Countdown to Christmas: SCBWI Oxford Critique Group

The Oxford Critique Group formed about a year ago, and it’s been a rollercoaster of a year. Along the way we gained a few agents, acquired a few publishing deals (totalling 14 books!) and scored an Undiscovered Voices win. We graced several cafes, pubs and restaurants in our search for the perfect submission. We never found it. We did find members, though, and lost others; we misplaced characters and created voices. We swapped genres and switched age-ranges, ate way too much cake and had a fantastic time. Big Slushpile welcome to Teri Terry (who lives here), Nick Cross (he's back again), Paula Harrison, Tina Lemon, Nicky Thornton, Penny Schenk, Amy Butler-Greenfield and Jo Wyton. Oh wait. That's me.

Countdown to Christmas: Almost There Authors Nick Cross and Kathryn Evans

Almost there authors Nick Cross and Kathryn Evans each share five things that helped with sanity and personal happiness in their journey to publication. Nick, who writes dark and funny fiction for children, is a winner of the 2010 Undiscovered Voices. He blogs on Who Ate My Brain. Kathryn Evans, who swings between dramatic mice and Young Adult fiction, is a one-time actress, farmer's wife and belly dancer (natch) who blogs as Mrs Bung.

Countdown to Christmas: Jude Evans of Little Tiger Press

Merry Christmas, everyone! I’m publisher of Little Tiger Press, which specialises in picture books and novelty books. It’s the most fantastically surreal existence – one minute you’re in a meeting about contracts or international sales, and the next you’re discussing the emotional authenticity of a story about a jealous bear, or the colour and consistency of elephant snot . . . As a job it’s both challenging and incredibly fun. I’m lucky to do something that matters so much to me and that helps bring the work of authors and illustrators into the hands and minds of children.