SCBWI Conference 2019

November is here, and with it came my first opportunity to connect with other writers and illustrators in beautiful Winchester, at the SCWBI Conference. I went with my illustration portfolio, pitches for my latest MG novel and tried very hard to leave my old baggage, insecurity and imposter syndrome, at home.

I travelled with a fellow writer (also my good buddy, Chrissy Sturt) who was going to be competing in a competition called The Hook, which involved pitching her work in the auditorium to the whole conference and a panel of agents, so no matter how nervous I was, I consoled myself that at least I wasn't going to have to do THAT. She'd even brought a sabre. I felt underprepared.

But of course, I shouldn't have worried. It was a rejuvenating and nourishing experience. Being around a lot of people who all share something in common is great. Having some positive (and constructively critical) feedback on your work is endlessly useful. Workshops and top tips on all aspects of your business also give you a big boost. Since I got back my mojo has been on overdrive!

Being an illustrator and writer can be a lonely proceedings. Additionally it is really hard to know how you are doing if you spend most of your time in your solitary creative bubble. Is your work a good standard? Sometimes being pleased or dissatisfied with it yourself is not enough. And I have come to realise that your children are either your biggest cheerleaders or your harshest critics, but neither helps you to know where you stand in the market!

I attended a wonderful illustration workshop with the illustrator Mini Grey, learned how to perform RUTHLESS revision of my novel with Sara Grant and thrilled to hear the eminent children's writer Geraldine McCaughrean giving the keynote speech. She has written over 150 books (most of which my 13 year old seems to have read) so she must know what she is talking about. She confided in us that sometimes she still suffers from imposter syndrome. So I guess I will have to just ignore mine! It's part and parcel of creative doubt.

What I have no doubt about is that I will be at the SCWBI Conference 2020. I might take a better fancy dress costume though. There were prizes.