Week 45, and Thinking about SCBWI Summer Conference

It is now week 45 of my 52 First Drafts Project. That means I have written 45 first drafts of new picture books. When I sit back and just try to comprehend what that means, I am amazed. I was actually feeling more inspired than usual this week so have written ahead of pace. I have not only written PB 45, but  number 46 and have started 47.

This wasn’t really my plan, but am happy this has happened. My next three weeks are going to be very busy. SCBWI Summer Conference in LA is coming up and I am attending. On the week of the conference I want to be as free as possible  to take advantage of any opportunity that presents itself. Not having the pressure to creating a book that week will make that week easier. I may still write. but I won’t have to.

The conference is exciting. People attend for many reasons. 1) learn craft 2) meet agents and publishers 3) share their work 4) make new writer friends 5) see old friends 6) there are probably nearly as many respond as there are attendees. I go for several of these reasons, but mostly for 7) inspiration!

The last big conference I want to was a year and a half ago. It was the winter conference in NY. And I was sick. I had a bad cough and couldn’t really talk to people. Even without the human contact, I was inspired. I still think about things that were said during the keynotes. I still think about seeing some of the more established writers and hoping for a similar journey. I think about being surrounded by hundreds of writers and illustrators all dreaming of personal successes. Just a great, friendly atmosphere. I would look around and think about how I want to be a part of this. How I want this world to be familiar and comfortable.

I have some goals for this conference.

  1. meet the organizers
  2. introduce myself to agents
  3. find some kindred spirits
  4. enter the portfolio showcase
  5. share my 52 First Drafts journey
  6. get answers to a growing list of question I have been writing down
  7. be involved in every activity
  8. act outside of my comfort zone
  9. chat, chat, chat

I would really love to come home with a list of new connections that I actually stay in contact with. Wouldn’t that be something.

For now I will just keep prepping for an amazing weekend. Is anyone else going? Be sure to say hi!

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