The wonderful world of children’s literature is composed of many varied sub-genres and styles. Today we get to know two people who create one of my penultimate favourite expressions of children’s literature, the picture book. So settle back and meet SCBWI Sydney Conference 2016 Roving Reporters, Yvonne Mes and Karen Collum.
Yvonne Mes is a children’s author, illustrator and devourer of books from Brisbane via Amsterdam.
Her picture book Meet Sidney Nolan (Random House Australia) illustrated by Sandra Eterovic is listed on the 2016 Premier's Reading Challenge. Oliver’s Grumbles (Dragon Tales Publishing) illustrated by Giuseppe Poli was released in 2015.
Yvonne coordinates Write Links, is vice-president of Book Links QLD (Inc.) and has two decades experience working with children of all ages, abilities, and cultures.
Her three sons make sure she is never lost for inspiration. Her mission: sneak a quiet cup of coffee. Result: cold coffee and noise.
Is this your first SCWBI Conference? If not how many have you attended, where?
This is my second SCBWI conference, the first one also was in Sydney two years ago.
What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?
I don't think that conference could have been any better, apart from all the knowledge I gained and the inspiring people I met, I connected with an editor through a paid session and was offered my first contract a few months later!
As a creator in the Kids Literary Industry, what do you want to be best known for?
Uhm, I would like to say my sparkling wit, but that is not likely to happen, so perhaps a never wavering passion and dedication to sharing stories with children
Name one thing you cannot live without.
Apart from all the obvious (family, health, food) I am going to say ... pretty stationery.
Karen Collum is a Gold Coast-based writer and teacher with a passion for picture books. She is an internationally published author with five picture books to her name. Karen’s latest picture book, SMALL AND BIG, was published last year by Windy Hollow Books and is a 2016 CBCA Notable Book for Early Readers. When Karen is not getting up ridiculously early to write, she teaches, chases after her four kids (and her husband), and tackles the never-ending pile of washing.
Is this your first SCWBI Conference? If not how many have you attended, where?
First SCBWI Conference! I’m a newbie :)
What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?
I hope to meet up with old friends and make lots of new friends. I also hope to have important conversations with people who understand the necessity of agonising over a single word in a picture books for days on end.
As a creator in the Kids Literary Industry, what do you want to be best known for?
I would love to be best known for writing top quality, hope-filled books about things that matter.
Name one thing you cannot live without
I cannot live without creativity. I get very cranky and unsettled if I’m not being creative in some way, shape or form!
I understand your agony, Karen! Thank you ladies.
Stay tuned, another riveting meet and greet coming your way soon.
Rove you later!
#SCBWISyd