40 Reasons I Love S.C.B.W.I.

Forty years ago, Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser, noticed something was missing -- a community of children's book writers (and eventually, illustrators) who support, educate and inspire one another.

Lin Oliver and Steve Mooser

So they went about the business of creating it.

When they started S.C.B.W.I.  (SOCIETY OF CHILDREN'S BOOK WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS), Lin and Steve couldn't have imagined the people around the globe they'd positively impact . . . or how hard those initials would be to pronounce. "Scubahwi?"

Here's an homage to my favorite community on the planet:

40 REASONS I LOVE S.C.B.W.I.

DREAMS COME TRUE . . .

1.  I connected with my uber-agent, Tina Wexler, from International Creative Management through the S.C.B.W.I. message board.

 2.  Jay Asher's dreams came true.  Did you know that before Jay became a best-selling author, he won S.C.B.W.I. creative writing contests and grants with his funny, clever entries?

3.  Bruce Hale, author of the popular Chet Gecko series, met his agent, Steven Malk, at the S.C.B.W.I. conference in L.A. in 1998.  (That's the same year that Steven Malk connected with Sonya Sones and acquired her fabulous novel in verse, Stop Pretending:  What Happened When My Big Sister Went Crazy.)

4.  Debbie Ridpath Ohi, illustrator and writer, exuberantly shares how S.C.B.W.I. made her dreams come true in this YouTube video:

5.  With international reach and local critique groups, S.C.B.W.I. is helping make dreams come true every day.


RAISING THE BAR . . .

6.  Thanks to the standards, education and support of this organization, the quality of children's literature has increased exponentially.

7.  If writers or illustrators are members of S.C.B.W.I., an agent/editor/art director knows they have taken at least one giant step toward professionalism.

8.  It's good to have the combined muscle and companionship of a huge, world-wide organization.  It makes one feel less alone in an inherently lonely profession.

9.  With master classes by Tomie dePaola and Richard Peck, one can't help but improve one's craft.  (I shared the Richard Peck DVD with our local critique group, and it was a big hit.  "Pass the popcorn, please.")

OPPORTUNITIES . . .

10.  As S.C.B.W.I. grows, they try to provide opportunities for the pre-published and the published.  Their newest offering is a grant for students studying illustration to attend conferences.

11.  The year I was nominated for the Sue Alexander Award, I'd never felt so much validation.  Thank you!

12.  Speaking of opportunities, in an effort to recognize an often ignored genre of children's literature, S.C.B.W.I. created the Sid Fleischman Humor Award. 

13.  And I had the great pleasure of winning the award in 2009 for my book As If Being 12-3/4 Isn't Bad Enough, My Mother Is Running for President!

14.  S.C.B.W.I. flew me to L.A. to accept the award.  You'd think I'd be nervous giving a speech in front of 1,000 people, but they were my people.  My community of children's book lovers.  And it turned out that surrounded by my community and my friends and family, I had the best weekend of my life.

Me, Hubby, Agent, Tina Wexler, friend, Riley Roam in L.A., August 2009

15.  There are so many grants, awards, etc. available.  Did you know that Ruta Sepetys's novel, Between Shades of Gray, is now a New York Times best-seller and has received 4 starred reviews . . . and in 2007, Ruta won an SCBWI Work-in-Progress Grant?

16.  Three years before that, Cynthia Lord won a Work-in-Progress Grant.  She went on to write several books:  Touch Blue, Hot Rod Hamster, Happy Birthday Hamster and her Newbery-honor-winning book, Rules.  

17.  Which grant or award will have YOUR name on it?


NATIONAL CONFERENCES . . .

18.  I had the great pleasure of attending the national summer conference in L.A. three times -- 2001, 2005 and 2009.  And I hope to get there this year, too.  Don't forget the New York conference, January 27th - 29th!

19.  At the conference in 2009, I met amazing people like Karen Cushman, Ellen Hopkins, Varian Johnson and Mary Hershey.  The authors, illustrators, editors and agents are all so accessible at these conferences!

Karen Cushman

Ellen Hopkins

Varian Johnson

Mary Hershey

20.  I remember hearing Sherman Alexie's opening talk and thinking, "Well, I could leave right now and I've gotten so much out of this conference."  But of course, there was more.  Much more!

21.  Dove Bars.  Yeah, S.C.B.W.I. is like that.  Served those delicious treats between sessions. 

22.  And crazy, wild parties.  The D.J. at the party I attended said, "Who knew children's book authors and illustrators were such a wild bunch?"  Hadn't he ever read Where the Wild Things Are?  The wild things are at S.C.B.W.I. conference parties!

Dan Santat and others get wild at the 40 Winks Pajama Party in L.A.

LOCAL CONFERENCES . . .


23.  While S.C.B.W.I. has a global reach, it's the local component that gives members access to great resources, like critique groups, meet-ups and conferences.  (Check out regional events here.)

24.  I floundered for years after I moved from Philadelphia to South Florida.  Where were my people?  More than a decade ago, Linda Bernfeld, Saundra Rubiera and a group of dynamic volunteers put on an amazing conference with excellent speakers in a school cafeteria -- serving lunch and dessert -- all for $35.  I had found my tribe.

25.  I've gone to nearly every annual Florida conference since, watching it grow and flourish.

26.  It was at the regional conference that Sid Fleischman reached over and touched my arm and said, "That was a fantastic speech you gave."  Sid Fleischman!  I'm so, so grateful I got to meet this kind, gentle and generous man.

Me and Sid Fleischman, 2008

27.  It was at the FL regional conference that I heard Linda Sue Park talk about story structure -- point of view, showing, not telling, first person vs. third person, etc.  (If you want to hear Linda Sue Park and Rebecca Stead talk about winning the Newbery Medal and other stuff, check out Katie Davis's Brain Burps Podcast.)

28.  I had the good fortune of attending a workshop about character building with the late, great Paula Danziger.  I share Paula's gem when I teach my quirky character workshop:  "What is your character hiding in his/her closet?"

29.  I've presented at regional conferences in New England, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Florida.  Each has its own flavor and vibe.  Hard-working regional advisers and volunteers make it all happen.


GIVING BACK . . .

30.  The Bulletin is brimming with information, articles and great artwork.  You can contribute articles and artwork to The Bulletin.

31.  S.C.B.W.I. members find unique ways to give back.  The Fairy Godsisters (Thalia Chaltas, Valerie Hobbs, Mary Hershey, Robin La Fevers and Lee Wardlaw) pooled their resources to provide an annual scholarship to the international conference as a way to give back for several years.  Jay Asher has done the same. 

32.  Want to help bring an author to a school that can't afford an author visit?  Consider donating to the Amber Brown Grant. 

33.  Want to help fund a scholarship for someone to attend one of the summer or winter conferences?  Consider honoring someone by donating in his/her name to the Tribute Fund.

34.  More than a decade ago, I joined the West Palm Beach critique group run by the magnificent Sylvia Andrews.

Sylvia with author, Sharon Creech at Books & Books

35.  When Sylvia asked Linda Marlow and me to run our own S.C.B.W.I. critique group in the Palm Beach Gardens, we said, "Yes!"  Seven years later, our group of compassionate, talented writers and artists is still going strong . . .

Laura, Amy, Ruth, Linda, Donna, Becca, Sylvia, Riley (Not shown:  Dan, Kelly, Stephen King, Gail, Amy, Ann, Carmen, Felice, J.K. Rowling, Janice, Jennifer, James Patterson, Maryann and Peggy)

36.  Linda Marlow and I volunteered to drive speakers to the FL regional conference.  We picked up Arthur Levine -- author and publisher -- a real mensch.  He asked about my new book -- How to Survive Middle School -- and I told him how my Jewish main character wanted to the the next Jon Stewart, but first had to survive 6th grade.  Arthur invited me to speak at the BK Book Festival he helps put on every year to benefit his synagogue and local bookstore, Watchung Booksellers.  I combined the event with a couple school visits and had a great time!

Arthur Levine, Margo Sage-EL (owner of Watchung Booksellers) and me

 

 

37.  When people tell me they want to write or illustrate books for children, I tell them five letters that might change their lives . . .  "S.C.B.W.I."


COMMUNITY . . .

38.  S.C.B.W.I. is the most generous community I know of.  Steve and Lin began that spirit of generosity, of living and learning and passing it on.  Now, thousands of people around the world continue that tradition of providing help and hope.

39.  I've left every conference I've ever attended (both international and regional) with at least one new friend.  (Hi, Margie, Lisa, Melinda, Gail, Carole, Katie, Ena, Paul . . . )

40.  The wonderful people I've met through my local S.C.B.W.I. critique groups are among the most precious in my life.  They enrich my life daily.

Sylvia, Dan, me, Linda and Riley celebrating my first book's release

These 40 reasons don't begin to cover how grateful I am for Lin and Steve and the amazing community that is S.C.B.W.I.  I hope this organization continues to grow and flourish, because while those initials may be difficult to pronounce, they are filled with magic.

Thank you.

You Don't Say . . .

A few quotes from creators of literature and art for children:


"You don't have to suffer to be a poet. Adolescence is enough suffering for anyone." -- John Ciardi


"I like the idea that magic can be hidden under the surface of everyday life." -- Trina Schart Hyman


"I want to remake the world; anything less is not worth the trouble." -- Karen Cushman


"A good picture book begins with delight, ends with wisdom, humor, warmth, or love, and means more than it says." -- Barbara Williams


"The longer you put off getting serious about writing, the longer you put off success. Procrastination is a writer's biggest enemy." -- Barbara Seuling


"I tell kids to read like a wolf eats." -- Gary Paulsen


"Possibly the greatest role a book can play in the lives of young readers is to assure them that they aren't alone." -- Richard Peck


That last one, my friends, is why I read as a child. And it's why I write for children today.

The Blog is Back!

SCBWI 38TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE IN L.A.

Also known as the best weekend ever!!!

I'm incredibly grateful to Lin Oliver, Steve Mooser, Sid Fleischman and all the wonderful SCBWI peeps involved in bringing me to this amazing conference. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

First on the schedule was a faculty dinner outside the Hyatt hotel. I walked up to the first person I saw, thrust out my hand and said, "Hi, my name is Donna." The woman shook my hand. "Hi, I'm Karen." I asked, "So, what do you write?"

It was Karen Cushman. Um, I know what she writes -- Catherine, Called Birdy, The Midwife's Apprentice, etc.

Donna and Karen Cushman

At the party, I met Jay Asher, Lisa Yee, Alice Pope, Melinda Long and hubby Thom, Paula Yoo, Jenn Baily and many other cool, funny people.

The next morning, Sherman Alexie kicked off the conference with a fabulous speech. I figured I could go home at that point and I'd have gotten enough from the conference.

But there were other wonderful speakers and workshops. Details here.

Then it was off to a wine and cheese reception, where I had neither wine nor cheese, but lots of fun.

Buddy, Jill, agent, Tina Wexler and Donna

I met Delacorte author, Varian Johnson, from Austin, TX. His new book, Saving Maddie, comes out a month before mine. Varian and I share an editor at Delacorte Press -- Stephanie Elliott. Varian and I have so much in common, I'll bet you won't be able to tell us apart . . .

He's the one with the great laugh. Donna and Varian Johnson.

More great speeches and workshops on Saturday. I had the pleasure of hearing Karen Cushman, Ellen Hopkins, Eve Bunting, Arthur Levine, Kadir Nelson, Melinda Long, etc.

Then it was time for the Blue Moon Ball Saturday night by the pool . . .

Here's Jill in her blue hat.

People dressed as The Blue Man Group, a blue octopus, an alien, Austin Powers, etc. Crazy, dancing, laughing fun, fun, FUN!

Sunday, after some more stellar speeches by Dan Yaccarino and Holly Black, it was time for the Golden Kite Awards luncheon with a special keynote by Richard Peck.

By this point, I'd practiced my short speech 4,783,264,096 times so I was able to enjoy the speeches of the other award recipients and the lovely lunch.

Here are Jill, Tina Wexler and Linda Bernfeld, Florida's Regional Advisor, readying their cameras for the big moment.

Really, I wasn't nervous at all. I mean, all I had to do was walk up the steps without tripping, find my way to the podium without vomiting and deliver a memorized speech with no notes in front of 1,000 people. I really wasn't that nervous, but he was . . .

Dan the Man, aka World's Best Hubby, flew in for the event and was way more nervous than I was. Next to Dan is Hyewon Yum, who won the award for picture book illustration for her book, Last Night. She told about how she had such a difficult time talking with people that she created the book, which won the award and caused her to have to, um, talk to 1,000 people.

Richard Peck's keynote rocked. He's such a smart and witty man.

Lin Oliver (co-founder of SCBWI, with Steve Mooser -- not pictured) and Richard Peck

Receiving the Sid Fleischman Humor Award was a thrill and a dream come true. You can read a bit about it here and see a photo of my face on a giant screen. The award presented to me was heavier than I imagined. To give you an idea of its size, it's beside a six-foot-tall sumo wrestler named Clem.

Sid Fleischman Award for Best Humorous Children's Book of the Year . . . and Clem

After the banquet, I had the pleasure of signing copies of my book, while sitting beneath this sign:

And who should come over, but the real life Vanessa Rothrock. (That's the name of the main character in my book.) Funny, she didn't look like a 12 3/4 year-old spelling bee whiz who lived in Florida's Governor's Mansion.

Vanessa Rothrock and Donna

Monday, I had the great pleasure of presenting a workshop, titled: 12 3/4 Ways to Tickle Young Reader's Funny Bones. I couldn't have asked for a more enthusiastic, engaged audience.

Wonderful humor writer and all around lovely and generous person, Mary Hershey, introduced herself. I owe Mary some dark chocolate because she managed to recognize me before I recognized her. We'd only connected on-line before here and here. Her books have great, long titles, like The One Where The Kid Nearly Jumps to His Death and Lands in California. Mary, the chocolate is on its way.

Mary Hershey and Donna

Dinah Stevenson gave the first speech Monday. Ingrid Law, author of Savvy, followed. My gosh, that woman can write! She created a story that was a metaphor for the trials and tribulations of the writing life. Best story ever! And her daughter is adorable! Kathleen Duey ended the day with an informative, inspiring farewell speech.

To top off the best conference ever, I was invited to the wrap party at Lin Oliver's home. Thank you, Lin! There I met more wonderful people -- regional advisors from around the globe, editors, agents, authors.

And because my niece will think I'm cool, I asked Ellen Hopkins if I could take a photo with her.
So, Nicole, this is for you . . .

Ellen Hopkins and Aunt Donna

On the flight home, I thought about the wonderful experiences during the conference and came up with reason #4,567,083 that I love Southwest Airlines. This was my seatmate . . .

A long-haired chihuahua that weighed under two pounds.