Paths to Publication: SCBWI KidLit Panel

Forsyth Writes Together

Ever wondered how to get started as a children's author and/or illustrator? Join us for an insightful and interactive Q&A panel with seven kidlit authors and illustrators! Our panelists will discuss how they got their start and share invaluable knowledge for future children's book writers and illustrators. This event is sponsored by the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Southern Breeze Chapter.

Event image credit: kali9 from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com

Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Southern Breeze Chapter logos by Amanda Fletcher

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Panelists:

Robyn Field is an award-winning author and poet. Her debut middle grade novel, Peony Watercolor’s Wish for Sun and Moon (2024, Owl's Nest Publishers), is a Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards gold medalist in pre-teen fantasy. Robyn is also a 2017 Writer’s Digest award winner and a 2019 Pitch Wars alumna. Visit her online at www.robynfieldauthor.com.

Stacy S. Jensen is a children’s book author with a passion for history, research, and exploring new topics like she did as a newspaper journalist. Her debut picture book Before I Lived Here (2025, Neal Porter Books) was written while she lived in Colorado—inspired by her neighborhood. Visit her online at www.stacysjensen.com.

Shanda McCloskey is an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s picture books and graphic novels that are often about following your light, whether that be robots, punk music, or even letter writing! She is currently working on her first chapter book graphic novel series, Punk Rock (2026, Abrams Fanfare), with her husband/co-writer Ben. Visit her online at www.shandamc.com.

T.K. Read is an attorney by day, writer by night, mom, wife, and super-hero-wannabe always. The first book in her award-winning middle grade series, Ranger Nader & The Sunstruck Phantom, written under the pen name “Kam Karem,” was a finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards and The Independent Author Network Book Awards, and won its category in The International Book Awards. TK also co-founded The Conyers Book Festival along with the owner of her local indie bookstore. You can find her online at www.tkread.com.

Moniquea S. Willingham is the author of Madison’s Talent. She has spent over 18 years serving in the educational field, including both domestic and international school settings supporting students and their teachers. She holds a Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University and a Masters of Science degree in Educational Leadership obtained from Georgia State University. Find her at her Amazon author page.

Taylor Woolley is author and illustrator of Earth Rover and illustrator of Birthday Bash by Blair Northen Williamson. Armed with a sketchbook full of wild ideas, Taylor's stories are guaranteed to make readers giggle, gasp, and cheer. Represented by Dan Cramer of Page Turner Literary Agency, Taylor has published traditionally as an author and illustrator and has also worked with self-published authors as an illustrator and designer. Visit her online at www.woolleystories.com.

As a freelance writer, Kim Zachman published more than 130 articles, essays, and reviews, but her real passion was children’s books. Her first book, There’s No Ham in Hamburgers: Facts and Folklore About Our Favorite Foods, released in April 2021. There’s No Cream in Cream Soda followed in July 2023. Visit her online at www.kimzachman.com.

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