The SCBWI Summer 2024 virtual conference Saturday is about to start, and I thought it was a good time to share some highlights so far. Remember, you can use the hashtag #SCBWIsummer24 and keep up with the live-blogging at the Official SCBWI Conference Blog, with insights, inspiration, and tastes of the conference by Debbie Ohi, Don Tate, Jaime Temairik, Jolie Stekly, Justin Campbell, and me, Lee Wind.
Ten moments that are still resonating for me:
Often picture book memoirs are less about the external actions (not so much the hero's journey) and more about the internal growth - "the character arc becomes the plot arc." - Andrea Wang, author of Watercress
Andrea Wang, telling us to "lean in" when approaching picture book memoir, answering my question on advice to counter the feeling that it's self-indulgent: "Don't write it for the reader – write it for you, first... Make it as personal and emotionally honest as you can."
Advice from Pamela Harris, on facing insecurity: “I may not be a household name, but I’ve done a lot of awesome things.”
Advice from Amy Kumph, looking back on lurking rather than engaging and putting work out there: “I wish I had feared less.”
Careful about writing to a trend: “I can tell when a story's gimmick outshines its emotion." - agent Saba Sulaiman
“We work with authors, not books.” - agent Josh Adams, speaking about how an agent wants to work with a client over their career, not just for one book.
Betsy Gomez: Support challenged diverse books: Circulation numbers matter, so if you can't buy a book for whatever reason, check it out from the library. (This one was posted to Bluesky by Don Tate - thanks, Don!)
Shamar Knight-Justice sharing that it takes him 300 hours to illustrate a picture book.
Jan Mitsuko Cash's advice for published translators: Be careful about scheduling - "I've had to learn how to say 'no' to things." Think about what you want to prioritize and what you really want to pursue.
"You do you." - Laurent Linn. This was quoted a few times, and then spoken by Laurent himself. What it means to me: It's about finding your voice (as an illustrator and an author), and understanding you're not trying to be someone else with your creative work, or even competing with anyone else. No one else can do you. You can't really "do" someone else. So, "you do you." Really, really wise.
Remember, even if you're not attending this year's summer conference, you can check out social media (especially Bluesky) for #SCBWIsummer24, and glean some conference wisdom, craft, and inspiration at the SCBWI Conference Blog.
Illustrate, Translate, and Write On,
Lee
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