Jan. 26 Meet-up Guest Speaker: Henry Lien
Henry Lien
Henry Lien will discuss Scenecraft: What It Is and How It’ll Blow Your Writing Open. He's an author from Taiwan, now living in Hollywood, CA. He is a graduate of St. Paul’s School, Brown University, UCLA School of Law, and Clarion West Writers Workshop. He is the author of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed Peasprout Chen middle grade fantasy series. Henry also teaches writing for institutions including UCLA, the University of Iowa, and Clarion West. He previously worked as an attorney and fine art dealer. He is a four-time Nebula/Norton Award finalist and won the UCLA Extension Department of the Arts Instructor of the Year award. Hobbies include writing theme songs for his novels and losing Nebula/Norton Awards. www.henrylien.com
January 26 Meet-up - Guest Speaker: Henry Lien
Topic: Scenecraft: What It Is and How It’ll Blow Your Writing Open
Many prose writers neglect scenecraft because they don’t even know what it is. Scenecraft includes elements such as blocking, visual tableaux, power dynamics, use of negative space, and strategic deletions of sight, sound, ability, or knowledge. Some of the most unforgettable scenes in all of art draw their power from their scenecraft. This workshop uses examples from various mediums, including painting, film/tv, and video games. Writers will leave the workshop with a practical list of tools to make their scenecraft more memorable. This workshop is taught by an experienced international art dealer.
When: Sunday, January 26, 1:00-2:00 pm
Where: Our meet-ups are virtual over zoom. The zoom link is provided in the bi-monthly email. If you'd like to be added to the email list, please contact Bev Plass at SoCal-RA@scbwi..org
Cost: Free
SoCal welcomes you to join our monthly meet-ups to connect with other creative people and hone your craft. We mingle, have guest speakers, and celebrate writer successes. We generally meet on the fourth Sunday of the month from 1:00-2:00. Sometimes we change the dates due to holidays or other SCBWI events. We break into critique groups immediately following, using the same zoom link.
Critique Groups
SoCal Writer's Group
SoCal Writers typically meet every fourth Sunday of the month via zoom immediately following the meet-up. The same zoom link is used for both meetings.
Inland Empire Writers Group
Inland Empire Writers meet every third Saturday of the month via zoom for meet-up and critique groups.
Illustrators Group
Illustrators typically meet every second Saturday of the month in person and via zoom (hybrid).
Writer Submission Guidelines:
Picture Book (PB)
Submission length - Send in one manuscript. 1,000 words or less.
Document type - Word document (NOT Pages or PDF.)
Document name - GENRE (PB), LAST NAME, FIRST, TITLE
Document formatting - Size 12 font, Times New Roman. Double spaced. 1 inch margin on all sides.
Document header - Title/author last name (on the far left) and page numbers (on the far right)
Middle Grade (MG) / Young Adult (YA)
Submission length - Send in five pages (double spaced)
Document type - Word document (NOT Pages or PDF.)
Document name - GENRE (MG/YA), LAST NAME, FIRST, TITLE
Document formatting - Size 12 font, Times New Roman. Double spaced. 1 inch margin on all sides.
Document header - Title/author last name (on the far left) and page numbers (on the far right)
Note: If you are submitting a chapter that is later in the novel (not chapter 1), it is helpful to provide a “here’s what has happened so far” summary. It is also helpful to the critiquer if you include a complete synopsis of the novel so they can judge the excerpt within the entire context of the novel. These are merely suggestions, not requirements, to help you maximize the quality of the feedback from your group. First-time submissions: It is highly recommended you attend a meeting once before participating in a critique group. That way, you will know the process we follow. It is important you know the process as this is a moment of vulnerability for members of the group. We want to guide and inspire, not crush our aspiring writers.
Future Meet-up Dates:
December- No Meeting due to holidays
January 26, 2025 Henry Lien
Feb: No Meet-up due to SCBWI National Conference
March 23: Paula Yoo, author- Ask the author
April 27, 202: Lee Wardlaw, author- Poetry
May 18, 2025: Rex Ogle, author- Fantasy and Supernatura
June 22, 2025: Ariel Richardson-editor, Chronicle- Pep, Prod, Pause writer’s emotional journey
July: No Meet-up due to SCBWI National Conference
Aug 24, 2025: Kaitlyn Sanchez, agent, Bradford- Ask an Agent
Sept 28, 2025: Laura Stegman, author- writing an author bio
Oct 26, 2025
Nov 23, 2025