SCBWI Success Story: Kristen Willis

The SCBWI Australian Picture Book Illustrator Awards recognise the talent of Australian children’s illustrators in visual narrative for picture books and graphic novels from early childhood to young adult. The Awards are managed by SCBWI Australia East and are funded by the Copyright Agency. There are two categories – Established and Emerging Illustrator with prize money to assist with the creation of a new visual narrative picture book or graphic novel.

It’s challenging to put into words just how grateful I am for the recognition and creative support behind my Highly Commended for the SCBWI Emerging Illustrator Award. It's hard to believe an Australian-Italian without words, right?

This particular story has been in my pocket as a work-in-progress since 2017, and the heart of it lies in the threads of stories retold by my family all my life. How they left their homeland in the hope of a better life, but most importantly, for love. As the custodian of valuable family artifacts and treasures, I quickly realised that this project was greater than a personal bedtime story; it was a rich time capsule of Italian-Australian culture in North Queensland.

In truth, at first, I did not know where to start. This personal, biographical story became my gateway into the world of kid-lit, my sole purpose and mission to become a children's book illustrator and emerging author. A way to share and archive a slice of North Queensland Australian history through art in the format of a book, which can be treasured and read with a steaming hot cup of espresso. Don't forget the biscotti!

The SCBWI Illustration Award has gifted this story a chance to exist, a wholehearted nod of recognition to keep going. The winnings allowed me to seek author mentorship from Story Art Coach and Publisher Margrete Lamond, as well as a much-needed art supply injection. I'll take a set of Caran D'ache Neocolor II Aquarelle and Pan Pastels, thank you!

Unbeknownst to me, my story has a life journey of its own. Originally envisioned as a picture book, it has recently been signed by a traditional publisher, Perentie Press - as a beautiful graphic novel. Now, the real work begins!

"Illustrating is like composing a classic Italian dish – it takes a dash of love, a whole lot of lyrical hand gestures, and is best enjoyed with others!” Kristen Willis

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SCBWI at the ASLA Conference Geelong 2025

Every two years the incredible team at ASLA – The Australian School Library Association - invite librarians from all over the country to come together, share knowledge, awards, information and kick up their heals in celebration of what an amazing job librarians do.

Some years back, SCBWI approached ASLA to form a partnership, where, during their conferences, we showcase some of our incredibly talented creators. In 2023 we joined them on the Gold Coast in 2023 and this year in Geelong. Combining passionate librarians with stupendous kids’ book creators is a natural fit and made for a joyful and wondrous event. There were talks, workshops, tears, laughter and lots and lots of talking about books and story.

Thank you so much for the incredible ASLA team: Martha Itzcovitz, Sonja Brownridge and the entire committee for a fascinating and celebratory few days.

For our part, nine SCBWI creators held two 90 minute sessions, where they dived into their creative process and shared activities for librarians to help their kids create their own artwork and stories. We also had a SCBWI stand of books where we had the chance to meet and thank the incredible librarians who help kids find books they will love.

Thank you to Caz Goodwin, Amy Adeney, Claire Saxby, Kaye Baillie, Jess Racklyeft, Judy Watson, Marjorie Crosby-Fairall, Margaret Roc and Susanne Gervay … all clever and talented people down to their toes.

At the conference dinner, author Kate Foster, creator of the DANZ awards - The Diversity in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand Children's Book Award – announced the winners for 2025.

graphic novel Ghost Book by Remy Lai (Allen and Unwin)

non-fiction The Trees by Victor Steffensen and illustrated by Sandra Steffensen (Hardie Grant)

poetry Pasifika Navigators by 52 Pasifika Student Authors (Mila’s Books)

young adults Catch a Falling Star by Eileen Merriman (Penguin Random House New Zealand)

It was a brilliant few days celebrating what it is we do and why we love librarians so much!

Deborah Abela, Co-RA SCBWI AustEast

SCBWI Success Story Zoe Gaetjens

When I saw the opportunity to pitch at the 2024 SCBWI Australia East PD day at the State Library of NSW I decided to give it a go. I had been working on my YA manuscript, Drawing Nudes While Making Other Plans for a couple of years and was starting to make plans myself for what I would do with it. The previous year I had attended the SCBWI Retreat and had received both constructive and encouraging feedback from both my group and the pitch session that had taken place. Due to this and the encouragement of my critique groups I felt like I might be in with a chance.

I was super excited when Deborah Abela emailed to say that I had been selected to share my pitch. I was equally nervous.

The talks that day were brilliant and the pitch session was scheduled for the end of the day’s proceedings.

I was the last one to pitch. With my heart beating so hard I though it might crack a rib (that’s how anatomy works right?) and my printed palm cards (top tip, you can’t hold a microphone and palm cards at the same time) I got up there. I spoke about the concept of the story, my main character’s arc and comp titles. I also made the decision to use part of my three minutes to share the opening of the manuscript because I thought it gave a clear sense of the voice and feel of the text. My decision paid off. Laura Harris (formerly the Publishing Director of Penguin Random House Australia) visibly squirmed in her seat during my pitch. She said she was hooked and thought that I would have publishers knocking on my door. Everyone I talked to afterwards was just so lovely. I don’t think I walked out of the library that day, I floated.

Laura Harris

The following day Deb got in touch, she shared that Laura had asked her to pass on her details and that she would love to help me find a home for my manuscript. I couldn’t believe it.

I signed up with Laura’s management service and we worked on some making some small changes to strengthen my manuscript. From there we went out on submission in November. This was met with interest and feedback but unfortunately no yesses. With Laura’s guidance I re-worked my story again over the Christmas holidays, keeping in mind what the publishers had said. We went out again at the end of February and had an offer from Penguin Random House at the start of May. I was, and still am, thrilled.

Laura was a dream to work with and I’m so grateful to have had her supporting me and championing my work. I would not have had the opportunity to work with her had it not been for SCBWI and the chance to pitch my work.

Zoe Gaetjens Insta: @zoegaet