Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators

I finally did it.  That’s right folks.  As a wedding present, Ian got me a membership to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.  Woohoo!  I’m official!

I was directed to the group a few years ago by one of my writing teachers, an editor at Houghton Mifflin, and it was some of the best advice ever (after read, read, and write!)  The SCBWI is a tremendous resource for writers and illustrators who work in the children’s market.  In addition to publishing information, discussion boards, conferences, and manuscript exchanges, the organization offers a place for people to connect.  Writing is so often a solitary art, so it is always a pleasure to meet with people who share the same passion.

For the past few years I’ve been taking advantage of some of the free resources that SCBWI offers, including once a month “Schmoozes.”  It is so inspiring to sit down and talk about books and writing with a bunch of people who are in the industry and who are excited to share their knowledge.  I think I have done more goal-directed writing since I joined the Schmoozes than I had in the previous couple of years.  By goal-directed, I mean finishing things.  Now I’m looking forward to using the SCBWI’s resources to help me polish my manuscript and start looking for an agent.  After, of course, I finish writing the first draft.  Just a few weeks left to go!

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