The Official SCBWI Conference Blog: Orientation For Newcomers with Jolie Stekly #scbwiSummer22

Thursday, August 4, 2022

Orientation For Newcomers with Jolie Stekly #scbwiSummer22

Recognized as SCBWI's Member Of The Year in 2009, Jolie Stekly has been welcoming new conference attendees at both the in-person and virtual SCBWI conferences for 11 years. With help from ASL interpreters Susannah and Jennye, Jolie offered advice and encouragement during her inspiring session.

Jolie is one of the original members of Team Blog (and is still a member) and reminded attendees to check the SCBWI Conference Blog for highlights and takeaways.

Even if you miss a session, you can access the Video Archives 48 hours after the live session, and they will be available online until Sept. 11th. This means we have access to ALL the breakout sessions! Ordinarily at live in-person events, we have to pick and choose. Wow!

Although there was no open text chat during Jolie's session, we attendees were able to send fun emoji reactions. When Jolie asked how many were participating in the Pitch Sessions as well as the Portfolio Showcase and added they should all be proud of themselves, check out the deluge of heart emojis:

Just a few of the great tips from Jolie during her session:

Have realistic expectations. She encouraged everyone to sit for one minute and think about three achievable goals for the conference.

Find the one thing you were meant to hear. This will help you from coming away inspired but overwhelmed ("where do I start?"). Finding the one thing will help you get started.

Instead of feeling like you need to compete with everyone else, reach out to others and make some new friends, lift each other up.

Venture out of your comfort zone. Writers? Consider attending the sessions on the illustrator track as well as the Illustrator Intensives on Sunday! You may learn something new, get inspired.

Be PRESENT in pitch sessions, listen to everyone and all the feedback.

Take a breath. You're going to do GREAT.

Don't under-estimate the value of peer connection. You can learn about opportunities, writing groups, other info that might make all the difference.

Try to attend as many of the events live as possible.

Reach out to your Regional Team. They are all volunteers, connect with them. Show them love! :-)

Don't just Like or Follow. Reach out on Twitter (make sure you use the conference hashtag #scbwiSummer22 and #SCBWIBIRD), connect with others, introduce yourself, ask questions ("any other picture book writers in my area" etc.)

If you're an illustrator who is posting illustrated notes about sessions you attend, make sure you use the conference hashtag and tag Debbie Ridpath Ohi (that's me!) at @inkyelbows on Twitter.

You don't have to make a face-to-face connection with an agent or editor to make a difference. Sit back and listen, make notes, take the time to find out if an agent or editor is the right fit.

Don't rush to submit! Make sure your work is ready.

Feeling like you have a lot to do and a lot to learn and everything is taking soooo long is normal. Slow and steady is the norm for this industry. :-)

Most importantly, remember that you are NOT ALONE. You are not the only one here for the first time. You are not the only one who may be feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all. We are all at different stages in our journey.

Don't forget! When posting on Twitter, Instagram or other social media, use the hashtags #scbwiSummer22 and #SCBWIBIRD to share and connect with others. Newcomer bird art by Mary Jo Scott.