Keynote: Jessixa Bagley

JESSIXA BAGLEY is a children's book author-illustrator with a background in fine arts and comics. She has written and illustrated many award-winning picture books including: Boats for Papa, Laundry Day, and Daisy. Jessixa also teaches and speaks about writing and illustration. 

11 Things I've Learned in 11 Years

It has been 11 years since Jessixa's first SCBWI conference. She shares 11 things she wished someone had told her. 

1. Nobody's path to publishing is the same. 
2. If you're not published yet, you're not ready. (read the additional note below)
3. Never stop reading picture books.
4. Making books is collaborative. 
5. Making books takes more time than you would think. 
6. Allow yourself to evolve no matter how scary it feels. 
7. Put yourself into your work.
8. You'll always be hustling.
9. It isn't always about just making books. 
10. You'll always be able to find somebody to discourage you.
11. If you love it, pursue it regardless of the outcome. 

A cover reveal of Jessixa's next book! 

Regarding #2: In the Q&A Jessixa wanted to make it clear that she didn't mean that if you're not published your not ready, but that you have to put your work in front of the right people. She noted that you can't put the cart before the horse and submit when your work isn't there yet. The note here is not to rush. Give your story the time it needs.