SUMMER CONFERENCING Suzy Engelman Block

The "Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators"
is the premiere organization for anyone seeking to
​work in the area of children's publications... DUH!!
SCBWI-LA holds a 4 day summer extravaganza right here in Los Angeles.
The annual winter conference is in New York City. They are PRICEY!
But see it as a PhD in your Field of Dreams...

Here's a few tips I learned 
years ago...
​
​Pace yourself.
These are long 'info' packed days.
Your brain may implode or explode...
       Both are equally nasty!
At some point,
stake out some 'me time'
to process. Organize notes.
​
​EAT and HYDRATE!

​

​There is a huge line-up of speakers in the main conference room where 1000 plus
​people gather.

So enjoy the smaller
break-out sessions,
where you can get up
close and personal
with the presenter,
​and make friends with
like-minded creatives.​

I picked a session with
a well-known writer...
the amazing Leslea Newman. Since I write AND illustrate,
it was a good idea to attend a workshop where we actually wrote on the spot with
Leslea's prompts.

Her detailed and thoughtful analysis of a host of picture books was invaluable. The perspective of time, place
and space was brought to
light and I now understand
how it contributes
to the quality of a story.

Two of my favorite books by Leslea Newman.
Artists Amy June Bates and Maria Mola 

Take advantage
of these 
intimate sessions
to talk privately​ 
and snap a picture!

• Lastly, have fun with your peeps!
• If you are new to the scene, introduce yourself...
• This is THE place where you will find your true partners-in-crime.
• And soon they will be life-long friends...
• like mine in the pic above!
• ♥♥♥♥♥♥

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