Newcomer Orientation with Jolie Stekly

Author and writing coach Jolie Stekly was recognized as SCBWI's 2009 Member Of The Year and now welcomes hundreds of first-time attendees to the international conference in Los Angeles and New York City, helping them make the most of their experience. "It’s one of my favorite things." Jolie is one of the contributors to the just-released The Haunted States Of America (Godwin Books).

As fun as it is to meet in person, a virtual conference has the advantage of being more accessible. Plus we don't have to pick and choose which sessions to attend because we'll have access to the replays afterward.

Jolie gave us a tour of the conference website, how attendees can find their events, register for their individual events, download handouts and video replays.

Jolie also encourages attendees to make the most of the whole conference experience by visiting the Portfolio Showcase and Conference Bookstore.

Illustrators! If you post your illustrated notes on Bluesky with the #scbwiSummer24 conference hashtag and #scbwiNotes, I may include them in a special round-up at the end of the conference.

In addition to urging to check out various sessions and events during the event, Jolie Stekly suggested we check out the Coffee Lounge Virtual Hangouts...a new feature of the virtual conference that Jolie is helping with.

Some Advice From Jolie:

If you participated in the Portfolio Showcase, celebrate! You were brave enough to put yourself out there.

If you are participating in the Pitches, be fully present for other people's pitches, not just your own.

Step out of your comfort zone. Attend a Coffee Social. Find your ONE THING that you were meant to hear or experience.

If you discover areas where you feel you need improvement or would like to learn more about, check out the regional webinars. Jolie also encourages everyone to thank their regional team members since they are all volunteers! Start with peer connection, don't just focus on connecting with editors, art directors or agents. If you haven't already, check out your local Regional Chapter.

Confused about whether your work is ready for submission? You can download Jolie's free Submission-Ready Checklist from her website.

When posting on Bluesky, Instagram or other social media, use the hashtags #scbwiSummer24 and #SCBWIBIRD. You can find Jolie on Instagram at @cuppajolie on Bluesky at @cuppajolie. 

More from #scbwiSummer24: Index of 2024 SCBWI Summer Conference Posts.