This past Saturday I attended the Houston SCBWI Conference.
I always go. And it’s always great.
The first thing I noted when I arrived...my name was
spelled correctly on my name tag! That’s a good sign. It rarely happens.
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| Logo by Diandra Mae |
One thing I’ve noticed about agents and editors…they keep getting younger and younger. Nope, I’m not getting old, they’re definitely
getting younger. But along with youth comes energy. Who doesn’t want that
in an agent and editor?
I did something super smart when I registered. I paid for
two professional critiques. One from an agent, one from an editor. Both gave amazing
feedback. And the agent praised what she’d read and asked for the full
manuscript. Yes! I need an agent, and she’s the agent I’d love to represent me.
What I like best about these conferences, is spending the
day with good friends and likeminded people. It’s therapy. But you already know
that.
When the day wound down, I was in for another surprise. My
work was nominated for the Joan Lowery Nixon Award. The winner is mentored by
the lovely Kathi Appelt, who graciously took over when Joan passed away in
2003. To say I was honored, major understatement. But today, I made the decision to withdraw my
nomination. This is an award that
should go to a less published author.
So we topped off the day with a Mexican buffet, after which
I came home and crashed.
By the way, if you’re one of the coordinators who slaved so I could have
a great day…thanks for everything! Including spelling my name right.
I'd love to know your thoughts on conferences. The comment section is waiting.
Huge congrats on getting the agent's interest and your nomination.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'll try hard never to miss a SCBWI Conference and the best part is certainly having my work appraised, with a 20 minute one to one discussion with an editor or agent. Our Australian Conferences have a capped max of 100 attendees and the 'important people' eat, drink and socialise with us for the whole weekend. I think we have about 5 top editors and 2 agents at our June one. Brilliant! It's hard to wait. And of course it's great to catch up with others and make new friends, too, go to the masterclasses and listen to all that's new and get a swag of tips and insider info. However, I usually stay at the hotel where it's held for one more night and usally get to have a meal with some of the delegates and relax with them. (I have been our State's SCBWI Co-ordinator - but I'm sure anyone who wished could do likewise.)
If you want to join us, it's tax deductible, remember.
'All I ask is an honest advantage.'
Very best wishes,
Peter
PS Don't forget to give the full a hug for good luck before mailing it. Hope it's hugely successful.
Love "swag of tips and insider info." I wish I could attend your conference. One day I'll make it to Australia.
DeleteGreat! In the meantime, here's a report from our 2010 Conference. You'll find lots of good stuff in it:
Deletehttp://www.scbwiaustralia.org/conferences/2010/2010-conference-proceedings.pdf
You'll find other reports at
http://www.scbwiaustralia.org/conferences/past-conferences.php
Peter :)
Fantastic, Peter! I don't think I've ever seen conference notes this detailed and extensive.
DeleteWow, Dottie. How generous of you to step aside in the Joan Lowery Nixon list. You again demonstrate generosity, insight and leadership.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with signing the agent!
Thanks, Bruce. I recently broke up with my agent of 12 years. I haven't been querying because it feels so strange. Hopefully this agent will be the one and save me from all that.
DeleteDotti! That's awesome about the Nixon award nomination--I still think you deserve it! I was lucky enough to meet her at a Sisters in Crime conference in Houston years ago. I ate up every word of all of her books, and to this day, I rarely find any that I like as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Bobbi! I knew Joan though our Houston SCBWI chapter.She was awesome.
Delete
ReplyDeleteVery nice post.really I apperciate your blog.Thanks for sharing.keep sharing more blogs.
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