Meet Our Conference Volunteers!

The annual SCBWI British Isles conference is fast approaching, with yet again many amazing keynote speakers, workshops, and opportunities to get your work noticed. But while most of us are worrying about what outfit to wear for the Saturday night party, and polishing our portfolios until they shine, behind the scenes, a group of extremely hard-working and dedicated volunteers are beavering away so that we can all enjoy the huge benefits that attending a conference has to offer.

We asked a few of those fabulous conference committee volunteers about why they volunteer and what SCBWI means to them.

Marnie Riches

Marnie Riches - Conference Chair

During my two decades as a fundraising and marketing professional, I organised many events, single-handedly and as part of a team...from the Duke of Edinburgh’s 80th birthday celebrations at the Royal Albert Hall, to fundraising dinners in premium London venues, to writing masterclasses at Manchester Children’s Book Festival, given by stars of the literary landscape. There is something intensely satisfying about booking speakers/entertainment, deciding on a venue, a theme, producing the printed material and shaping a PR campaign that will ultimately sell tickets to a highly enjoyable event. 

But events-management is not for the faint-hearted. You have to be super-organised, energetic and importantly, have the ability to bring a project to fruition, from vision to end product. 

By 2009, I had started to write seriously for children. A literary agent advised me to check out the Manchester writing scene. I discovered my local chapter of SCBWI. Attending my local crit group galvanised me into pursuing writing seriously as my new career – a vocation that will almost certainly fulfil me and sustain my passion and interest for the rest of my life. When my Time-Hunters deal came along, therefore, (I penned the first six books of the series for HarperCollins Children’s under the pseudonym, Chris Blake) I decided I’d had enough of Lottery and Arts Council funding applications. The day-job bit the dust. Ace! Or was it? Being self-employed and working from home is wonderful. I have always liked being the boss. But what you forget is that working from home can be terribly socially isolating. 

Over time, I found myself turning into that stereotype of the anti-social author; silent, chained to a laptop and motionless, but for typing and scratching myself through week-old pyjamas. So in early 2014, when Natascha Biebow approached me and asked if I’d like to volunteer for SCBWI, I agreed to chair the SCBWI Annual Conference. I knew I could help to put on a fantastic programme, offering something for everyone. I couldn’t wait to meet my committee. And I was not disappointed. They’re a great bunch of fun-loving, talented and committed people. I have no doubt that the conference in November in Winchester will reflect our collective energy and skill. Most of all, I am proud to be putting my name to an event, which promises such quality and variety.

Candy Gourlay

Candy Gourlay -- Volunteer Extraordinaire!

I love seeing an idea turn into a reality -- and this year I had the delicious challenge of curating the Pulse programme for our burgeoning numbers of published members!"   

George Kirk

George Kirk

I always thought that writing was a lonely occupation and then I bumped into SCBWI. A nicer, more well-mannered organisation you will not meet. It’s always opening doors, making introductions and pointing people in the right direction. So when the opportunity came along to lend a hand, well it seemed rude not to. A chance to give back a little, not to mention the fact I love to be fully involved, especially when there is a social.

Sean Noonan

Sean Noonan

I wanted to learn the craft of story writing for children and was recommended SCBWIs. Since my first event, a social in London in 2012, I have been inspired by the enthusiasm and knowledge of the members. 

Attending three conferences in two years I realised these amazing events were put together by volunteers who gave their time and efforts willingly. I knew it was time to step up, make my own contribution.   

Sally Poyton

Sally Poyton

As much as I LOVE writing, it is solitary; spending all day in my own imaginary world talking to characters from my own mind isn't that great for my sanity. This is why I volunteer; to meet and work with other like-minded lovely people and to preserve what's left of my sanity! It’s also a way of paying back for all the opportunities that SCBWI has opened up for me, plus further my knowledge of the industry.

Addy Farmer

Pals, inspiration and boundless possibilities for a creative life. Everyone should join the SCBWI - it's good for you. 

Alice Thorp

Alice Thorp

I attended my first conference in 2011, after winning the Margaret Carey Scholarship. It was such a valuable experience that I promised myself I would volunteer for SCBWI when my children were older. Three years later, I find myself on the Conference Committee! I am particularly enjoying coordinating this year’s Outstanding Contribution Award. Reading about the dedication of each nominee is moving and inspiring. 

Bridget Strevens-Marzo

Bridget Strevens-Marzo

Well over a decade ago (yikes!), I was a reluctant volunteer, having to divise illustrator content for the first non-US based SCBWI conference. I had never 'done the rounds' myself or sent work out as I was too self-critical. Volunteering did wonders for my self-confidence. I’ve met many publishing professionals I had admired from far, and realized there is no 'them and us' divide - and a common interest in creating the best we can for kids. 

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If you're interested in becoming a volunteer for our fabulous organisation, check out the current list of volunteer vacancies and how to apply here. 

Ten-Minute Blog Break - 4th March

Oh my, there were some terrific blog posts this week. What to pick? What to leave out? What to have for lunch? The life of the Words & Pictures Blog Editor is filled with so many difficult choices...


Elizabeth Wein continued her slow climb to greatness by delivering the keynote speech at the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York. There's a summary of her keynote on the official conference blog, and Elizabeth herself contributes a charming post in which she celebrates friendship, family and a secret addiction to My Little Pony.

After what seems like a very long wait, Ellen Renner is back with Tribute, her first YA fantasy novel for Hot Key Books. She blogs about it at the Hot Key site and shares a short story called My Enemy's Eyes, that introduces the world of her book. And boy, does this story go dark!

It's World Book Day this week, news that will fill parents with horror if they haven't sorted out book character costumes for their kids yet. But Julie Fulton is looking at the positive side of this yearly tradition and also highlighting the work of Book Aid International, a charity supporting literacy, education and development in sub-Saharan Africa.

Sally Poyton feels like a one-horned unicorn, but longs to be a phoenix-multi-horned-unicorn-bride hatching from a golden egg. No idea what I'm talking about? Along with some outrageous metaphors, Sally's blog post Always the Bridesmaid contains an honest examination of what it's like to keep getting recognised for your work, but not quite enough.

Finally, there was much goggling (and Googling) in disbelief at Lynne Shepherd's bizarre attack on J.K. Rowling last week, and Addy Farmer provides a great commentary at Notes from the Slushpile. It turns out that criticising the taste of millions of Harry Potter fans can lead to an unexpected, career-limiting disaster. Who knew?

Nick.

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Nick Cross is a children's writer, blogger and all-round techno-ninja. In 2010 he was a winner of Undiscovered Voices with his zombie comedy Back from the Dead and currently writes short fiction for Stew Magazine, an event that was recently celebrated on this site.

Ten-Minute Blog Break - 7th January

Welcome back to all you word-wranglers and picture-makers, for a whole new year of blogging. Christmas and New Year is a time for both gazing back and looking forward, so we've got a mix of both on the Blog Break today.


Kathy Evans starts her festive blog with an apology - for not having had enough time to write during 2013. But in the midst of all her other responsibilities, "slowly something stirred in the space between words" and she has begun to furiously write a new book. Hooray!

Jane Heinrichs looks back on a super-successful 2013, and instead of making resolutions, picks a single word that encompasses her approach for 2014. I really like this idea and decided to plump for "do", meaning that I will get on and do stuff this year with minimal faffing around. I can't control what other people think of my work, but I can increase my opportunities by getting that work finished and out there!

A simple year-end round-up is clearly not enough for Notes from the Slushpile. Instead, we have 4 authors for the price of 1 as Teri Terry, Maureen Lynas, Candy Gourlay and Addy Farmer each give their highlights for the writing year that was.

Nicola Morgan greets the new year with a rather startling question: What does your existence do to the world? Nicola thinks that authors can make the world a better place and sets out an inspiring list of things she's doing in 2014 to make a difference.

One problem with New Year's resolutions is that outside events sometimes get in the way. Juliet Clare Bell blogs about how her plans to become more organised in 2013 were knocked off track by the sudden death of her mum, SCBWI member Margaret Storr. But 2014 (Clare assures us) will be a happier year, and her advice to herself to JUST DO IT! fits in very well with my new word for the year.

Sue Hyams had a pretty rubbish 2013 as well, but she transmutes that into a joyful list of intentions for 2014. Intensive reading, Tom Hiddleston fandom and experimental cookery? Sounds like it's going to be a memorable year!

Nick.

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Nick Cross is a children's writer, blogger and all-round techno-ninja. In 2010 he was a winner of Undiscovered Voices with his zombie comedy Back from the Dead and currently writes short fiction for Stew Magazine.

This week on his blog, Nick wonders if writers have forgotten the Girl Power legacy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. And, in case you missed it, he also posted another awesome archive ramble through The Museum of Me - Special Collector's Edition.

Conference Blog Break

Thanks to everyone who has told me about their SCBWI-BI conference blog posts so far. I'm happy to keep this post updated over the next few days, so do send me a link to whoatemybrain-conference@yahoo.com.


Addy Farmer was first out of the gate with a poignant photo of her front car seat. You'll have to read her blog to find out the significance of that!

My offering brought together Playmobil, drug-smuggling camels and general showing off. Mel Rogerson, on the other hand, failed in her attempt to "take stacks of photos, say hi to everyone I knew and get a decent amount of sleep." She has, however, found time to write a list of the five things she brought home from the conference.

Ever one for the grand gesture, our conference party co-host Jane McLoughlin takes Mel's list and doubles it, finding ten reasons to love the SCBWI conference. Meanwhile, K.M. Lockwood's post celebrates the "mad, wonderful thing we do" (which in her case is wear a lot of purple and a rather fetching hat).

However, even Madam Lockwood's outfit for the conference party was trumped by George Kirk's dress, which was made out of recycled men's ties! George contributes one of the most uplifting posts, as she blogs about losing heart and finding it again, all thanks to the SCBWI conference. Awww.

Finally, Celia J. Anderson just sneaked under the deadline by fifteen minutes with this blog. Celia, I'm very impressed you manage to post this, even though your brain was threatening to implode!

That's it for now on the conference, but I can't resist mentioning a snippet of non-Winchester news. My near namesake Nick Cook has finally signed a deal for his Cloud Riders book series, after an epic quest across time and space to the outer reaches of publishing. Although Three Hares Publishing are brand new, Nick thinks that they "will be a force to be reckoned with." I'm sure fellow SCBWI member Christina Banach is hoping the same thing, as her debut novel has also been acquired by Three Hares. Well done to both!

Nick.

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Nick Cross is a children's writer, blogger and all-round techno-ninja. In 2010 he was a winner of Undiscovered Voices with his zombie comedy Back from the Dead.

Nick's already mentioned his blog post, so he's going to use this space to give big congratulations to Words & Pictures Editor Jan Carr on winning the OCA!

Network News: Central North

The critique group

Normally news of us comes from Liz Miller and will continue to do so. However, the dates of our critique groups have fallen all wrong for her just lately so this is a quick fill-in from Gill Hutchison.
I don’t want you to think that here at Central North we don’t take our writing seriously – we do. However, we’re all in various stages of recovery from our meeting on September 28th; a stunningly ribald crit group considering we were within the hallowed walls of the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. Why? 

Well, our leader and guru Addy Farmer had accidentally managed to pen something along the lines of 50 Shades of Grey meets Little House on the Prairie. Should we mention our “minor reservations” with the activities of the characters, or should we not? Of course we did! Our wonderful Addy was soon rolling in the aisles with the rest of us. She could afford to - having also invented an other-worldly villainess who is clearly the love-child of Lord Voldemort and Miss Trunchbull, only spookier, she was still onto a winner.

Sobriety returns!

We were brought back to sobriety by our first taste of the wonderfully polished and lyrical prose of Brian Gray (publ: King Midas and Other Tales) in “Unsung Moon”, and by our very own flower child, Norah Pellatt with one of her Blam! Splat! off-the-wall offerings “Why has my dog got horns?”
However, it was a memorable meeting, ranking up there with the one where Suzanne and her husband had spent half an hour wrestling on their front room carpet “helping” Sam Hawksmoor (The Repossession) to determine whether it is in fact possible to shoot yourself through the head with a double-barrelled shotgun whilst being attacked by a Rhodesian ridgeback...
Our final two meetings of 2013 are on October 12th and November 16th also at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. We have a crit slot up for grabs at each of these meeting, so if anyone out there likes the sound of us, please make contact!

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 Gill joined SCBWI in February 2006

Her contribution to the world of writing up to that point had been yearly school shows, press reports for my sport of tenpin bowling and songs for her comedy folk band.

Gill enjoys everything about SCBWI, from the critiques and workshops to the friendship and support within our Central North group – and of course the wisdom of guru, Addy. She won Sarah Frost’s July 2013 “Slushpile Challenge” with “My Mum’s bigger than your Mum”.

Ten-Minute Blog Break - 13th August

Ah, those long lazy days of summer. I've not had many of them myself (too many books and blogs to write), but it seems like they are available if you like that kind of thing! Join me to find out how our SCBWI bloggers are spending their downtime.


Over at Notes from the Slushpile, Addy Farmer gets us in a relaxed mood with a lovely, rambling post. Addy starts looking at books based on how much healthy outdoor living they contain, but by the end of the post you're more likely to be lying beneath a shady tree with her suggested reading list.

Shana Nieberg-Suschitzky has just been to France, but instead of some boring Instagram photos, she gives us a look at her sketchbook and a comic she created where her family are all penguins (don't worry, it makes more sense in context). Generally, it sounds like a serious amount of comic reading went on, and Shana has some recommendations for French graphic novels you might not have heard of.

Sara Grant has found an even nicer place to visit, somewhere she describes as her "writing nirvana". But this isn't a physical location, rather a perfect state of mind that comes from having a new novel with "a solid outline, an interesting setting to explore, a cast of engaging characters, and time each day to write". Sounds like bliss!

Nick.

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Nick Cross is a children's writer, blogger and all-round techno-ninja. In 2010 he was a winner of Undiscovered Voices with his zombie comedy Back from the Dead.
In his latest blog post, Nick Would Like to Meet a new agent or publisher, although he finds that the process is much like an endless series of blind dates!

Ten-Minute Blog Break - 23rd July

I'm sure I can't be the only one wilting from all this heat, but our SCBWI bloggers march on regardless.
Grab a tall glass of iced tea and let's see what blog-sized treats are on the plate this week.


Despite living in the same town as ace indie bookshop Mostly Books, I’m a little ashamed to admit that I completely missed their recent special event, in which three Nosy Crow authors took over the running of the shop for the day! SCBWI writers Paula Harrison and Helen Peters joined Fleur Hitchcock to staff the shop, as well as answering all manner of questions from budding young writers and journalists. Sally Poyton tells us all about the event at Space on the Bookshelf.

Mark Jones returns to his Amazing Writing Advice column, after an unexpected break. But was the lay-off really because he was sued for publishing someone else’s book without their permission and did he actually take matters into his own hands in such a drastic fashion? You’ll have to read the post and make up your own mind...

Taking the idea of the Silly Season a step further are the bloggers at Notes from the Slushpile, who are having an, erm, Slushpile Silly Season. So far, Addy Farmer has blogged about silly character names via PG Wodehouse and Books With a Letter Missing. Have you read The Lion, the Itch and the Wardrobe?

Illustrators will get a kick out of Katriona Chapman’s post at Big Little Tales, detailing her technique for colourising pencil drawings using Photoshop. Sam Zuppardi’s brother won’t be getting a kick out of anything for a while though, especially when he sees the get well card that Sam sent him showing his broken leg. Yuck!

I'll be taking next week off to go on holiday (I know, what a shocking dereliction of duty), so the Blog Break will have a very special guest editor! Until then, happy reading and happy blogging.

Nick.

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Nick Cross is a children's writer, blogger and all-round digital guru. In 2010 he was a winner of Undiscovered Voices with his zombie comedy Back from the Dead.
For his latest blog post, Nick is Desperately Seeking Symmetry with the help of Sara Grant's Half Lives.

Network News Central North

By Liz Miller 

 

Here in Central North we are a welcoming group of published and pre-published writers and illustrators of everything from picture books to YA. We hold regular writing workshops, occasional author talks and annual publisher events alongside our thriving monthly critique meetings at the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. Most of our group are Lincolnshire based but the Nottinghamshire contingent is growing and we’re always trying to think of new ways of reaching our members in East Riding and South Yorkshire.

Writing, critique and support are priorities but in recent months many of our members have also been seen bowling, climbing, power walking, running, cycling, fencing and working out with Davina. What is driving them to these extreme fitness challenges?

Well if you’ve been to Lincoln you’ll know all about the vertiginous incline in the middle - Steep Hill.

So when our very own Addy Farmer told us she was putting together a fantastic selection of events as part of the forthcoming Lincoln Inspired Festival of Literature, Performance and Art, we knew we had to do some serious training.The following SCBWI led events take place over the weekend of 11th and 12th May . . . betwixt the top and bottom of this hill.

We warned you it was steep!

On Saturday 11^th May, Addy will run The Craft and the Graft and the Road to Being Published at Lincoln Drill Hall, offering one- to- one slots for children’s writers.  Book in early and you’ll have time to stroll leisurely up to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life for Museum Curator and SCBWI member, Debbie Holt’s Inspiration Through Artefacts session. Book in late and we suggest you pack your running shoes because you won’t want to miss it – we know, we’ve done it before! Come and handle objects from the museum’s educational boxes, hear some of their stories and be inspired to write your own.

We're going on an artefact hunt.

Walking shoes on (or something faster if you need food as well) and then it’s back to the Drill Hall to hear Emily Thomas, publisher with the fabulous HOT Key Books, talk about the children’s book industry and how she finds and nurtures talent.

Now you can don your leisure shoes as you have time to wander, shop, be a tourist, relax, eat, sleep, fence, bowl, whatever. Just remember to come back on Sunday morning, 12th May and join Katherine Lynas (temporarily poached from the North East, shhh don’t tell them!) Katherine will be leading a Scrawlcrawl from the Drill Hall. Pens, paper and drawing equipment advisable; bowling balls and epees optional. Sturdy leisure shoes should be fine – it is Sunday after all.

If you’ve been inspired to join us for these events, further details and booking information can be found here. 

If you’ve been inspired to come and join us at one of our monthly meetings we’d love to see you.

SCBWI Central North

Or if you’d like help in setting up something more local to your part of Central North we can support you to do that. Email Addy Farmer and Gill Hutchison at centralnorthATbritishscbwiDOTorg

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Liz Miller writes picture books and joined SCBWI in 2010. She has a penchant for volunteering which has led to her being joint moderator of the SCBWI e-critique group PictureBook Too, co-founder of the Early Readers e-critique group and a reading volunteer in local schools. She knows she should sit on her hands when volunteering opportunities arise but life would be less varied and she can’t write with her nose.

All about our new SCBWI BI Network Coordinator

Maureen

Maureen  Lynas, whom many of you already know, has just become our new  network coordinator. So, it seemed apt to feature her in our first article about the networks. Here is what she says: 

 Hi, I’m the new SCBWI BI Network Coordinator – hurrah!

Why am I so pleased? Well, I remember the feeling of relief when I attended my first SCBWI chat group with Addy Farmer a few years ago. Here was a person and group who understood my obsession and wouldn't send me for counselling. I've seen similar reactions as North East Coordinator, new members thankful that they are no longer isolated in loft, shed, or study. So I'm more than happy to become Network Coordinator for this incredible group of supportive, creative people.

I joined SCBWI in 2008 and, amazingly, this did not immediately get me a book deal or an agent.

Illustration by Katherine Lynas

What it did get me was access. Access to knowledge about the creative process. Access to industry professionals. Access to friends who understand the ups and downs of being a creative person. And a reality check. I had to up my game if I wanted to write books worth reading and I needed SCBWI to do that.

But all of the SCBWI events were in London. And London is a long way away for me. So, when Addy asked me to take on the North East group in York I grabbed it and organised a workshop. And I worried that no one would come. The speaker was cheap (me) and the venue was cheap (£0) so if all went badly it wouldn’t matter. But all went well. Sixteen people turned up, some were members some were not. A lot joined SCBWI afterwards, the group is thriving and we’ve just added a critique group at Seven Stories.

There are nine networks across the UK all with similar start up stories; someone needed to be with other illustrators or authors. So they took the plunge and volunteered to organise something, anything, to bring illustrators and writers together. They held socials, critique groups, scrawlcrawls, planning brunches, write ins, workshops, masterclasses, professional series, agents parties etc. Just so that members could meet and learn and work together. And laugh. There’s always a lot of laughing at a scoobie do.

With thanks to Katherine Lynas 

In our local group our members are published and non-published, writers and illustrators but they all have one thing in common with all SCBWI members, they recognise the hard work that goes into their craft, they recognise the learning curves that have to be climbed and they appreciate that everyone in the group is there to support and encourage.

So the message from me as your new Network Coordinator is – pluck up the courage to join your local group, meet face to face. If there isn't a critique or social group near you, start one. Whisper or shout on the yahoo group or the facebook group – ‘Is there anyone out there near…’ Get involved. Contact your Local Network Organiser. They will help you because SCBWI volunteers are the friendliest most supportive people on the planet.

Who am I?

I’m the author of Action Words. The creator of The funEverse. A winner of Undiscovered Voices 2012. A blogger on Notes from the Slushpile. I write picture books, poems and funny stuff.

Maureen Lynas

If you need to, you can find out more about me here: Maureen Lynas on SCBWI