingly written,
but spot on text.
About Wendy Hartmann
Born in Cape Town, South Africa
“When I was about five or six years old, I saw the
Easter Bunny. I was so excited I was hysterical. I was told it was not the
Easter bunny, it was a dog.
At first, I was stunned, but later I thought – ‘but
what if?’ But what if it was the Easter Bunny? What if I was the only person in
the world that could see it? What if… what if…?
Those words started the journey. Only now have I
realised how they have coloured my whole life. They crept into the stories I
told and when I started to write, those words sparked off so many ideas. They
still do.”
Wendy has been writing since 1986. She has had more
than 40 children’s books published. Some of these have been published in
America, Britain and Japan and have been translated into other languages. Her
books have been selected for Honours Lists and have won awards for writing and
illustration.
She has written television scripts for Children’s
Programmes and books ranging from concept and counting, educational and
beginner readers to picture books. She has a studio at home where she writes.
She also paints in her spare time. Wendy lives in Table View, which overlooks
Cape Town and the famous Table Mountain.
www.wendy-hartmann.blogspot.com
About Joan Rankin
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa
“All my life I have loved humorous books. All the
4-page books I made as a child were to amuse my family.
Animals have been a favourite subject. They are
non-racist and don't get offended when drawn doing silly things.
My first real efforts to become a children's book
person, were made in the years when my two younger daughters were writing their
matriculation. I must have been under the impression that I would have lots of
time on my hands. I did twelve books - none of which ever got published. It was
only when I won the Daan Retief prize that I got books to illustrate - all from
Daan Retief Publishers.
After illustrating forty books one gets a good idea
how to write. However, I have had a wonderful mentor in Niki Daly who has
helped and inspired me.
My grandchildren have also been a source of
inspiration.
It's quite a lonely career and one seldom hears if
anyone has even seen any of the books. On the other hand Grandchildren like you
to read the same book over and over until you are sick of it.
Another way to get together with people is to do
workshops. One not only learns a lot but it is such a reward to see the sparkle
in peoples’ eyes when they have achieved things that they didn't expect.”
Joan studied graphic art at Michaelis Art School Cape
Town and studied Fine Art with Sidney Goldblatt for several years. She worked
in Fibre Art and puppetry; mainly shadow theatre. She has illustrated over
thirty books for children, many of which she has written herself and which have
been published internationally. She won the HAUM Daan Retief Publishers
Competition for children’s book illustration in 1986, the Katrina Harris Award
for Children’s Book Illustration in 1991and the Oppenheim toy portfolio gold
award in 2003. Joan has participated in exhibitions in Barcelona, Bratislava,
Sarmede, Italy, New York and Japan. She lives with her husband and family in
Johannesburg. http://www.scbwi.za.org/2008/417-Joan-Rankin/about/
M.E.R.
Award for best Youth Novel is
Willem
Poprok by Derick van der Walt (Tafelberg)
The
short list for the M.E.R Prize for best youth novel was(in alphabetical
order):
Sidekick by Adeline Radloff, published by Tafelberg
Speurhond Willem op reis by Elizabeth Wasserman, published by Tafelberg
Willem Poprok by Derick van der Walt, published by Tafelberg
THE WINNER
Willem Poprok by Derick van der Walt
The story of the Van Vuurens of Pretoria, who own the Blou Bul Slaghuis in
the mall. There are three sons and a “laatlammetjie” little sister, with whom
the youngest son, Willem, has a special bond. The story revolves around a
competition for “Dad of the Year”, in which the sons enter their father.
This is an honest portrayal of an average South African family’s individual
struggles, loves, hopes, fears and how these keep them together. Very funny at
times – every reader will recognize dynamics from their own family life in this
story.
Also
Silver winner: Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature 2009
More about Derick van der Walt
Derick is the owner of a Pretoria-based communications
consultancy, specialising in corporate publishing.
He has been writing professionally for many years and,
although he won his first award for creative writing when he was only 11 years
old, in a competition organised by the South African Broadcasting Corporation,
he only recently tried his hand at serious writing. Lien se Lankstaanskoene,
his first book, won the 2007 Sanlam Golden Award for Youth Literature. Derick
plans to continue writing youth novels, as it is a genre he feels at home with.
However, he has also written a number of short stories aimed at adult readers.
But his interests are not limited to the written word.
Derick loves good food, cold wine and rugby (not necessarily in that order!),
and he is passionate about music of all kinds - from Norah Jones to Gershwin.
Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff's piano concertos are special favourites.
He lives in Pretoria with his wife, Lenie, and they
have three grown sons - Tjaart, Werner and André. http://www.tafelberg.com/authors/5851
The South African Chapter of SCBWI, Cape Town
(Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
would like to announce
A week-long SCBWI (SA) Spring event 2011
Friday 21 October – Thursday 27 October
For more info go to http://springevent2011-scbwi-sa.blogspot.com/
(Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators)
would like to announce
A week-long SCBWI (SA) Spring event 2011
Friday 21 October – Thursday 27 October
For more info go to http://springevent2011-scbwi-sa.blogspot.com/
The event will have three separate components, each with a separate attendance fee:
- A one-day children’s book conference
- A luncheon with specialist speakers
- Four days of review sessions for individual writers and illustrators
However, SCBWI members will be given preference.
Please email scbwi.za@gmail.com to express your interest in attending.
Please put Spring Event 2011 in the subject line and indicate which of the three components you interested in.
Please state if you re a SCBWI member
FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER - ONE-DAY CHILDREN’S BOOK CONFERENCE
• The primary focus of the conference will be on the opportunities and challenges facing children’s book writers and illustrators in educational publications in South Africa.
• A secondary focus will be on possible opportunities opening up in international markets (maybe including the rapidly expanding markets in the East?) for South African children’s Publishers, book writers and illustrators – both in English and in translation.
SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER – SCBWI (SA) SPRING LUNCHEON
• An gala luncheon to celebrate SCBWI’s 40th birthday which will feature Steve Mooser (SCBWI President and a visiting international children’s book writer and Literary Agent, Erzsi Deak
Note: At the luncheon venue local publishers will be given the opportunity to display and promote their latest children’s book publications.
MONDAY 24 TO THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER – REVIEW SESSIONS
• Four days of review sessions in which the literary Agent, children’s book editors and established writers and illustrators will provide thirty-minute one-on-one critiques of the work of local writers & illustrators. (SCBWI Members will be given preference)
Note: SCBWI Members who do not have a review session will have the opportunity to display their work in an exhibition space.
IBBY Africa 1st Biennial Conference
Changes to dates and venue of the 1st Biennial IBBY Africa Conference – see below
Circulated by SCBWI (SA) for Prof Thomas van der Walt, CLRU, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa.
Enquiries: please contact Prof Thomas van der Walt
Fax: +27 12 4293792; e-mail: vdwaltb@unisa.ac.za
For more info go to http://www.unisa.ac.za/Default.asp?Cmd=ViewContent&ContentID=25142
1st Biennial IBBY Africa Conference: 31 August-2 September 2011
Venue: The Ranch, Polokwane, Limpopo Province
The travelling of stories: children’s literature and reading in and of Africa
Call for papers
· 31 August-2 September 2011
· Venue: The Ranch, Polokwane, Limpopo Province
· Organised by the Children’s Literature Research Unit, University of South Africa on behalf of the IBBY Branches of Africa
· Closing date for submissions: 15 June 2011
The following topics serve as suggestions:
The travelling of stories across borders and cultures
Children’s literature in translation
Folktales and imagination
Writing in indigenous/colonial/minority languages
Colonialism and post-colonialism in children’s literature
Traditional folktales and the modern tale
Cultural relevance of children’s books
The distinction between African children’s and adult books
Oral narratives and literary research
Converting oral literature into written literature
Literature for didactic purposes
The African diaspora and children’s literature
Reading across cultures
Library services for children
Reading in the information age
Comparative research in children’s literature and reading
Depicting reality in children’s books
Reading preferences of African children
Teaching children’s literature
Storytelling for young people
Publishing for children in the 2nd World
Abstracts of not more than 250 words that address particular issues regarding reading and children’s literature related to Africa and the developing world are welcomed.
Mail abstracts and direct enquiries to: Prof Thomas van der Walt, CLRU, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, 0003 Pretoria, South Africa Fax: +27 12 4293792 e-mail: vdwaltb@unisa.ac.za
Call for Papers 1st Biennial IBBY Africa Conference
The travelling of stories: children’s literature and reading in and of Africa
Call for Papers
1st Biennial IBBY Africa Conference
21-23 September 2011
Venue: Pigg’s Peak Hotel, Swaziland
Organised by the Children’s Literature Research Unit, University of South Africa on behalf of the IBBY Branches of Africa
Abstracts of not more than 250 words that address particular issues regarding reading and children’s literature related to Africa and the developing world are welcomed.
The following topics serve as suggestions:
The travelling of stories across borders and cultures
Children’s literature in translation
Folktales and imagination
Writing in indigenous/colonial/minority languages
Colonialism and post-colonialism in children’s literature
Traditional folktales and the modern tale
Cultural relevance of children’s books
The distinction between African children’s and adult books
Oral narratives and literary research
Converting oral literature into written literature
Literature for didactic purposes
The African diaspora and children’s literature
Reading across cultures
Library services for children
Reading in the information age
Comparative research in children’s literature and reading
Depicting reality in children’s books
Reading preferences of African children
Teaching children’s literature
Storytelling for young people
Publishing for children in the 2rd World
Closing date for submissions: 15 June 2011
Mail abstracts and direct enquiries to:
Prof Thomas van der Walt, CLRU, Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, PO Box 392, 0003 Pretoria, South Africa
Fax: +27 12 4293792
e-mail: vdwaltb@unisa.ac.za
ENGLISH ACADEMY AWARDS IN 2011 - Call for Entries
OLIVE SCHREINER PRIZE
The prize is awarded for original literary work in English. It is expressly intended as encouragement for a writer who has produced work of great promise, but cannot yet be regarded as an established novelist, short story writer, poet or playwright. It is conferred for excellence in prose, poetry and drama, and devoted to one of these categories each year. In 2011 it will be awarded for DRAMA.
Entries are invited for the prize from publishers and/or authors who have published plays during 2008, 2009 and 2010. Plays of two or more acts (alternatively, two one-act plays) which have been published and/or performed in South Africa by a recognized theatre group or company (amateur or professional) will be accepted. Radio and television plays are also eligible. The length of the stage plays should be such as to provide a substantial evening’s entertainment in the theatre; radio and TV plays should take up to approximately one hour (or two half hours) of viewing or listening time. Typescripts of plays which have been produced must be accompanied by all relevant details (where and when produced, name of producer and theatre company, copies of programmes and reviews, etc.).
SOL PLAATJE PRIZE
The prize is awarded for excellence in translation of a literary text of at least 1 000 words (except in the case of poetry which is, of necessity, exempt from the length criterion) in one of the other official South African languages into English. The English text must represent a reasonably accurate translation of the original, while standing as a well expressed literary text in and of itself.
The translation must have been published in 2009 or 2010. One published copy of the original work and one published copy of the translation must be submitted.
The purpose of the prize is to encourage effective mutual understanding in our multilingual country.
THOMAS PRINGLE AWARDS
The awards are for various achievements, attention being turned to three different categories each year. Below are the three areas for achievement which will be honoured in 2011:
- Reviews of plays, books, films, art exhibitions, radio or television programmes published in newspapers and magazines during 2011 (Ideally, a portfolio of work should be submitted).
- Poems in journals and magazines published in 2009 and 2010
- Articles on English in education and the teaching of English published in journals in 2009 and 2010.
Entries for these prizes are invited from editors of journals, magazines and newspapers as well as from individual authors. Entries published in online newspapers, magazines or journals are also eligible, as long as they were published within the years under review. Details of such publication must be provided.
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Works submitted must have been written by a resident of a Southern African country and published in Southern Africa.
More than one entry by the same author may be accepted. There is no entry form. However, all entries must be accompanied by a covering letter listing the entries and providing the full contact details of the entrant.
Three copies of each entry must be submitted, excerpt in the case of the Sol Plaatje Prize (see specifications above). All entries must be sent to the Academy’s Administrative Officer at P O Box 124, Wits, 2050.
Works submitted will be acknowledged but cannot be returned.
Each winner will receive a cash prize and a certificate.
DEADLINES
Thomas Pringle Award for Reviews only – 30 June 2011
All other awards – 31 May 2011
For more information, please contact Naomi Nkealah on 011 717 9339 or at englishacademy@societies.wits.ac.za