Rachelle Sadler
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Fish out of Water!

8/28/2014

7 Comments

 
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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!

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A good time with new friends.

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Kathryn Otoshi with her inspiring book 'One'.

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Pamela Rushby launching her new book 'The Ratcatcher's Daughter'.

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Peter Taylor, a member from my writing critique group 
'Write Links', launching his new picture book at the conference, 'Once a Creepy Crocodile'.

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Front row seats for a session in conversation with publishers and editors.

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Queensland delegates and Brisbane Write Links members at the SCBWI 2014 conference.

7 Comments
Karen Tyrrell link
8/30/2014 12:24:27 am

Congrats Rachelle Sadler on your new website and new Blog. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences at the Children's SCBWI Conference. Looks AWESOME!
I vow I'll make the next one. See you there! ... Karen :)

Reply
Rachelle Sadler
8/30/2014 02:56:50 am

Thanks Karen! It's definitely an amazing experience! Learnt so much I couldn't possibly write about it all :-)

Reply
Renee Taprell link
8/30/2014 09:42:45 am

Hi Karen. It was great to read about your recent SCBWI meeting through my writing friend, Karen Tyrell. I haven't been to SCBWI myself but hope to the next one. :)
All the best
Renee

Reply
Rachelle Sadler
8/30/2014 01:41:39 pm

Thanks Renee. I look forward to meeting you at the next one!
All the best :-)
Rachelle

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Renee Hills link
8/31/2014 08:57:41 am

I love the look of your website! Thanks for the SCBWI roundup.

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june perkins link
9/5/2014 01:33:36 am

Love you account of the trip and the conveying of a supportive atmosphere of growth for the writers. Beautiful website.

Reply
Rachelle
9/6/2014 01:54:01 pm

Thanks June! It really is a warm and supportive environment. Such an inspiring experience :)

Reply



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