Thoughts before this Year's Conference

The week is finally here! The In-Person 2026 Winter Conference! It is such a special and exciting time, which I look forward to every year. As authors, artists and illustrators, it can be very solitary work and I always relish the times when we can be in community. As I think about last year and what I looked forward to and the goals I set for myself, I decided to browse over the blogs from last year. 

So as we gear up for the eventful weekend, I wanted to reshare this amazing Closing Keynote by Sophie Blackall from last year's conference. I was blown away by this keynote and I revisit it all the time. Sophie Blackall had a quiet power, so warm and inviting, that I was captivated and her advice changed my perspective as an artist and a person. If I could go back in time and watch it all over again, I would. 

Some of my favorite points were:

• Remember People's Name
• Give Voice to Your Own Astonishment
• Stand Tall

I decided to reread the blog and I'm glad I did. As I prepare to attend the In-Person Conference as the new Chief Blogger, I want to bring some of this energy into my experience this year. Meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, staying curious, and standing tall—excellent advice to remember.

So here's the final moment of the 2025 Winter Conference to bring us into the 2026, with the excitement and joy to continuing growth and discovery in our journey as creators. See you very soon!

The 2019 Caldecott Medal Speech by Sophie Blackall

Sophie Blackall won the 2019 Caldecott Medal for Hello, Lighthouse. (Her second time winning this highest honor for illustration of a children's book!) She gave her acceptance speech at a gala dinner on Sunday June 23, 2019.

It was a wonderful speech—interesting, profound, inspiring, and ultimately had the entire room of hundreds of librarians and children's book industry folk (including me) leaping to our feet to give her a standing ovation.

The standing ovation for Sophie Blackall

On one of the two big screens, Sophie just after her speech

Because yes,

Kids are smart. Girls can do anything. We can all be beacons.

Go read the entire speech here at The Horn Book. It's well-worth it!

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Sneak Peek At #LA16SCBWI Keynotes!

SCBWI's 45th Annual Summer Conference, July 29-Aug 1, 2016, will feature keynotes from these bestselling and award-winning authors and illustrators:

Marie Lu



Sophie Blackall



Neal Shusterman



Carole Boston Weatherford



Deborah Halverson



Ellen Hopkins 



Drew Daywalt 



Jon Klasson



Pam Munoz Ryan



and

Jenni Holm



Registration will go live at scbwi.org on April 19, 10am Pacific Time!

We hope to see you there.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

The Marketing Intensive for Illustrators at the 2012 SCBWI Winter Conference: What You Need To Know

I sat down with Lin Oliver, SCBWI's Executive Director, to find out more about the upcoming full-day intensive program, Marketing For Illustrators, on Friday January 27, 2012.  


You can see the full Marketing For Illustrators Intensive day's schedule here, and register for that and the whole Lucky 13th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference here.

What an amazing - and essential- opportunity!

We hope to see you there.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee