Pre-Conference Interview with Frances Mahaney, SCBWI Summer Conference Artist

Francesca Mahaney is an illustrator who works in educational publishing. She received her BFA in Communication Design from Pratt Institute and recently finished illustrating her first early reader series, Inside Scouts. When she isn’t drawing, Francesca enjoys relaxing with her cats, watching musicals, and trying new restaurants. 

You can find out more about Francesca on her website, Instagram, and X/Twitter.

Q. I love the banner art you created for this year's SCBWI Summer Conference! How were you selected to be the illustrator?

Frances: Good question! I don’t know the exact reason, but I’ve been a member of SCBWI, attended conferences, and participated in the showcase in the past. Each conference I’ve loved seeing the banner art, so being asked to create a piece for the Summer Conference was amazing!

Here's what TeMika Grooms, SCBWI's Manager, Illustration and Design, had to say about the choice of Francesca as the artist for this year's Summer Conference:

"When selecting an artist to promote a conference, we often start by reviewing those who were recognized in past Portfolio Showcases. We consider the quality of work, appropriateness for the children’s book market, and an ability to create memorable art. We take great joy in spotlighting the artist to be seen by fellow members and professionals in children's book publishing.

"As we combed through portfolios, Francesca Mahaney’s work stood out because of the angular lines, color palette, and the way she plays with planes within her work. Her website includes really interesting illustrations. Francesca was very professional and provided several sketches and final art files that could be easily used in our visual assets. She was a perfect choice to be this year's Summer Conference artist!"

Q. How did you create the art? What guidance did the SCBWI provide, if any? What was your process?

Frances: Since there was no specific theme for this conference, the brief was open-ended, which is always exciting! 

I wanted to illustrate something related to reading and summer, and my mind kept thinking about the reading programs where volunteers read to animals in shelters. In my experience, animals make great reading buddies, so I was excited about this concept! 

The SCBWI provided me with several mockups with text layouts so I could picture how the work would look on various platforms. From there, I used my iPad to sketch out the piece and then moved into color. Then I sent the file to the talented TeMika Grooms for the finishing touches. I’m so happy with the way it all turned out!

Q. What do you enjoy most when you're creating art?

Frances: The blend of creativity and problem-solving, bringing a character’s personality to life, and communicating with more than words alone are all incredibly fulfilling. But my all-time favorite is adding movement to a piece. Conveying a sense of energy and motion in a still image is the best feeling. For me, it’s just as fun and energizing as performing on a stage or dancing around your room.

Q. What kind of illustration work are you looking for?

Frances: I’m always open to new picture book projects! I love working with stories that give me the opportunity to research and learn about new topics (the more niche, the better). I am especially drawn to STEAM-centered stories. 

My favorite projects are ones that combine STEM learning with the visual arts, music, and/or theater.

Team Blog's Don Tate Interviews Caldecott-Winning Illustrator (And Author!) Sophie Blackall

This interview Don did with Sophie Blackall is SO good. 

They cover juggling projects, writing, and Sophie gives us a glimpse into what she'll be talking about at the conference: how to make a living doing what you love.

Illustrate and Write On!
Lee

Team Blog's Don Tate Interviews Award-Winning Illustrator (and author!) James Ransome

Check out Don's interview with James Ransome!

They talk influences, creating in multiple media (oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels and mixed media with collage) and James' plans to do upcoming books in graphite, gouache, collage as well as digitally), James' evolution as an artist, and much more.

Illustrate and Write On!
Lee

A Pre-#NY16SCBWI Interview with Publisher Megan Tingley

Here's the interview I did with Megan Tingley, Executive Vice President and Publisher at Little, Brown and Company Books For Young Readers.

We talked about the increasing visibility of trans and other LGBTQ stories in children’s literature, what makes her say about a submitted manuscript not only, "YES, this is a Little Brown Book," but "I want this for MY list!”, and Megan even shared her favorite piece of advice for authors.

Thanks, Megan!

Team Blog's Jolie Stekly Interviews Award-Winning Author (And #NY16SCBWI Faculty) Gary Schmidt

It's concise, intriguing, and packs some good advice. Check out Jolie's pre-#NY16SCBWI interview with Gary Schmidt here.

Illustrate and Write On!
Lee

Pre-#NY16SCBWI Interview: Award-Winning Author Kate Messner Speaks with Team Blog's Martha Brockenbrough

Kate. Martha.

It's a powerful combination.

Check out this interview, where Kate shares some things she wishes she knew when she was starting out, tells us about bullet journaling, and there's even an under 6 minute animated video of Kate giving a TED Ed talk on "Building Fictional Worlds!"

Kate Messner will be giving a keynote speech at the New York SCBWI conference in February with fellow middle-grade author Linda Urban, "Music, Mountains, and Mocha Lattes: Sustaining a Creative Life" that promises to be amazing! We hope you can join us. Here's where you can get all the info on the conference and registration.

Pre-#NY16SCBWI Interview: V.P. and Creative Director David Saylor Speaks with Team Blog's Don Tate

Vice-president and creative director for the Scholastic Trade Publishing Group and the founder of Scholastic’s ground-breaking graphic novel imprint, Graphix, David Saylor shares some great advice with Don Tate.

They discuss what qualities David looks for in a new illustrator, how illustrators can best be 'discovered' by industry professionals, and talk about diversity! As David says,

"It’s up to publishers to reflect the world around us in the books we create. We need to be more aggressive to find and hire illustrators who represent all cultures and communities. It’s heartbreaking when children can’t see themselves reflected in contemporary books. And all illustrators need to think about being inclusive and culturally accurate. If you’re going to illustrate humans in your work, then it’s crucial to paint and represent kids of all cultures and backgrounds, not just your own familiar world."

Check out the full interview at Don's blog here.

David Saylor will be on faculty at the #NY16SCBWI conference, part of the "We're In It Together: How Planning and Collaboration Can Shape Your Career" panel in the Friday Illustrator's intensive. You can find out all the details about the conference (and still register) here!

Pre-#NY16SCBWI Interview: Agent Sarah Davies Talks to Team Blog's Martha Brockenbrough

And the first of our pre-conference faculty interviews is in (and it's awesome!)

Agent Sarah Davies talks with Martha Brockenbrough about middle grade fiction, what makes books "saleable," and when a writer can know their book is ready to submit.

Their interview is packed with great advice and suggestions, like,

"focus on developing the two big ‘C’ words — Concept and Craft." 

and

"Don’t be frightened to be radical — rewriting can be far more powerful than tweaking, as it allows you to pull in fresh thinking in the strongest possible way so the new draft feels fully coherent."

Check it out at Martha's blog here.

Sarah Davies will be on faculty at the #NY16SCBWI conference, giving a breakout workshop Saturday morning and afternoon, "Saleable and Memorable Middle Grade Fiction," and participating in the Sunday main stage panel, "Acquisitions Today: Opportunities and Challenges."

You can see Sarah in person and learn from all the amazing faculty (and fellow writer and illustrator attendees) by joining us at the 17th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference in New York. Registration and details here.

Eric Rohmann Interviewed by Don Tate: The Pre-#LA15SCBWI Conference Interview

Don changes it up by reaching out to fellow illustrator and kid lit peeps on social media, asking them what questions they have for Eric, and Eric answers those!

It's a fun and informative read, getting to hear Eric's answers to questions from Harold Underdown, Larry Dane Brimmer and Nick Bruel, among others!

Eric will be on faculty at this upcoming weekend's conference in Los Angeles, co-facilitating the breakout session SEVEN
SIMPLE FIXES FOR THE PICTURE BOOK TEXT with his wife and Golden Kite Award-winner Candace Fleming.

More information about the conference here.

Illustrate and Write On!
Lee

Mem Fox Interviewed by Jolie Stekly: The Pre-#LA15SCBWI Conference Interview

In this interview, Jolie and Mem talk writing process, re-writing, and Mem shares the best piece of advice she's ever received... and there's even a sneak peek at the intensive course Mem will be offering with editor Allyn Johnston, where we're advised to make every syllable count.

And how does Mem know when a story is ready to go?

"...the hairs on your arms have to stand up."

Great stuff!

Mem will be on faculty at #LA15SCBWI, giving the opening keynote on Friday July 31st, "Inside the Writer's Head: The Writerly Thoughts That Lead To Success." She'll also be doing a breakout session  (on both Saturday and Sunday) with Editor Allyn Johnston, "Let's Talk Picture Books... Q&As and some read aloud fun!"

We hope to see you at the 2015 SCBWI Summer Conference. Details and Registration info are here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Joe Cepeda interviewed by Don Tate: The #LA15SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview

Another great in-depth interview between SCBWI Team Blog's Don Tate and awesome illustrator Joe Cepeda for you at Don's blog here.

They talk about philosophy, diversity, portfolios, so much more. Joe also shares about his breakout workshop at the conference, "Style Versus Voice: An Illustrator’s View."

The 2015 SCBWI Summer Conference is fast approaching! We hope you'll join us.

Registration and details here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Dan Santat Interviewed by Don Tate: The #LA15SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview

Check out this great interview between SCBWI Team Blog's Don Tate and Caldecott-Winning Author/Illustrator Dan Santat!

They discuss work habits and tools, diversity, and what getting that Caldecott really means to Dan.

We also find out more about Dan's role in the Illustrator's intensive and how he'll be offering two breakout workshops and giving a keynote!

We hope you can join us for #LA15SCBWI! Detailed conference information and registration here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Mike Curato Interviewed by Martha Brockenbrough: The #LA15SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview

Click on over to read this chat between SCBWI Team Blog's Martha Brockenbrough and debut author/illustrator Mike Curato.

They talk day jobs and publishing dreams, polka dot elephants and shows at cupcake stores. Martha even gets Mike's time-traveling advice to himself years ago, which includes this gem:

"Make things that make you smile inside."

Mike's publishing journey is one of our "SCBWI Success Stories" featured at the upcoming 2015 SCBWI Summer Conference on a Friday afternoon panel (that I'll be moderating, and that will also feature Martha herself!)

Mike will also be co-leading a Saturday Breakout session with agent Brenda Bowen on "The Artist Agent Relationship!"

We hope you can join us for #LA15SCBWI – and perhaps it will be the path to your own SCBWI Success Story! Detailed conference information and registration here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Adam Rex Interviewed by Lee Wind: The Pre-#LA15SCBWI Conference Interview

Click over and read this super-cool interview I did with author/illustrator Adam Rex.

Adam and I talk about the movie version of his middle grade book, "The True Meaning Of Smekday," (a little art-house flick called HOME that's grossed world-wide, to date, more than $343,000,000.00)

We delve into how he both illustrates and writes (and find out how he knows which tool to use when.) Adam also gives us some insights into his sessions and keynotes at the upcoming SCBWI Summer Conference in Los Angeles, July 31-Aug 3, 2015.

Not convinced you want to read it yet?

Well, in the course of the interview, I evidently turn into a bird. And Adam wears eggplant.

Check it out.

And if you can, join us for #LA15SCBWI. Detailed information and registration here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Shannon Hale interviewed by Martha Brockenbrough: The #LA15SCBWI Pre-Conference Interview

Check out this great discussion between SCBWI Team Blog's Martha Brockenbrough and best-selling and award-winning author Shannon Hale.

Shannon shares from the heart why she's taken a stand against gender bias in our culture and especially our books. Here's just a taste:

"If I make one change in the world, I hope it's getting more people to question why boys are shamed for/kept away from reading books about girls. The more we question the idea that it's normal and natural and fine, the more we'll realize it's not and things will slowly start to change."
–Shannon Hale

Shannon will be giving a Sunday keynote address "Opening Up The Clubhouse: Boys, Girls, and Genderless Books." She will also be leading a Sunday afternoon workshop, "Writing With Kids: The Marvelous High Wire Act of Writer Parents" and a half-day intensive workshop on Monday, "Building Worlds From The Dust."

Here's the description of that intensive:

E. Shannon Hale – Building Worlds from the Dust

There's nothing like creating a whole new world inside your fantasy or science fiction novel. We'll examine other fictional worlds and discuss tricks and tips to building your own. Assignment: Come with a page or two describing the fictional world of your work-in-progress and be prepared to discuss some of your favorite world-built novels.

Many of the intensives have already sold out, but there's still space as of this writing in others, including Shannon's.

You can find out all the conference details and register here.

Ben Rosenthal: The Pre-#NY15SCBWI Interview

Ben Rosenthal is a senior editor at Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books. He acquires middle grade and YA fiction but also loves fresh and surprising nonfiction.

I connected with Ben to find out more about his two breakout sessions at the Winter Conference, one on "Creating Nonfiction" and the other on "Thrillers and Mysteries." It was a great discussion, covering the lessons to be learned from fiction to nonfiction and vice-versa, the lines between MG, YA and Adult, and much more!

If you'd like to attend Ben's sessions and be part of all the craft, opportunity, inspiration, business and community of SCBWI's Winter Conference, we hope you'll join us in New York City, February 6-8, 2015.

You can find out all the details and register here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Jessica Garrison: The Pre-#NY15SCBWI Interview

Jessica Dandino Garrison is senior editor at Dial Books for Young Readers and edits picture books, middle grade and young adult novels.

In our interview, we discuss the upcoming 2015 SCBWI Winter conference, her take on writers trying to do it all, got the scoop on her rule-breaking picture book breakout sessions, and learned more about the process of selecting an illustrator for a picture book manuscript. She even shares some of her favorite childhood books!

If you'd like to attend Jessica's session and be part of all the craft, opportunity, inspiration, business and community of SCBWI's Winter Conference, we hope you'll join us in New York City, February 6-8, 2015.

You can find out all the details and register here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Emma Dryden: The Pre-#NY15SCBWI Interview

Emma Dryden has edited over a thousand books for children and young readers and many of her titles hit bestseller lists in USA Today, the New York Times, Washington Post, and Publishers Weekly. Books published under Emma’s guidance have received numerous awards and medals, including but not limited to, the Newbery Medal, Newbery Honor, and Caldecott Honor.

Check out the great interview with Emma Dryden at Jolie Stekly's blog!

Team Blogger Jolie Stekly chatted with Emma to get the scoop on the World Building Writer's Intensive at the upcoming 2015 SCBWI Winter Conference, Feb 6-8!

It's a great discussion, and I'm more excited than ever to attend...

We hope you join us. You can find out all the intensive and conference information, and register, here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Stephanie Lurie: The Pre-#NY15SCBWI Interview

Stephanie Lurie is the associate publisher of Disney-Hyperion, an imprint that publishes approximately eighty titles a year, for preschoolers through young adults. Stephanie manages a team of eighteen people and also edits picture books and novels.

In our interview, I asked Stephanie to tell us what she's most looking forward to hearing from her fellow panelists on the Saturday morning Keynote Editors' panel, "Children's Books 2015: Report from the Front Lines." Her fellow panlists will be Justin Chanda (Simon & Schuster), Laura Godwin (Henry Holt) and Beverly Horowitz (Delacorte)!

We also discussed writers writing for more than one age category, diversity as a reflection of modern life, and Stephanie shared some surprising advice. (We even find out her favorite ice cream flavor!)

Check out the full interview here.

And to find out more about the upcoming SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City, February 6-8, 2015, you can find out all the details and register here.

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee

Advice From Judy Blume? Martha Brockenbrough Gets That For Us, In This Pre-Conference Interview...

Here's the interview, where you can read Judy's advice on getting past the moments when she wanted to quit writing, and hear the best writing advice she ever got!

Thanks Judy, and thanks Martha!

While the 2014 SCBWI Summer Conference is sold out, make sure to check out this conference blog and our conference twitter feed (at #LA14SCBWI) for highlights and a tapas-like taste of all the inspiration, craft, business, opportunity and community!

Illustrate and Write On,
Lee