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:
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| 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:
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| Ryan Dalton and Jolene Perry |
 |
| With Jerry Bennett, amazing illustrator |
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| Evelyn Ehrlich |
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| Michael Pierce |
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| 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
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Posts
Cool pictures! And you got to meet up with your agent and Michael.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are recharged and out of your funk now.
Maybe Michael will tell us about the table war...?
Great pics!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Looks like you had a blast and it's nice to hear that it such a supportive event.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear the light is shining brighter and burning the haze off your writing...keep following that light! :)
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!
ReplyDeleteSome day I will go. Some day... :) Love the pics and glad you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteI love your black dress :)
ReplyDeleteThat's wonderful, Morgan. Have a community or network of support is so important.
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to see you! :-D
ReplyDeleteI'm sold! I'll have to see if there's one in San Diego. Glad you had a great time, Morgan :)
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Thanks for sharing a peek into the con. :)
ReplyDeleteHey, 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have such a great network of support. You look gorgeous too.
ReplyDeletePS Yes, next Monday's Gary fest will be a blast.
xoRobyn
How fun! So jealous you got to go!
ReplyDeleteSo happy you found some direction. I'll make it to a conference some day.
ReplyDeleteSo *HAPPY* that your happy writerly peep is back inside you.
ReplyDeleteAwesome 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 :)
I'm so jealous. :P
ReplyDeleteKidding. Great pictures, and it sounds like you had a super time. Woot! :D
I haven't been in years. I miss Lin Oliver. She cracks me up.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a great time, Morgan.
ARTHUR LEVINE. HOLY CRAP, ARTHUR LEVINE, THE MAN WHO BROUGHT HARRY POTTER TO AMERICA?!?!?! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THAT IS SO COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteMorgy! 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!
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing and inspiring and fun! So glad you got to go, Morgan =)
ReplyDeleteWHAT 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!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear you're recharged Morg... Can't keep your "red" head down!!!
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.
ReplyDeleteLove the pics! You look great.
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...
ReplyDeletePositive 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 :)
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Love the pictures. Someday ...
ReplyDeleteMorgan, 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!
ReplyDeleteI 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!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a blast! And the pictures are awesome too.....
ReplyDeleteWriter In Transit
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 ..
ReplyDeleteLovely to see - cheers hilary
OK, first, you are completely adorable, inside and out.
ReplyDeleteI'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!
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! :-)
ReplyDeleteOh 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.
ReplyDeleteI don't write that type of work, but it looks like an awesome group:) It'd be fun just to join for kicks:)
ReplyDeleteEek. I feel like I haven't been over here forever! Where did the time go?
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you had a great time! :)
You look so gorgeous! And seems you had a lovely time too!
ReplyDeleteGlad you had such a great time. Writers' conferences are awesome.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go to a writing conference someday. It is one of my goals. This one sounds very good!
ReplyDeleteAwesome 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.
ReplyDeleteMorgan, you are one brilliant Ginger! Your smile lights up all of those pictures, love it! :)
Looks like you had an amazing time!!! And I must say, you look gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI'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
ReplyDeleteAwesome - so happy it was both fun and productive. You exude happiness (and adorableness) in all of the photos.
ReplyDeletelook at you in those photos...meow! glad you found a new home. hope your kids and hubby don't mind...
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had an amazing time my dear friend :)
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if you had a great time!
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Next year I'm going to attend SCBWI! This is a must, must, must! We should go together!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the pictures. I would love to attend this conference some day.
ReplyDeleteThanks to having joined SCBWI last year, I was able to find a local critique group. Definitely glad I joined. So many helpful people.
ReplyDeleteLooks like good times all around. I really need to get out more and attend some conferences and meet some people in the industry.
ReplyDeleteHow did I miss this???!?!?! These are great pics! So glad you had a fun time!
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