SCBWI Recap 1

Tip of the Day: didn't get to attend the SCBWI conference in New York, but want to feel like you did? Then check out the wealth of information at the conference blog. It's like you were there, but didn't have to pay the admission price. Win, win!!

So I'm back from New York and my first time attending the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators conference. I'm still trying to process all the information and I have this thing called work (boo) that I have to go back to this morning, so this post will be short and sweet. But pictures and a fuller recap will be coming next week. Including the awesomest pic with the delectably lovable and recent Printz-winning author Libba Bray.

Had the best time meeting people, talking about writing, and seeing The City. I HIGHLY recommend attending a conference if you get a chance. You'll walk away feeling inspired and anxious to get home and write.

The top 5 things I heard repeated at the conference include:

• Creating 3-dimensial characters is so important.
• You need to find your own voice--not anyone else's--and that's how you can seperate yourself from every other story out there.
  
• It's good to keep reinventing yourself as an author and constantly trying new concepts, ideas, and ways of writing.
  
• Go back home and forget everything you've learned. Rules are meant to be broken (within reason), and everyone is in search of an unusual book that graps them and stands out from all the rest. Just stay true to yourself and your own voice.
  
• To be a writer the most important thing you have to do is WRITE!

And finally, one of the most valuable pieces of information I took away from the conference was that editors and agents are real people. Who would have thought?

Living in a virtual world you kind of forget editors and agents are approachable. Much like the celebrities of the writing world that hold your future in their hands. Meeting some in person makes them transform from pictures on a screen to real life people. And most of them are really nice, down to earth, and pleasant to be around! All of them just want to find a great book and a great author. They are on your side and rooting for you. I think that's an excellent thing to be reminded of.

--Emily, Miss Querylicious