Congratulations to the Winners of the 2013 SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grants

If you're an aspiring writer of books for young readers, my first piece of advice would be to join the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. This 22,000-member strong group will provide opportunities to hone the craft, meet editors and agents, and become part of our supportive community of writers and illustrators. I've been a card-carrying member for twenty years.

Today, SCBWI announced the winners of their annual work-in-progress grants, given to unpublished authors.
Contemporary Category 
Mary Ann Scott | The Unfolding of Ripley Kent
Runner-up: Margo Rabb | Kissing in America 
General Category 
Jocelyn Leigh Rish | The Drama Queen Who Cried Wolf
Runner-up: Rebecca Louie | Tru U 
Multicultural Category 
Suzanne Linn Kamata | Indigo Girl 
Runner-up: Natasha Tarpley | Alchemist Bread 
Nonfiction Category
Patrice Sherman | The Vitamin Sleuths: A Tale of Mystery, Medicine and Nutrition 
Runner-up: Suzanne Slade | The Music in George’s Head 
Anna Cross Giblin Award
Caren Stelson | Sachiko
Barbara Karlin Award 
Elizabeth Coburn | Captain Bilgewater and the Buccaneer Ballet 
Runner-up: Karol Ruth Silverstein | Other
Unpublished Author Award
David Arnold | Mosquitoland 

Congratulations to the winners and runner-ups! If you're curious, like I was, the "multicultural" grant was established in 2010, and is not dependent on the race/ethnicity of the author but awarded to "any work focused on multicultural/minority issues, including picture books."