Dear Picture Book Writers, you may know that I serve on the Rutgers University Council of Children’s Literature and help organize our annual conference. Back in 2017, we selected a newly-published author, Kate Dopirak, to be our “Success Story Speaker,” as she had been a mentee at our conference. We also knew her to be a warm, enthusiastic and engaging presenter.
Sadly, Kate passed away the following year. But several of her closest writing friends got together with SCBWI to offer a scholarship in her name. I asked author Trisha Speed Shaskan to tell us about SCBWI’s Kate Dopirak Craft & Community Award.
Trisha, tell us, who was Kate Dopirak?
Kate Dopirak was the author of several picture books. The last book she wrote, HURRY UP! A BOOK ABOUT SLOWING DOWN, which is an ode to being present, illustrates one of Kate’s best qualities: She was ever-present as a wife, mom, friend, author, and community member.
Ten years ago, when I met Kate at the SCBWI annual conference in L.A., her smile radiated warmth and welcoming. Each year afterwards, I looked forward to seeing Kate at that conference where we discussed writing, or as fellow educators shared stories, such as the wonder of witnessing a child string together letters into a word for the first time. Inevitably, Kate lit up while discussing her husband Josh and sons Joey and Bobby who often inspired her stories. She used her role as an assistant R.A. to connect people to each other. In Kate’s presence, a party of three quickly became a party of ten.
Although she lived in Pennsylvania and I live in Minnesota, Kate and I kept in touch. Knowing the ups and downs of the children’s book business, Kate was an UP. When the picture book I wrote PUNK SKUNKS was published, Kate bought it, posted about it, and congratulated me—always the cheerleader.
In 2018, Kate passed away too soon from sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease. Kate is greatly missed by her family, friends, and the children’s book community who have created the Kate Dopirak Craft & Community Award in her honor.
What kind of manuscripts does the Award committee hope to receive?
The committee is hoping to receive a picture book manuscript that stands out for the writing, idea, concept, subject or a combination or those qualities. The committee is also looking for a writer who creates and builds a sense of community.
How can picture book writers apply?
SCBWI members can apply for the award. The winner will receive tuition to the SCBWI Summer Conference and 20-minute consultations with a picture book editor and a literary agent. The deadline is February 18, 2022. (That’s soon! Hurry up!)
For more information, go to KateDopirakAward.com.
17 comments
Comments feed for this article
February 11, 2022 at 9:05 am
Susan Jobsky
All too often, I find myself at an amazing event, on a beautiful stretch of beach, marveling at a magnificent view from a mountain top, or staring at a sensational sunset, and missing majesty and beauty of it all because I’m so busy trying to capture it on my phone camera. I forget to stop, breathe, and take it all in. I’ve not read Hurry Up! A Book About Slowing Down, but I will. I think its a story I just might need in my life.
February 11, 2022 at 9:39 am
Laura Rackham
What a lovely lady. And what an inspiration.
February 11, 2022 at 9:56 am
Kelly Conroy
Katie was the best. She was a beam of sunshine. Good luck to all the entrants.
February 11, 2022 at 9:57 am
Angie
Thanks for sharing this, Tara. And what an awesome thing to do in honor of Kate!
February 11, 2022 at 10:05 am
Antoinette Truglio Martin
I wish I had a book in the works for this award. Thank you for sharing for the future
February 11, 2022 at 10:10 am
Reed Hilton-Eddy
Tears in my eyes reading about this. What a beautiful community the kidlit world is to commemorate their fellow author in this timeless way.
February 11, 2022 at 10:21 am
Sheri Dillard
Thank you for sharing! Kate was a talented writer and it sounds like she was an amazing person, as well. A scholarship in her name will be a special way to remember her.
February 11, 2022 at 10:36 am
judyrubin13
Thank you for sharing Kate’s story and information about the award in her honor.
February 11, 2022 at 12:08 pm
Shirley Ng-Benitez
What a wonderful way to honor such a beloved friend. Best of luck to the entrants.
February 11, 2022 at 12:34 pm
Poupette
Thank you!
February 11, 2022 at 12:48 pm
Bethanny Parker
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease sounds awful. Thank you to Kate’s family for offering this award in her honor.
February 11, 2022 at 1:20 pm
Alicia Shawn Gagnon
Thank you for this inspiration today. Peace, Alicia
February 11, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Stephen S. Martin
Beautiful Tribute.
February 12, 2022 at 10:46 am
Jennifer Phillips
What a wonderful tribute to Kate. Thank you for sharing more of her story.
February 12, 2022 at 4:03 pm
chardixon47
Beautiful tribute to Kate. Thank you for sharing her kindness, hope, and heart.
February 13, 2022 at 3:44 pm
Judy Sobanski
How wonderful to pay tribute to Kate in this way.
February 18, 2022 at 2:26 pm
carencreateschildrensbooks
Thanks so much for sharing the info about this competition and about the woman for whom it’s named! I was unfamiliar with Kate’s books before this, but now they’re great additions to my collection. I’ve submitted my application, so thanks again! :o)