SCBWI Conference Sydney June/July 2012

Wow here it is the end of July and I am ashamed to admit I haven't updated my blog in a month! It has been such a busy time in the past couple of months for me. Late June I had a wonderful trip to the South Coast visiting Ulladulla and Broulee schools as part of the Carpet Court Storybook Challenge. It was a fabulous finish to what had been a very busy and rewarding month of visiting schools in Regional Australia. Soon the competition entries will be judged, and the winning entry from students will be selected, and the student's schools will be rewarded for their participation in the challenge. Fingers crossed to the schools I have visited and to all the gorgeous children I met. I hope you win the fabulous prizes on offer.

It was a quick visit home with my family for a few days before I was yet again packing a suitcase and off to the bi-annual SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) writing conference at the end of June. Oh how I love SCBWI!  It is such a fantastic time. I love nothing more than meeting up with many wonderful Australian writers who attend every two years for what is an action packed conference. Not only do writers and illustrators attend, Publishers and agents also join the line up.

This year the conference opened with a meet and greet book launch, an Illustrators showcase of artwork and a fabulous cocktail party on the Friday evening. Saturday was a huge day, with packed sessions at the NSW Writer's Centre and the welcome dinner at the Hugheden Hotel later that night. As always we laughed and talked into the wee hours after a wonderful night of entertainment by some talented writers and illustrators who not only write books, but can sing and play instruments!

Sunday settled into the regular norm of a full day of sessions that kept everybody running between listening to guest speakers, manuscript assessments, lunch, book launches and more fabulous sessions in the afternoon. This year we were offered the chance to partake in another day for Masterclasses. I jumped at this chance to learn more from the masters and did two classes. What a full on day it was with much scribbling of pens, taping of keys on Ipad's and laptops. It was like being back at University and so worthwhile.

Sadly my 4 days had come to an end.   I said farewell to my friends, both old and new and headed home - with my bags loaded with books and business cards and inspired to get stuck into my writing.

SCWBI