The SCBWI SA Professional Day opened with the wonderful Tracey Grice introducing her podcast, Writers Read. For those of us (including me) new to the world of podcasting this was quite an education.
Tracey, a teacher by professional, told us of her inspiration for the podcast; to help children build a love of reading and establish their own reading identity through finding the right books. Each podcast features a guest author reading an extract from their latest book to entice readers to get that book in their hands. Tracey talks to the author about their life as a reader, and Rebecca Bird from Pegi Williams bookshop discusses and recommends other books they have written.
Our SCBWI Professional Day then played host to a surprise live podcast with New York Times bestselling author Sean Williams. Sean treated us to an extract from his new book Impossible Music about a teenage musician coping with the loss of his hearing. Sean shared an insight into his life as a reader from his early fascination with Agatha Christie and Doctor Who to his more recent passion for 19th century and Gothic literature.
Thank you to Tracey Grice for sharing her journey and giving us the opportunity to be the audience for a live recording of Writers Read. It was a wonderful insight into the power of a podcast, and I shall certainly be tuning-in in future.
To hear the live podcast visit Writers Read by LiTracey.
Tracy Grice (R) and Rebecca Bird (L) listening intently as Sean Williams reads an excerpt from his latest YA title, Impossible Music
'Books make life habitable... That much seems certain'.
Something else that is absolutely certain from Caroline's inspirational talk on so many levels, is that as creators, no matter how big a pedestal we put those we look up to on, we all doubt ourselves. DON'T. Caroline's first story she created as author/illustrator evolved over 10 years before it was published. She was continously told it was too different but ultimately an American publisher took it because it was different.
Believe in yourself and what you want to do but be very clear on the path you want to take. For if you don't have a clear agenda, you will very quickly become part of someone else's.
Advice for illustrators - create your own world instead of always inhabiting others. The road less gravelled may be easier but if it's hard, it's worth it.
For the writer - it's not always about your story as to why publishers don't want it, it's just what they are looking for at the time (her first author/illustrator story is a prime example of just that). Learn how you want to write and cook your manuscript before you put it out there.
For anyone looking to attend Bologna, make appointments months in advance and bug the publishers until you get them. It's amost impossible to secure appointments when you're there.
For all creators, the most important question to ask yourself, 'What is the story???'
A big thank you to Caroline... A truly inspirational and information packed session.
Katrina Germein and Caroline Magerl with a copy of Nop, due to be released on Nov 1.
Katrina Germein’s presentation, Twenty Years Has Taught Me This, was an enjoyable and informative session about her 20 years as a picture book author. Katrina spoke next to a display of her 12 published books, with a lovely PowerPoint that made me vow to improve my own computing skills.
Her tips included don’t write full time, as a balance between your writing life and a separate career can be beneficial to your creativity and keep you sane; social media is helpful, which may not need to be said to the younger generation, but for those of us who came to social media as adults, is a good reminder that it is all worth it. Katrina’s example from her career was her invitation to present at The Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival in the United Arab Emirates with all expenses paid, which arose solely from her internet presence. Participate in the writing community pays testament to the benefits Katrina has received as a SCBWI member, and know that not everyone will get it is a great reminder that our writing will not resonate with everyone, and that is OK.
Ten brave souls submitted the first page of a manuscript in order that Adam Cece, Anna Solding and Clare Hallifax could provide feedback in front of the entire audience. On the one hand it was a relief that we were able to submit anonymously, but on the other it made no difference at all as soon as the three experts started talking about your precious baby.
The manuscripts were of a wide variety and included children’s picture books, YA and chapter books. Rhymes, humour and murder all made their way into one fast-paced hour. Adam, Anna and Clare provided a combination of constructive criticism, praise and suggestions for the place such a story may sit in the market. I don’t think anyone noticed me sweating bullets when my story was on the chopping block, but I am pleased to say that I came away with some fresh ideas. From speaking with others after the event I know that they did too. Thank you to Adam, Anna and Clare for their time, expertise and for being gentle.
- Simon Andrews
And for our final session of the day, Anna and Clare adressed the audience for an informal, yet informative keynote.
Attendees got to hear first-hand about MidnightSun Publishing: a smaller publishing house and Scholastic Australia: a larger house with many arms/imprints.
And there were numerous points of difference.
Although Clare may fall in love with a story and is prepared to fight hard, she alone cannot get it across the line. The acquistions team at Scholastic have the final say on each and every manuscript. Midnight Sun, on the other hand, have a team of readers who decide the fate of each story.
Clare wanted to reassure creators that she is constantly going into bat for stories. She’s most likely working hard on getting a story across the line rather than replying to every email that lands in her inbox. Anna ensures that each manuscript submitted receives a response. Either way, it pays to keep creating while you wait rather than tapping your fingers.
Scholastic are passionate about publishing books about the world we live in. Books that are diverse. Books which feature indigenous characters without speaking for them.
And on a final note: commercial viability rates highly on Scholastic’s importance scale.
With brains abuzzing and inspiration-filled cups, the final session came to a close. If the measures of success are nourishment and cultivation of:
✅ Creativity
✅ Community
✅ Connection
the SCBWI SA Professional Day ticked every box.