Any captain worth her salt will tell you it’s not always about the dreadlocks, but rather her crew, which sets her apart from the rest. The same can be said for this year’s rollicking team of Roving Conference Reporters. Armed with nothing more than a smile and a bunt pencil, they’re the ones who’ll be recording all the notable moments of the Sydney 2016 Conference and maybe even reporting on one of your memorable moments so I think it’s high time you meet them.
Over the next few months, I’ll be introducing you to my awesome team of 12 reporters. Get to know them now and that’s already 12 people you’ll know at the Conference! It’s that easy and as exciting but far safer than meeting a real crew of pirates.
Meet our first two Rovers, Maria Gill and Katrin Dreiling
Maria Gill
Author Maria Gill has penned 47 books for the children’s and educational markets. Eight of her books have shortlisted for National book awards, and seven have been selected as Storylines Notable Books. ‘New Zealand Hall of Fame’ won the 2012 Children’s Choice Award (non-fiction category). Her two latest books are ‘Anzac Heroes’ (Scholastic) and ‘Find it! Volcanoes’ (Dorling & Kindersley). She is a trained Primary teacher and journalist, and writes fulltime from her lifestyle property in New Zealand. www.mariagill.co.nz
Is this your first SCWBI Conference?
This is my fourth SCWBI Sydney conference. I fly over from New Zealand for each one.
What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?
The most memorable one will be the day I get a ms accepted at a conference. I came close at the first one. Perhaps it will be this conference. Most rewarding is all the Australian friends I've made at each one.
As a creator in the Kids Literary Industry, what do you want to be best known for?
For writing entertaining books that help kids realise their full potential.
Name one thing you cannot live without.
My family first; writing a close second.
Katrin Dreiling
Katrin Dreiling wants to live in a world where children’s books are remembered because they make children laugh, gasp, and wonder.
Ever since leaving her well-paid job as a high school language teacher, Katrin has been busy creating illustrations for just these kinds of books – living merely of water, bread, and chocolate.
Being an award-winning, self-published author/illustrator, she is an active member of Brisbane Illustrators Group, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and other groups. She has done the illustrations for several highly popular, animated university lectures (https://goo.gl/Wl5BG8) that are currently being used by a local university, and that attracted close to 30,000 views and hundreds of likes, shares, subscribers, and playlist listings within less than 3 months.
Her artist Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/katrinartworks) is keenly followed by more than 600 fans and her work was featured on Redbubble a number of times.
When Katrin hasn’t locked herself into her tiny studio together with her huge, always hungry canine assistant, you can find her giving noisy art classes to her three children and their friends. She might also watch a Marvel movie or read a blood-curdling crime novel.
Is this your first SCWBI Conference?
Yes, this is my very first SCBWI conference
What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?
I hope to have exposure of my work to many publishers so I can get heaps of professional feedback.
As a creator in the Kids Literary Industry, what do you want to be best known for?
I'd like to be known for authenticity, quirkiness, and quality.
Name one thing you cannot live without.
My family including my Golden Retriever. They give me strength.
Thanks Katrin and Maria! Stick around - another meet and greet due soon!
Rove ya later,