Networking Happy Hour!

Networking Happy Hour!

After a full day of so many amazing keynotes, panels and breakout sessions, the attendees were able to kick back, grab a drink and chat about the day! The energy was electric and I wanted to know what they thought of the day. So I asked! 

Veronica Miller Jamison is a returner to the SCBWI conference and I wanted to know, What’s been your favorite part of the conference so far?

Veronica: The workshop with London Ladd! Having dedicated time to experiment with the techniques of an acclaimed veteran illustrator, gave me a chance to play and add to my visual language. Check out Veronica's beautiful art at www.veronicajamisonart.com and follow her on IG @veronicajamisonart

Sam Nelson

Hey Sam,  has there been any advice from the conference so far that you're excited to apply post-conference?

So much good advice and craft talk, especially in Emma Dryden's revision sessions. I have some projects that have gone through so many revisions but they begin to feel like bad remixes of the same old story with the old tools after awhile. Her guidance to write out both the emotional and action plots of a story in single sentences produced one of those 'aha' moments for me - and led to the first decent revision in months of a very silly booger book I've been picking at. 

IG: @TreeStoriesWithSam

Website: samnelson.xyz

Romy Natalia Goldberg (left) and Lydia P. Scott (right):

To Romy: What’s been your favorite part of the conference so far?

I love seeing people, year after year—reconnecting, and seeing where they are in their journey. The excitement of seeing each other across the room. This community truly contains the most genuine people. The support is palpable.

Learn more about Romy at romynatalia.squarespace.com.

To Lydia: What is one thing that stood out to you?

Meg Medina's keynote was very special. Always remember your "why." It will always lead you back to what is important.

Learn more about Lydia on IG @lydia.p.scott

The New Attendees Session: Jolie Stekly

How does Jolie Stekly manage to create a sense of personal connection and community in a ballroom filled with a few hundred people?

I wasn't exaggerating. The ballroom was packed!

I don't know, but she does it every year. It was just what I needed the first time I came to the LA conference.  And it was just what I needed this morning.

As Jolie talked through her own experiences in SCBWI and at conferences, she gave us sensible tips for how to have a successful conference, including:

• Pace yourself.
• Don't do too much. It's OK to take a break--sometimes that's part of having a successful conference.
• Write your name on your stuff (like your conference packet, notebook, etc.)

The fact that there are so many industry professionals in the room can be a cause for anxiousness. Jolie suggests talking about the books you love. Don't focus about pitching your work (unless you're asked). Concentrate on making connections, on creating a community, and on being part of the community.

"We're all going to be friends by the end of this," said Jolie. And she made sure that everyone in the room left the session with a few.