A little over a month ago, I attended my first SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) conference.
After months of anticipation (and a few nerves too), I packed my bag and headed off to Sydney.
Wow! What an experience!
With sessions presented by published authors, illustrators, publishers, and more, I admit to feeling completely out of my depth. A fish out of water! But, oh, how I loved it.
I learnt so much about the complex intricacies of the industry, the difficult and involved process of having a manuscript accepted for publication, the long road to actual publication, and the intense task of marketing afterwards.
Between the informative sessions, I had the opportunity to meet and mingle with others in the industry. For one who’s somewhat shy in a social setting, I found the networking aspect of the conference quite intimidating. It ended up being a rewarding experience, as a number of acquaintances and friends were made in the process.
To my amusement, I found myself rather starstruck a number of times. The first time was when I realized I was sitting directly behind Bruce Whatley, Illustrator Extraordinnaire! Another time was meeting the hugely successful and talented Kathryn Otoshi from the United States. And finally, meeting the lovely publisher Maryann Ballantyne from Black Dog Books and receiving a manuscript critique. She gave me insightful and helpful pointers on my manuscripts and suggestions for future writing.
Did any of these experiences deflate my enthusiasm? Quite the opposite!
So, is it such a bad thing to feel like a fish out of water? No, some fish can fly, I reasoned. Just as Flying Fish use their fins as wings to fly, I'll use what I have (passion, potential and perseverance) to not only enter the writing world, but to get comfy in it!
After months of anticipation (and a few nerves too), I packed my bag and headed off to Sydney.
Wow! What an experience!
With sessions presented by published authors, illustrators, publishers, and more, I admit to feeling completely out of my depth. A fish out of water! But, oh, how I loved it.
I learnt so much about the complex intricacies of the industry, the difficult and involved process of having a manuscript accepted for publication, the long road to actual publication, and the intense task of marketing afterwards.
Between the informative sessions, I had the opportunity to meet and mingle with others in the industry. For one who’s somewhat shy in a social setting, I found the networking aspect of the conference quite intimidating. It ended up being a rewarding experience, as a number of acquaintances and friends were made in the process.
To my amusement, I found myself rather starstruck a number of times. The first time was when I realized I was sitting directly behind Bruce Whatley, Illustrator Extraordinnaire! Another time was meeting the hugely successful and talented Kathryn Otoshi from the United States. And finally, meeting the lovely publisher Maryann Ballantyne from Black Dog Books and receiving a manuscript critique. She gave me insightful and helpful pointers on my manuscripts and suggestions for future writing.
Did any of these experiences deflate my enthusiasm? Quite the opposite!
So, is it such a bad thing to feel like a fish out of water? No, some fish can fly, I reasoned. Just as Flying Fish use their fins as wings to fly, I'll use what I have (passion, potential and perseverance) to not only enter the writing world, but to get comfy in it!
A good time with new friends.
Kathryn Otoshi with her inspiring book 'One'.
Pamela Rushby launching her new book 'The Ratcatcher's Daughter'.
Peter Taylor, a member from my writing critique group
'Write Links', launching his new picture book at the conference, 'Once a Creepy Crocodile'.
'Write Links', launching his new picture book at the conference, 'Once a Creepy Crocodile'.
Front row seats for a session in conversation with publishers and editors.
Queensland delegates and Brisbane Write Links members at the SCBWI 2014 conference.