I’m not sure what it is about the SCBWI LA conference, but each year I
attend, I seem to find exactly what I’m looking for.
This is my fourth year going to the conference, and each
time, I’ve been in a completely different place on this writing journey… whether with my emotional journey or my actual craft/ability/knowledge of the industry.
And for some reason, the SCBWI has always been able to reach me—to know exactly
what I need at the time and refuel my tank. I’m always able to find myself
again. To find what it is I want and what I need and where I want to go.
As we all know, sometimes that "magic something” leaves us.
We keep working without really remembering what it is that’s rooted inside of
us—that reason why we’re writing in the first place. And I’ve been to
conferences that focus only on craft or the industry or how to get from point A
to point B. But the SCBWI is different. They seem to get it. They focus on the
magic. The art. The heart. The reason why we pour our souls into our work and
spent sleepless nights crying over whether we have the ability to really
create. They get that it’s not only
about the change that takes place within ourselves, but it’s that books change people. (A concept I could
go off forever about, but won’t)
Recently, I’ve had to face some difficult decisions as far
as writing goes, and it’s because of this 2014 LA conference that I’ve been able to block
out all the different voices shouting at me and reaffirm my goals. I've found that no matter what you're looking for as a writer, the SCBWI has what you need. Including friends.
 |
| With the ridiculously talented Liz Briggs |
I’ve connected
with dozens of writers who really have become my best friends. (Each one of them much more talented and cooler than I) ;)
And now for fun pics!
 |
| And with Karen Grencik, who will always be so special to me!
If you're a YA, MG, or picture book writer, I highly urge you to become a SCBWI member. It's changed my life, opened up opportunities I never dreamed, and helped me take the necessary steps toward this crazy journey called publication.
Red. Head. Out. <3
|
Posts
So many of my favorite people there! Glad you had a good time. :)
ReplyDeleteSo much fun! I'm completely jealous. Being among people who understand, and who often feel the same about writing is such a hugely important thing. I'm glad you found what you were looking for.
ReplyDeleteGlad you found the magic again and were able to make a decision!
ReplyDeleteMorgan!! Hello my friend. So glad you found what you were looking for at the conference. You look very happy in these pictures :)
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a wonderful time.So glad you've found this to be a way to fire up that writing focus.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful event and opportunity to connect with friends.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an awesome time was had indeed and you got what you needed to keep on keeping on
ReplyDeleteI would love to go to a big conference and meet my fellow blogging/writing buddies. But I'm pretty far away from everyone.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go to a conference someday, provided it wasn't on a Saturday, and it were practical to travel there and stay in a hotel. I'm not so sure any of my books fit into the YA or MG definition of modern times, given the differing realities of young people historically, but SCBWI would be something I'd like to join someday if any of my books could still pass as youth literature and not regular fiction that just happens to feature young people.
ReplyDeleteEvery year I get totally jealous about this conference lol! It looks amazing and I'm glad it helped you find what you were looking for. :D
ReplyDeleteIt looks like SO MUCH fun!
ReplyDelete"They focus on the magic. The art. The heart." To me, it sounds like this is THE conference to attend... and you also got to meet so many awesome writer buddies...
I need to put it on my calendar and get involved. So many of my peeps go to the LA SCBWI!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had fun and got what you needed all in the same trip.
ReplyDeleteLove you pics. I would have loved a doodle from Jerry!
Books do change people. That's why they're cool.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it was a ton of fun! I'm so happy it helped you rediscover the love for writing.
ReplyDeleteLooks like so much fun!! And I love your dress, btw :) I miss living somewhere with an active/existing SCBWI--well, that isn't a serious drive to get to cool stuff!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun! Good for you, Morgan! :D
ReplyDeleteConferences are so much fun. Our favorite part is hanging out at the bar, but that probably goes without saying. There's nothing that quite breaks a writer out of his/her shell like a night of drunken fun. Between that and the networking, conferences are pretty much like our own personal Christmas.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that photo of you and Liz! You guys look great! I'm so happy you had a fun time at the SCBWI conference and that it helped you reaffirm your goals. This whole writing process is such a roller coaster ride, so those moments are valuable. Hope writing is going well for you, Morgan! :)
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos! So glad you had fun at the conference. One day, I'd love to go to one.
ReplyDeleteHello Gorgeous! I am extremely jealous you get to go to this conference. In fact, I'm thinking one of these years I'm going to save up and go with you. It sounds fabulous. I hear such wonderful things. I really want to try to attend. Hugs to you!
ReplyDeleteGosh, if you and Leibby go, I'm going to... that would be so much fun :)
DeleteI'm no "drawer" but maybe I can come up with an idea for a kid's book...
... I was thinking perhaps some girl who wants to go to the dance, but her Crocs fall off and some boy from Northern Europe searches and eventually finds and gives her back the shoe...
I'd call it Finnderella :)
Glad you had such a great time!
ReplyDeleteHey you:)
ReplyDeleteI can *see* how fired up you are :) So awesome, Morg, and I'm glad your engine is stoked, the power is back and the energy level is on Super "F"
Carpe Diem, Sister Shamy, carpe diem :)
Sounds cool! Glad you've been enjoying it for multiple years. They have YA...hmm, maybe I'll have to check it out one of these years:)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed yourself and got writing goals in order Morgan. Thanks for popping by my blog and sharing cool pics from your conference.
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful you got a chance to go!
ReplyDeleteawwww! how fun and inspiring!
ReplyDeletei'm jealous again at all the bonding and self-discovery/affirmation!
but thanks for sharing it so i can have some by association!
and thanks for supporting my broken branch falls blog tour at rena's! nice to see you there!
So fun and inspiring!! Lots of familiar faces out there- have a great time.
ReplyDeleteHah! I am NOT a celebrity... yet. ;)
ReplyDeleteJoining SCBWI put me in touch with a lot of writers in my area. It's definitely worth it.
ReplyDeleteIt was perfect for me to read this post today. I have been thinking about joining SCBWI and realized I really need to look into it. Then- I was reading through your blog and found this post. It looks like you had a wonderful time at the conference and I think your advice at the end tells me everything I need to know. :) Thanks for sharing. I definitely plan to join.
ReplyDelete~Jess