Post cards are printed, portfolio prepped, reservations are made. I’m so excited to once again join the crowd of talented, generous, and enthusiastic children’s publishing professionals and eager pre-published writers and illustrators at this SCBWI winter conference. There are so many people, so much to take in, that it can be a bit overwhelming. I almost didn’t attend this year. It’s a holiday weekend, and my kids are home from school, so I considered skipping it. But, no.
What draws me back? It’s the energy. It’s a kid lit pep rally. Even the most tentative creatives get caught up in the welcoming crowd of artists and writers that fill the Grand Hyatt, cheering on the value of children’s publishing. It’s the validation. It is the, “wow, this is a real profession and this is a place where people take it SERIOUSLY,” feeling. It is the understanding. We’ve all been there…where you are… we know. It is the challenge. Work hard, don’t give up, keep at it, be persistent, be open to criticism. Did I say, work hard? It’s the reminders that there are no guarantees, but you can put your feet in the right direction and arm yourself with knowledge and skills so when you get a chance, you are prepared. It is the opportunity. It is the opportunity to exit my creative bubble and meet other artists traveling the path to children’s publishing. It is the opportunity to view my portfolio with openness and raw comparison to the masses of talent that fill the portfolio showcase. It is the generosity. Don’t all of these professionals have better things to do with their time than stand up before a bunch of starry eyed, hopeful wannabes anxiously gleaning any tips, wisdom, encouragement? Yes. But they love this. They are rock stars. In general, I have found the professionals in this industry, (at least the ones at SCBWI and RUCCL events) the editors, art directors, authors, and illustrators, to be exceptionally passionate about their work, and generous with newcomers. I have encountered patience, kindness, and most importantly, honesty.
Although the winter conference at times feels like a giant pep rally for the children’s publishing industry, it is so much more. SCBWI is committed to it’s members, and it shows. I have never left an SCBWI event without a new challenge, a new contact, new insight, positive or negative, about my work, and sometimes a new friend. I appreciate that I am able to attend the winter conference and look forward to what may come.