"You are what you do when nobody is watching you" Keynote speaker Matt de la Peña gave us a brief history of his journey from reluctant reader to published author (and avid reader). Matt's books share stories of identity, class, code-switching and being bi-racial. He empathized that our profession is all about patience and encouraged... Continue Reading →
Tricia Lawrence: Agency Revision and Resubmit (R&R) Requests
Agency R&R Requests: The Answer Key with Tricia Lawrence, agent, Erin Murphy Literary Agency Agents are busier than ever and working hard. The industry is watching a lot of watershed moments now. Things are changing faster than ever. Agents are human beings (a.k.a. they can be fickle). They have to be completely passionate about what... Continue Reading →
First pages: Rubin Pfeffer and Andrea Welch
First pages sessions are a special kind of excitement for participants. Will my page be read? Will I survive with my ego intact? Eek! East West Literary Agent Rubin Pfeffer and Beach Lane Books Senior Editor Andrea Welch listened to a slew of picture book first pages and gave quick and thoughtful feedback: Whether the... Continue Reading →
Keynote Speaker Bruce Hale: Writer’s Mind, Warrier’s Mind: Toughing It Out & Getting Published
He sings! He dances! He makes bad jokes! We love Bruce Hale! Bruce Hale (our first Keynote Speaker) is an author, illustrator, story-teller, actor, singer and group sing-along leader who shared his experience, advice and enthusiasm with our members this morning. His talk received a standing ovation, and here are three of Bruce's super-helpful Six Principles for... Continue Reading →
The SCBWI WWA conference is NOT American Idol
Are you signed up for a consultation at the conference this weekend? Hoping to catch your big break and get discovered, so you can launch your career as the next J.K.? Agent Mary Kole offers a word to the wise about what to expect, and what not to: ... "telling you that your writing still... Continue Reading →
Pre-Conference Kid Lit Drink Night!
Whether you're attending this weekend's annual conference or not, we'd like to invite you to help us kick off the weekend festivities at the pre-conference KID LIT DRINK NIGHT!Anyone with an interest in children's literature is welcome to come and schmooze with children's book writers and illustrators (including some of the conference faculty!) in the... Continue Reading →
Editor and Agent Panel Questions
Our team is busy finalizing all of the details for the SCBWI Western Washington conference THIS WEEKEND! We can't wait, and we hope that you're excited, too! One of the first things we do to kick off the conference is a short Q&A panel to become acquainted with all of the editors, agents, and art... Continue Reading →
Need a conference roommate?
Are you looking to save a little money and/or be a little sociable at our upcoming annual conference? Leave a comment and find a match! All of the hotel details and directions can be found here. See you soon!
Matt de la Peña and Cultural Censorship
Upcoming conference keynoter Matt de la Peña visited Tucson last week. The trip bears mention because the students raised the money themselves to bring Matt out to speak, and Matt spoke at one of the schools that had recently removed his novel MEXICAN WHITE BOY (and a lot of other books) for being too Latino. You... Continue Reading →
Help Bruce Hale with his Keynote!
Bruce Hale would like to customize his keynote speech at our upcoming annual conference (isn't he a peach?), and he needs your help. If you're planning to attend the conference and you have a few minutes, we'd appreciate it if you could shoot Bruce an email with a couple of quick responses to the questions... Continue Reading →