All About Children's Book Writing

I have debated joining the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators for a while now. Author Kashmira Sheth was the first to mention it, telling me she got her agent through an SCBWI contact and that joining would be a great way to meet wonderful people in children's publishing. Still, I dragged my feet. Until finally last Saturday when I attended the SCBWI spring luncheon.

I sat at a table with fellow veggie lovers--authors Eileen Lucas, Anne Bingham, and Silvia Acevedo and illustrator Jeff Miracola. Oconomowoc Lake, one of my old stomping grounds in high school, made for a fabulous backdrop to our conversations. It was wonderful to meet many talented people and to talk specifically about writing and illustrating for children. Everyone was so willing to share their expertise.

The luncheon included a talk with Sarah Cloots, an editor from Greenwillow Books, who talked publishing and marketing. One phrase really hit home. When writers asked what books were selling, she stressed not to focus on what sells but to "write the story you have to tell." Find your own voice. In an industry where your heart can often be clouded by dollar signs, that was thrilling to hear.

As I am now an official SCBWI member, I look forward to meeting up with everyone again at future events.