Right About Time - A Motivating SCBWI Writing Meeting

This morning Michelle and I went to SCBWI's Shop Talk meeting at the bookstore. I'm glad we could spend some quality "girl time" and writing time together, and glad for another SCBWI gathering. It was just the motivation I needed after a seriously dry spell with my writing.

Karen Orloff, author of the picture books I Wanna Iguana and If Mom Had Three Arms, moderated the group today. She's a former editor turned kids' writer, and it took ten years before she was published, so she has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. I admire the success she's had - she has two more picture books coming out in the next two years. She's a warm and welcoming group leader, too. Her website is http://www.karenkaufmanorloff.com/.


Karen Orloff is also on the planning committee for SCBWI's Mid-Hudson Valley Conference, that is now just two weeks away. She and co-planner Karen Shan gave us conference news - registration is filled now, with some people on a waiting list. I'm so glad Michelle and I got our registrations in on time! We're not having our manuscripts critiqued this year, but I know we'll still get a lot out of being there and hearing the presentations. Linda Sue Park is the keynote speaker (I wrote about her in a previous post) and it took several years to be able to book her for the conference, so many are looking forward to hearing her speak. There will be several editors and art directors giving presentations as well as critiques, and the two Karens reminded everyone in the group that these professionals participate in conference hoping to find new writers and illustrators, so it is OK to approach them, during the free time in between sessions, with comments and questions and to trade business cards. Karen Orloff said the best thing about the conference is the chance to be with a large group of like-minded people - it's motivating and inspiring.


I think the conference will be just what I need to jump-start my writing again. I had been hoping to finish the first draft of What Luck in time for the conference, but I admit I've been struggling with it, and with two other stories that are also starting to come strongly into my mind. I've been writing a lot of notes and ideas, but haven't actually started writing these new books yet. The new stories are darker in tone, and seem more in line with my mood lately. With everything that's been happening in this life now, I can't very well dredge up the sense of lightness and humor that seems so much a part of What Luck. I haven't given up on it - I still want to see the book through to completion. But I need to look at all the stories and weigh them against my mood and see which one is most appropriate to write right now. Which one that I can write most naturally and unforced. And then just go with it.

I'm hoping the writing conference will help give me the clarity I need to make this decision, and the motivation to work on the right project until it's finished. I'm really looking forward to it - June 13th is coming up fast.

I'll be sure to write a post - hopefully a very positive and inspired one - as soon as I get back from the conference.