It's true - the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators really is one of my favorite things. Being involved in it for almost 20 years has greatly enriched my life. From the workshops and conferences I've attended over the years, I've learned a lot about the craft of writing and the business of getting published. I've seen that agents and editors aren't gods, but just busy, over-scheduled people (who, alas, are mostly about 30 years younger than me, although there are exceptions). And I've made a few contacts and a few friends among writers, so I don't feel like I'm in this swamp all alone. And although I haven't gotten any of my books published yet, SCBWI has made me feel that it still might happen one of these days if I keep plugging away long and hard enough. I know that SCBWI will rejoice with me for any success I have, and console me through my disappointments. The dues are a pittance, and membership is worth every penny and more. I feel strongly that SCBWI is on my side, and that if you join, it will be on yours too. So although this post reads sort of like an infomercial, I do mean every word.
SCBWI ROCKS!!
Check my letter S, Susan! Great minds...
ReplyDeleteHA! We may or may not have great minds, but we do have grateful ones! And by the way, guess what's being delivered to my house tomorrow? My very own copy of PANDEMIC!! Debut novel of one Yvonne Ventresca! I'm so excited! (Yeah, I never got it together to read it on Edelweiss)
DeleteIs it about Pandas and how they are taking over the world? just wondering.
DeleteWell, not exactly. I think you're confusing it with PANDAMIC, another fabulous debut novel (film rights under negotiation).
DeleteHa! Pandamic! That would make a good story.
DeleteI hope you enjoy Pandemic. xo
Are you kidding? I plan to be up all night reading it!!
DeleteI second everything you've said about SCBWI. HUGE turning point in my publication journey when I joined in 2005. Can't say enough about how supportive and essential this organization is to writers at every stage of their careers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jody! And thank you SO MUCH for linking your blog hop post to my blog and for saying such nice things about me! That "kindred spirit" feeling goes both ways, believe me.
DeleteYes! Huzzah! Me too... I've learned so much there. A proud SCBWI since 2009 (I bet you didn't know they had pandas as members....I think that's what "PAL" status is: Panda At Large)
ReplyDeleteSCBWI proudly supports diversity in its membership and does not discriminate against nonhumans. I believe that's in its charter. That being said, it does have a strong preference for members who clean up their own poop. Just sayin.
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