2013 SCBWI LA Conference Recap:


Phew.

Here we go:

If I haven’t expressed it in the past, I have to now. If you’re a children’s writer/illustrator, I can’t tell you enough how important it is that you join SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators).

This organization is amazing. And it’s done so much for my career up to date. I just returned from the 2013 LA Conference—my third year in a row. I can’t imagine not attending this conference.

There’s something about this organization that stands out from the others. I’ve been to other conferences, but all of the events that SCBWI puts on are definitely miles above. Not only do they provide the best keynote speakers from the most revered people in the industry, but there’s a personal vibe in the air that unites all of us—regardless of status, genre, or age.

You’d think that being around so many agents/editors/well-known authors would create a standoffish vibe, but it’s completely the opposite. Even when you have a table war with the amazing Arthur A. Levine… right, Michael Pierce? (A long story)  J

Before this conference, I felt myself falling into a funk. But emerging from the other side, I have such a clear head with what I want to accomplish next—not only with my next project, but with how I want to keep my mental perspective. Something changed in me this year… some sort of renewed strength that gave me a long term POV, rather than just the present.

Too many highlights to name, but aside from the wonderful classes, I enjoyed:


The gorgeous Karen Grencik
Breakfast with my amazing agent. I met her here two conferences ago, and I can honestly say I haven’t met a more brilliant woman. To get the full story, click here. 


Meeting up with writer friends. You guys are my sanity! It’s so much fun to get together and talk the same language. Some pics:

 Ryan Dalton and Jolene Perry










With Jerry Bennett, amazing illustrator
 Evelyn Ehrlich
Michael Pierce




 
Christa Desir         


The great thing about SCBWI is that you don’t need to spend loads of money to travel to the bigger conferences. There are smaller chapter retreats in your area that are amazing too. Every writer needs a community. And I know I’ve found a home with this one.

Red. Head. Out. :D


                         


50 comments

  1. Cool pictures! And you got to meet up with your agent and Michael.
    Glad you are recharged and out of your funk now.
    Maybe Michael will tell us about the table war...?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great pics!

    I want to go to a writer's conference, but things keep falling throw at all the wrong times. Maybe this year will be the year!

    I'm glad you got your headspace in order. I think that's the hardest part about writing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Looks like you had a blast and it's nice to hear that it such a supportive event.

    Glad to hear the light is shining brighter and burning the haze off your writing...keep following that light! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. My community is online but no less essential in keeping me on task and having fun. Glad you enjoyed yourself Morgan and got out of your funk. You look so thrilled in these pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Some day I will go. Some day... :) Love the pics and glad you had a great time!

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's wonderful, Morgan. Have a community or network of support is so important.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm sold! I'll have to see if there's one in San Diego. Glad you had a great time, Morgan :)

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's awesome! Thanks for sharing a peek into the con. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hey, gorgeous! What fun! I adore my local SCBWI chapter. Haven't made it to a big conference yet (needed to stop having babies!) but maybe next year.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I wish I had gone. I only went once to the summer conference. I'd love to meet you and so many other writers and bloggers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love the photos! You look stunning, Morg! I totally agree writerly friends are my sanity! I have to attend writer conferences yet - it's on my bucket list for sure.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm glad you have such a great network of support. You look gorgeous too.

    PS Yes, next Monday's Gary fest will be a blast.

    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  13. So happy you found some direction. I'll make it to a conference some day.

    ReplyDelete
  14. So *HAPPY* that your happy writerly peep is back inside you.

    Awesome pics - you should smile more often :)~

    And, it sounds like you had a blast at the conference - *LOVE* them, too :)

    PS... just to let you know I'm writing this at a McDonalds... getting ready for *this* Friday :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. I'm so jealous. :P
    Kidding. Great pictures, and it sounds like you had a super time. Woot! :D

    ReplyDelete
  16. I haven't been in years. I miss Lin Oliver. She cracks me up.

    Glad you had a great time, Morgan.

    ReplyDelete
  17. ARTHUR LEVINE. HOLY CRAP, ARTHUR LEVINE, THE MAN WHO BROUGHT HARRY POTTER TO AMERICA?!?!?! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Morgy! You are so beautiful and awesome! I'm super jealous you got to be there. I have got to get my butt in gear and go next year! I know those conferences are amazing! Sounds wonderful and love the pics!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Sounds amazing and inspiring and fun! So glad you got to go, Morgan =)

    ReplyDelete
  20. WHAT AWESOME PICS!!!!!!!!! I am going to do EVERYTHING in my power to get out there next year! I hope to make the Winter conference in NYC this January. I went a few years ago and I can't tell you how I LOVED it! Every thing you said and SOOOO much more!

    So happy to hear you're recharged Morg... Can't keep your "red" head down!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. You're so right. I need to get out there and stop living in a bubble. But I travel so darn much for my job, the thought of traveling for a conference makes me tired. Not much going on here in the middle of the country, or maybe I'm not looking hard enough.

    Love the pics! You look great.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yay and phew! Thank you very much for stating what "SCBWI" stood for :) I get totally lost with all these acronyms and I guess somebody should WIP me into shape...

    Positive interaction in a setting that inspired all concerned. That's a magical outcome. Breakfast with your agent. Great stuff and that calls for a toast or two.

    The sense of community you shared in your words and photos, bodes well for a good writing future for you, Morgan. Well done.

    With that, sadly, my comment will end.

    Gary :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Love the pictures. Someday ...

    ReplyDelete
  24. Morgan, I'm so sorry I missed you! I was only there for a short time--just a little bit on Saturday night. Maybe next year I'll go for reals!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I look forward to it every year now...and I plan to finally become active in my regional chapter. It was a great pleasure to meet and hang out with you and your husband on Friday. I guess Alex wants to know the story...perhaps I'll mention it in my IWSG post. The conference lit a much needed fire under me so I can't wait to get back to work!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sounds like you had a blast! And the pictures are awesome too.....
    Writer In Transit

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hi Morgan .. great photos - loved seeing them and your friends. That's wonderful you've found the SCBWI as such a useful home and sound board for you .. and it's great it's spread around the country via the various chapters ..

    Lovely to see - cheers hilary

    ReplyDelete
  28. OK, first, you are completely adorable, inside and out.

    I'm so glad you found kindred hearts and motivating energy at the conference. Yay for being with people who totally get your heart and ambitions. I bet that is so restorative! I need to get my back end to a conference someday, but haven't quite focused on just the one I'd like to go to, nor found the money to indulge. I will someday though!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I've only been to the NYC SCBWI conference, and while I really enjoyed it, I think maybe the LA conference has a bit more to offer. (I just love NYC so much!) I might have to give LA SCBWI a try sometime. And who knows? Maybe I'll run into you! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Oh I want to go. I don't write children's books so I need to find a children's author that will let me be in their fan club so I can follow them around and cheer them on while meeting really cool people.

    ReplyDelete
  31. I don't write that type of work, but it looks like an awesome group:) It'd be fun just to join for kicks:)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Eek. I feel like I haven't been over here forever! Where did the time go?

    I'm so glad to hear you had a great time! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. You look so gorgeous! And seems you had a lovely time too!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Glad you had such a great time. Writers' conferences are awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'd love to go to a writing conference someday. It is one of my goals. This one sounds very good!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Awesome post. It's my personal goal to attend at least one conference in my future. I haven't found the time yet, but I promised myself I will, one day soon.

    Morgan, you are one brilliant Ginger! Your smile lights up all of those pictures, love it! :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Looks like you had an amazing time!!! And I must say, you look gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'm still thinking of joining SCBWI. You make a great case for me to do so! I wish I could've gone to the LA conference; my agents were there (Josh and Tracey Adams). Sigh. Maybe next year. I'm glad you've broken out of your funk. Please feel free to share your secrets! <3

    ReplyDelete
  39. Awesome - so happy it was both fun and productive. You exude happiness (and adorableness) in all of the photos.

    ReplyDelete
  40. look at you in those photos...meow! glad you found a new home. hope your kids and hubby don't mind...

    ReplyDelete
  41. Looks like you had an amazing time my dear friend :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. It sounds as if you had a great time!

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Next year I'm going to attend SCBWI! This is a must, must, must! We should go together!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks for sharing the pictures. I would love to attend this conference some day.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks to having joined SCBWI last year, I was able to find a local critique group. Definitely glad I joined. So many helpful people.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Looks like good times all around. I really need to get out more and attend some conferences and meet some people in the industry.

    ReplyDelete
  47. How did I miss this???!?!?! These are great pics! So glad you had a fun time!

    ReplyDelete