Monday, February 14, 2011

Back to Business Monday: SCBWI. Seriously.

Okay, when I make up imaginary award-acceptance speeches in my head (oh, admit it, you do it, too), at or near the top of my THANK YOU list is SCBWI.  Seriously.  Always.

How come?  Because I've learned more about the art, craft and business of developing my own writing career from SCBWI than I have even from my day job in publishing.  Woking to get your own novel published is a very difficult personal journey that, for me, wouldn't have happened without SCBWI.

A few bullet points to elucidate...
  • Got encouragement for my w-i-p at SCBWI Western WA's annual Great Critique.
  • Attended SCBWI NYC Author Intensive last year where I met an editor who requested my ms.
  • Presented at SCBWI Western WA 2010 conference where I met the awesome agent Michael Bourret who gave me a proverbial "kick-in-the-pants" and told me to start submitting my stuff.
  • Received several offers of agency representation and turned to fellow SCBWI-ers for decision-making advice.
  • Found my new critique group through SCBWI and am now at work on a new novel with their wonderful support.
So, seriously, if you don't belong to SCBWI join--both SCBWI International and your local chapter.  And if you live in the PacNW, come to the SCBWI-WWA annual conference on April 16 & 17.  You will not regret it.  Here's the link to the SCBWI Western Washington 2011 Conference.

5 comments:

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

I don't write children's books but it's wonderful to have a place where you can work with people who have ideas on how to improve your writing.

Dawn Simon said...

Yay SCBWI! Great post, Stasia! And I love that you make up award-acceptance speeches! They might come in handy. You know I believe in you. :)

Meredith McCardle said...

Yes, yes, 1000 times yes! SCBWI is a fabulous organization. Without them, I wouldn't have found my critique group or made the connections I have. Great post!

Ghenet Myrthil said...

I love being an SCBWI member. They have so many resources and the conferences are fantastic. :)

Stasia said...

Thanks for stopping by, Michael.

And, Dawn, Meredith & Ghenet, let me just say--AGREE, AGREE, AGREE.

BTW, Dawn, I have a surprise for you (heehee!).