The Official SCBWI Blog: Finding Your Feet

Tita Berredo volunteering for SCBWI at the Bologna Children's Book Fair 2023

Hello again, everyone!

Are you ready to know about my story with SCBWI? Here we (FINALLY) go!

I joined SCBWI as soon as I finished my Master's. I was yet again in a new country, this time Scotland, knowing zero people and without a clue of where to start. Suddenly, I was more than “not alone”, I was surrounded by peers — extremely talented people at different career levels — who welcomed me simply because I wanted to be part of it. I think most of us know how that feels; we’ve all been there. If you’re here reading this, you certainly have.

My first connection with SCBWI was through the Glasgow local group. We would meet once a month in a library, share our manuscripts, exchange experiences, and share, well, our feelings. That sense of belonging was such an important one on many levels. It kept me active, it kept me engaged, it kept me working and networking. And I quickly realised something else about it and about myself: I liked sharing in that space, and I liked making those moments happen and last.

The more I participated in events, the more I thought, “hey, I could organise something like that too”. The thing about organisations run by volunteers is that everyone helping each other. Everyone is keen on sharing, collaborating, and giving space to those who are proactive and have time and experience to offer.

That’s when things really expanded. I went from helping locally to hosting the Picture Book Retreat — one of my favourite SCBWI experiences ever. Bringing together authors, illustrators, and industry professionals for a weekend of deep creative focus felt like the perfect blend of everything I love: community, craft, and a good dose of organised chaos. I also became involved in SCBWI conferences, helping plan sessions, support speakers, and create spaces where people could learn and connect. Soon I was being called to volunteer at international events, like in Bologna, and I was lucky enough to pair that on the same year that one of my projects was selected to be featured at the Bologna Children's Book Fair. Being part of the SCBWI presence at the BCBF was a whole different level of energy — international, inspiring, and a little overwhelming in the best possible way. Helping run those events, meeting creators from all over the world, and representing our region on that stage was one of those “wow"moments of thinking volunteering really takes you places.

I kept “graduating” through different levels of volunteering, just like when you start a job as an intern and then work your way up until you are the manager. The more I shared, the more experience I gained to share, and the more people wanted to collaborate with me. From speaking up in a local group, I went to hosting meet-ups, to organising book launches, to interviewing publishers, to being featured in an online magazine (and then helping run it!), to hosting conferences, to being a guest speaker!

This year I had my very own panel at the SCBWI NY Winter Conference, and it was so rewarding to see so many people recognising me from the dozens of other events that I participated and hosted. The more I put myself out there, the more opportunities came, and the more experienced and confident I became to do more of it. That’s the thing about confidence: you gain it by doing things!

The best thing is that, at the same time I was doing all of these things, the more people were getting to know my work by extension. Remember last week, when I said that I kept chasing different ways to share my art and expand my network? Now I can say that the best way, in my opinion, was becoming a SCBWI volunteer. It's such great spotlight for creators, which generates a natural self promotion. Also, publishers looove creators who like to show up beyond their work.

I am not saying that you should be volunteering, or that you must network all the time. This kind of self exposure suited my personality, but it can be a lot to ask of creators. So if it's not your cup of tea, don't feel pressured or guilted to do it – your priority is your craft, everything else comes after that. What I am saying is that volunteering in this community is such a big part of who I am, because it suits so much who I’ve always been.

The funny thing is... you find your feet by walking.

Next Thursday will be my last piece of writing for this series, and I'll do my best to make an extra special finale.

See you then, beijos!

Tita Berredo is a Brazilian children’s writer and illustrator. She holds an MA in Children’s Literature and Illustration from Goldsmiths UOL and a BA in Marketing from PUC-Rio. Her work has been recognised internationally, including a London's House of Illustration award and selection for the Bologna Children's Book Fair. She has illustrated books for the US and Brazil, and is making her author–illustrator debut with a Seuss Studios early reader published by Random House Children's.