This past Saturday I attended the Houston SCBWI Conference.I always go. And it’s always great.
The first thing I noted when I arrived...my name wasspelled correctly on my name tag! That’s a good sign. It rarely happens.
Then the speakers spoke. I won’t run down the highlights of theirspeeches. Just know that we basked in their brilliant awesomeness.One thing I’ve noticed about agents and editors…they keep getting younger and younger. Nope, I’m not getting old, they’re definitelygetting younger. But along with youth comes energy. Who doesn’t want thatin an agent and editor?
I did something super smart when I registered. I paid fortwo professional critiques. One from an agent, one from an editor. Both gave amazingfeedback. And the agent praised what she’d read and asked for the fullmanuscript. Yes! I need an agent, and she’s the agent I’d love to represent me.
What I like best about these conferences, is spending theday with good friends and likeminded people. It’s therapy. But you already knowthat.
When the day wound down, I was in for another surprise. Mywork was nominated for the Joan Lowery Nixon Award. The winner is mentored bythe lovely Kathi Appelt, who graciously took over when Joan passed away in2003. To say I was honored, major understatement. But today, I made the decision to withdraw mynomination. This is an award thatshould go to a less published author.
So we topped off the day with a Mexican buffet, after whichI came home and crashed.
By the way, if you’re one of the coordinators who slaved so I could havea great day…thanks for everything! Including spelling my name right.
I'd love to know your thoughts on conferences. The comment section is waiting.
6 Comments on A Few Things about the SCBWI Houston Conference, last added: 4/3/2012
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Huge congrats on getting the agent's interest and your nomination.
Yes, I'll try hard never to miss a SCBWI Conference and the best part is certainly having my work appraised, with a 20 minute one to one discussion with an editor or agent. Our Australian Conferences have a capped max of 100 attendees and the 'important people' eat, drink and socialise with us for the whole weekend. I think we have about 5 top editors and 2 agents at our June one. Brilliant! It's hard to wait. And of course it's great to catch up with others and make new friends, too, go to the masterclasses and listen to all that's new and get a swag of tips and insider info. However, I usually stay at the hotel where it's held for one more night and usally get to have a meal with some of the delegates and relax with them. (I have been our State's SCBWI Co-ordinator - but I'm sure anyone who wished could do likewise.)
If you want to join us, it's tax deductible, remember.
'All I ask is an honest advantage.'
Very best wishes,
Peter
PS Don't forget to give the full a hug for good luck before mailing it. Hope it's hugely successful.
Wow, Dottie. How generous of you to step aside in the Joan Lowery Nixon list. You again demonstrate generosity, insight and leadership.
Best of luck with signing the agent!
Love "swag of tips and insider info." I wish I could attend your conference. One day I'll make it to Australia.
Thanks, Bruce. I recently broke up with my agent of 12 years. I haven't been querying because it feels so strange. Hopefully this agent will be the one and save me from all that.
Great! In the meantime, here's a report from our 2010 Conference. You'll find lots of good stuff in it:
http://www.scbwiaustralia.org/conferences/2010/2010-conference-proceedings.pdf
You'll find other reports at
http://www.scbwiaustralia.org/conferences/past-conferences.php
Peter :)
Fantastic, Peter! I don't think I've ever seen conference notes this detailed and extensive.