You’ve met our Chief of Landscaping Services aka, Conference Director, aka Susanne Gervay. Now throw your petals in the air for Sue Whiting (who doesn’t really have the body of a dog).
Sue Whiting is an author and editor who lives and works in a small coastal village south of Sydney. Sue has written numerous books in a variety of genres: fiction and nonfiction, picture books through to YA, including the best-selling The Firefighters, and the award-winning A Swim in the Sea. Her latest books are Missing, a mystery novel for readers 10+ and Beware the Deep, Dark Forest, a picture book illustrated by Annie White. Sue loves sharing her passion for story and storytelling, reading and writing with people of all ages. Join her on her adventures in story at www.suewhiting.com.
Briefly state your conference role and conference responsibilities
General duties (aka dogsbody) / bookshop list coordinator / coordinator for the Celebrating Books event at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft, on Feb 24
Describe your most notable achievement or proudest moment in Kids’ Lit to date
Writing Missing. This was a very difficult book to write and I am proud that I stuck it out, persevered and managed to get Mackenzie’s sad story out of my head and onto paper. I am also very proud of the way this book has been received – especially by young readers. That has been indeed heartwarming.
What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?
Dancing to the SCBWI band at the Hughenden in 2014. So much fun! It proved what a great supportive, fun-loving community SCBWI is.
Name one thing you can’t live without
Once I would have said my dishwasher. Not long ago I would have said my laptop. Now, I think I could live without both of these. I even think I could live without my phone – though it would be a struggle. So apart from champagne, chocolate and pumpkin, I think the things I most cherish are not things at all, rather they are people – my family and close friends.
Provide at least one Fun Fact from a SCBWI Conference you’ve attended or organised (any where in the world)
This is a personal one. SCBWI Sydney 2019 will be the first SCBWI conference I have attended where I won’t be doing manuscript assessments! What will I do with all that time? Hey, I might even be able to listen to some of the awesome speakers on the program! For those who have made an appointment for an assessment, take it from one who has been on the other side of the table many times – don’t be too nervous or worried, most publishers don’t bite, just use the experience as a craft development exercise that will get you a step (or three) closer to publication. Enjoy!
It will be fantastic to see Sue conferencing with us this year, not to mention on the dance floor. Look out!
Stick around for more behind the scene meetings and memories.
Till then, Happy Christmas from the RR team.
Rove ya’ later!
Dimity (Head Gardner)
#SCBWISyd