Bec Tonks the AUTHOR
I am a member of SCBWI which offers a brilliant worldwide network of writers and illustrator who work together to advise and support creatives on their children's book journey.
I have made some fabulous connections and have an awesome and supportive critique group via the society.
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I attended the Picture Book Retreat in July and the Conference in Manchester in November 2023, both were amazing. I gained some fabulous and positive feedback during my agent 1-1 and can't wait to begin querying more actively going forward.
I also look forward to attending more events in the future.
FEATURED ILLUSTRATOR
April 2024
I'm excited to be invited by SCBWI to be the featured illustrator for the month of April 2024.
To learn more about my journey as a creative please see the link below.
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INSPIRATIONS FROM THE BOOKSHELF
February 2024
It was wonderful to be invited by SCBWI to share what inspires me and my work.
To read the article please click the link below.
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Walsall Writers' Circle
Norrey Ford Cup Winner
July 2022
Awarded by the Walsall Writer's Circle committee for most improved and developed member.
Competition WINNER!
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December 21, I won the Marjorie Green Competition Cup for my short story entry with the Walsall Writers’ Circle and now there are two cups on my desk… albeit one which is shinier and puts a bigger smile on my face
I can’t believe it!!
I was so super chuffed and feel like it's given me a little spring in my step.
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I joined the Writers’ Circle in the October of the same year and I was a little nervous attending that first meet, but the members are all just wonderful! They’re so welcoming and it really is such a safe space to explore writing and share ideas with others that have a love for the written word.
Moments like this make me feel like I’m on the right path.
I will cherish this cup for the next twelve month… it will be in pride of place in my office and whenever I feel the doubts creeping in, I will look at it and think ‘yes you can’.
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My story ‘The Tomlin Brothers’ was sparked by a little sketch illustration created for #inktober2021 challenge on Instagram and it just goes to show how it can be the little things that can lead to the most wonderful self achievement no sketch or written word is ever wasted!
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My story can be read in full over on the Walsall Writers Circle Website:
Competition Winners | Walsall Writers' Circle (wordpress.com)
Walsall Festival Words
June 2023
I was honoured to be asked to kick off the 1st day of the Walsall Festival of Words at the The Art Gallery. Local primary schools were invited to take part in my creative workshops in celebration of where we live.
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We enjoyed a day of ekphrastic poetry and character development inspired by the Community Gallery.
Walsall's Festival of Words
June 2022
During my session at the Walsall Festival of Words in June 2022, I showcased my children’s books. I shared how my career has brought me to this point and work-shopped with KS1 children on how I generate ideas for children’s stories and characters. This is a great activity which I also offer on my school visits.
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Wolverhampton's Literary Festival
February 2022 - 2024
Participating reader with my winning entry The Tomlin Brother at the Writer's Hub in 2022, reading ekphrastic poetry at the festival in 2023, and poetry inspired by 'Home' in 2024.