Summer Conferencing

The "Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators"
is the premiere organization for anyone seeking to
​work in the area of children's publications... DUH!!
SCBWI-LA holds a 4 day summer extravaganza right here in Los Angeles.
The annual winter conference is in New York City. They are pricey!
But see it as a PhD in your Field of Dreams...

Here's a few tips I figured out years ago...
​
Pace yourself.
These are long info packed days.
Your brain might implode or explode,
       both are equally nasty.
At some point, stake out some 'me time'
to process. Organize notes.
​EAT and HYDRATE!

---

​There is a huge line-up of speakers in
the main conference room where 1000 plus
​people gather.

So enjoy the smaller break-out sessions,
where you can get up close and personal
with the presenter, and make friends with
like-minded creatives.

I picked a session with a well-known writer...
the amazing Leslea Newman. Since I write
AND illustrate, it was a good idea to
attend a workshop where we actually wrote
on the spot with Leslea's prompts.

Her detailed and thoughtful analysis of a host
of picture books was invaluable. The perspective
of time and place and space was brought to
light and I now understand how it contributes
to the quality of a story.

---

Two of my favorite books by Leslea Newman.
Artists Amy June Bates and Maria Mola 

​Take advantage of these
intimate sessions to talk privately
and snap a picture!

---

Lastly, have fun with your peeps!
If you are new to the scene, introduce yourself...
This is THE place where you will find your true partners-in-crime.
And soon they will be life-long friends... such as mine in the pic above!
♥♥♥♥♥♥