By Marg Gibbs
Imagine a room buzzing with books and children’s authors, cosy fireside readings (make-believe cellophane fire, flickering flames, and toasted marshmallows on sticks) and keen book enthusiasts ready to listen and learn. Dreaming with Eyes Open, the CBCA 14th National Conference, embraced this magical opportunity for librarians, teachers, and all creatives to participate at QT Hotel, Canberra.
For this year’s conference, Susanne Gervay and the NSW SCBWI team were invited to curate the creators’ stream, which ran alongside the main conference program. Sadly, after all her hard work, Susanne was unable to be there, but she was absolutely there in spirit as the team - Deborah Abela, Marjorie-Crosby-Fairall, Margaret Roc and Sue Whiting, with SCBWI ACT, led by Shelly Unwin and Catherine Meatheringham – went to work making sure Susanne’s plan came to life!
Firstly, we have to mention the SCBWI stand in the main ballroom, which shone a light on many beautiful books. Shelly, Catherine and their team, created an eye-catching display, that had many teacher librarians swooning over the beautiful collection of books. The TLs also had the chance to enter the lucky door prize, grab a chuppa chup, pick up some bookmarks, teachers’ notes and, of course, meet SCBWI creators to have their books signed.
We also have to mention the extraordinarily beautiful brochure of SCBWI creators and their books designed by uber-talented Marjorie Crosby-Fairall that was handed out to all the TLs. It was Shelly’s idea to have a treasure hunt, where the first TL to meet all the creators and tick them off the brochure, won a pile of signed books!
After a welcome by Wendy Rapee on Friday night, we joined in a series of fireside chats led by ACT writers and illustrators, who shared their work with eager teacher librarians. Shelly Unwin introduced Hello Baby and There’s a Baddie Running through this Book, with chase scenes, bright, fun illustrations and a reading. Tania McCartney spoke about illustration styles mentioning that Fauna was entirely digital.
Susannah Crispe showed off her beautiful portfolio of artwork, Where the Heart is. The imaginative Amelia McInerney read aloud from Mary had a little Lamb with its clever plot and unexpected twists and Who Fed Zed, which reflected the beats, sounds and musical cadence of a rhyming picture book poem. Harry Laing, performer poet extraordinaire, entertained us with Rapperbee and Stephanie Owen-Reeder read from Ghostie with very cute, accompanying puppets.
After songs, dances and a Welcome to Country by Duncan Smith and his daughter, it was time for Friday Night Book Fest. MC’d by Shelly and Deb, over twenty SCBWI members had three minutes to show off their new books. There were spoken word poets, pink pigs, explorers, Captain Cook, cartwheels, a fluffy duck called Rita and lots more to entertain the giggling audience. Catherine even gave us a lesson in how to bark in different languages.
On Saturday, we were treated to lots more in the Creators Stream, including a session on illustration featuring Bruce Whatley, Tania McCartney and Dub Leffler. These three expert illustrators explored their passion and love of their artwork and process. From an advertising background, Bruce Whatley captivates his young audiences with Ugliest Dog and Looking for Crabs, but it is his QUEST, visual alphabet storytelling that entertained children and families for years. Bruce is also best known for his illustrations in The Diary of a Wombat by Jackie French – acrylic, plus wash and texture.
He used two layers in Photoshop with One Tree by Chris Cheng. Bruce offered his viewers a test to try using their right hand and left hand in doing their art. Unfortunately, his book Reuben, a 92-page picture book ten years in the making, sold little, much to his disappointment.
Tania McCartney enjoyed her 52-week illustration challenge, leading to many enterprising and innovative publications. From Evie and Pog, This is Home, Plume, Koala’s Beauty Parlour, Australia Illustrated and many more, Tania has tirelessly created beautiful art from watercolour to digital using procreate. Tania shared her love of maps and the details of producing the layouts, colours, and visual style.
Dub Leffler experiments with coffee and salt to create unique effects on the page. Black Cockatoo received a CBCA Honour Award. Dub is a descendant of the Bigambul people but in his background he also has French, Syrian and Irish heritage. He loves film, television, and mixed media and is an art educator. Perhaps you have read a copy of the powerful Sorry Day by Coral Vass. Dub is one of Australia’s most sought-after illustrators.
Next we had the Pitch Sessions. Hosted by Shelly and Deb, a panel of Australian publishers explained what they looked for in a pitch and what they thought made a great one. A limited number of selected SCBWI members had three minutes to pitch their projects followed by LIVE feedback, which was nerve-wracking and exciting! All of the SCBWI creators who pitched were amazing and the judges commented on the high quality of the submissions.
We were incredibly lucky to have the combined expertise of publishers Rebecca McRitchie from Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, CSIRO’s Belinda Melideo, James Layton from Larrikin House and Meg Whelan from Affirm Press.
Here are some helpful tips that came from the pitches.
· Include a similar title (research the website)
· Tailor your submission to the house/publisher you are pitching to.
· Is it too similar to what is already out there? Know your market. The publishers all mentioned they liked to hear a reading of an extract so they could know the writing style, character’s voice or narration.
· Read your work aloud and use emotional tone and variety of expression.
· Ask yourself why you are the best person to write this book? (CSIRO – research scientist?)
· James Layton said he’s a concept person. He liked edgy, quirky, relatable stories. He often asks, is this a book a kid would like? Humour is king!
· What is your hook to grab the listener?
· What age group? What is the desire for a kid? What if?
· Is it a series?
· Brief synopsis (if presenting a 3-minute pitch)
· End with a memorable line.
One example was Tom Gibson, who gave his pitch Honeyman, a 30,000 MG, Pax with a touch of Shirley Jones.
In other sessions, we heard from incredible creators Claire Saxby, Stephanie Owen Reeder, Sami Bayley and Gina Newtown about dreaming for the environment and the combined talents of Sue Whiting, Sally Murphy and Pip Harry on creating winning collaborations, and how it takes many people to create a successful book.
Congratulations to the SCBWI team for their charismatic energy, friendly banter, and collection of beautiful books to display. Collaboration, inspiration, and mingling with the delegates were a bonus. Dreaming with possibilities, cameras clicking and smiles.