See more posts at Two Writing Teachers Slice of Life
Over the weekend I attended the JambaLAya Kidlit Conference in New Orleans. You can read Part One here.
Many of the notes I took at the conference not only apply to me as a writer, but could also be advice for my own students as writers.
My friend Denise Gallagher is an illustrator and she takes notes in sketches. Here is Ernest Gaines’ advice delivered by author Freddi Williams Evans.
Denise Gallagher’s notebook
Bullet points from Freddi Williams Evans’ presentation:
- Choose interest over trends.
- Narrow down your topic.
- Show some. Don’t tell all.
- Add kid appeal.
- Present the truth.
- Pay attention to details.
- Use your voice.
Jennifer Laughran from Andrea Brown Literary Agency represents an impressive list of authors, ones I admire and follow like Kate Messner, Linda Urban, and Nancy Castaldo. Jenn is hilarious. Along with her humor, she presented ideas around creating your own brand. Ask yourself these questions:
- What are the meaningful themes, subjects behind my writing and life?
- Who is my audience?
- What is my tone?
- What is my Big Dream?
She reminded us to “Be a mensch!” Ok, new word. It means to be a good person.
- Meet your book sellers.
- Make friends with librarians.
- Boost fellow authors.
We also heard from Grace Kendall, an editor with FSG Books for Young Readers/ Macmillan who reminded us of the 25+ questions to ask yourself about your manuscript. And from Laurent Linn, art director at Simon & Schuster who took us through the steps from concept to book cover.
I was in awe of these giants who were easily 10 or more years my junior. I am such a novice in this book making business, but they each made me feel like it was doable. If my goals are in the right place, and I have a heart for children, there is room in this kidlit world for me and others like me.
If you are writing for children and ever have a chance to attend a regional SCBWI conference, go. You will be glad you did.
Reflections on the Teche 