Are you a children’s book writer or illustrator? Then what I’m about to say can help your career and save the galaxy! (Okay, so I can’t actually prove that it will save the galaxy, but can you prove that it won’t?)
This past weekend, I attended the International SCBWI Conference in L.A. for the second year. While I loved the experience last year, I had nothing to compare it to and so I didn’t speak much about it publicly. Now I’m a two-year vet and feel like I can say something informative – and what I have to say is GO TO THIS CONFERENCE! Start saving your money today and reserve your spot as soon as registration opens next year. I can’t speak as much to illustrators, but to all you writers out there, here are 1,270 reasons why:
Reason 1: Inspiration
The creative vibe at this conference is so palpable, you can practically scoop it up and bottle it. Also, much of the program focuses on encouragement and support – pushing you to keep going, assuring you that you’re not alone and that success comes to those who never give up. The cumulative effect is that you leave with your batteries recharged, with new ideas, and with fresh determination to succeed.
Reason 2: Instruction
Even if you’re a veteran, there’s always something to learn. It could be an insight about the industry, a new way of looking at an old piece of writing wisdom, or an approach or technique you’ve never thought of before. For instance, I was fortunate enough to attend a breakout session led by none other than Richard Peck. We spent much of the session workshopping opening lines for attendees’ manuscripts, and the experience was revelatory. Peck’s approach to creating masterful opening lines was simple yet powerful, and I have no doubt it will affect every manuscript I write from now on.
Reason 3: Networking
Editors, agents, and writers at every possible career milestone walk the halls of this conference. While there are certain rules of etiquette that are wise to follow, most people want to make meaningful connections. Casual approaches are better, and hard sells are generally looked down upon, but an SCBWI conference is the perfect opportunity to get to know industry pros as real people in a casual and relaxed setting. If you go with the goal of treating people like people and making new friends, chances are you’ll make at least one connection that will positively affect your writing career. Last year I walked away with two awesome new crit partners. The results of this year remain to be seen, but Arthur Levine did compliment my 40’s era fedora at Saturday’s black-and-white ball. 😀 Where else would that ever happen?
Another great experience is reconnecting with existing friends and allies in the industry. I attended the 2012 conference knowing about three people, and the 2013 conference knowing dozens. One new attendee even observed, “Everyone here knows you!” It was so exciting to come back and see all the friends that I normally only see on Twitter or Facebook. We hug, we laugh, we catch up and generally act silly together.
Reason 4: Support
You can’t underestimate the power of spending three days with people who know your struggles intimately. They’ve gone through them, too. Many writers share the same basic experiences while trying to make their way in this crazy publishing world, and seeing that first hand works wonders in recharging the batteries. Then you can go home and pick up again, diving back into the fray with renewed vigor and determination.
Reasons 5 – 1,270: Everyone and Everything
About 1,266 people attended the 2013 conference, and each one of them is a reason to go. Some of the benefits of this conference are difficult to quantify, but they add up to a weekend of creativity and support that I now consider to be a necessary part of my yearly schedule. The conference is a series of moments – whether it’s watching a thousand writers cut loose and dance to “Thrift Shop” or sitting around a fire at 2 a.m. and debating about the importance of word origins – that add up to an experience that is both valuable and unforgettable.