One of my favorite times of year—the Letters & Lines Conference through the Rocky Mountain Chapter of SCBWI! The rooms are packed wall-to-wall with picture book writers, illustrators, agents, and editors from the field, eloquently presenting steps and tips on how to break into the picture book market.

I sit fascinated by the knowledge and excitement of the keynote speakers during their kick off presentations. Lin Oliver and Stephen Mooser, the co-founders of SCBWI, chuck out funny stories about how the organization began. Hopeful writers, published writers, and those on the brink of a contract listen and feel grateful for the opportunity these two had back in the ‘70s. If it wasn’t for them launching this amazing organization, who would it have been?

One day in and I’m learning so much already. Each conference provides new and important information on the market trends, word count, proposals, first page sessions, critiques, and so much more. My knowledge of the industry continues to grow each year, and I immediately apply the information to my current project: polishing, removing words, improving my pitch/hook, and developing character(s).

The networking opportunities are also remarkable. It’s exhilarating to brush shoulders with agents and editors, sit with them during lunch, or casually talk about their picture book desires. I’m always so impressed with their professionalism and also human-ness (they seem so distant on their website or in the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrator’s Market). Knowing they drink coffee and walk with one foot in front of the other, just like me, gives me a little relief … just a little.

I always pay for the extra manuscript critique, so I can sit with an agent one-on-one and discuss ideas or suggestions for my project. The feedback is invaluable and perhaps one of my favorite parts of the conference. There is always an energy from the agent that helps me launch either into a new direction or gives me energy to edit certain scenes in my project.

Outside of the presentations, roundtable discussions, and information on the industry, the best part is meeting and talking with fellow writers. One panelist said the word “pre-published” and after hearing that, I feel closer to the publishing world than ever before. I’m a writer, a pre-published writer. That sounds better than “I’m not yet published.” Being a writer is a lot of work, but thanks to my colleagues, the energy and inspiration I feel after a conference keeps me writing. Just as my characters keep me writing, and the scenes I create keep me writing.

I’m so grateful for my critique group, the PBJs, too. It is great to be able to bounce ideas off of each other during and after the conference. Discussing our takeaways from different sessions is invaluable!

So until the 2017 Letters & Lines conference, I will rewrite, update, create new characters and stories, dabble in different scenes, and submit to various agents and editors accessible through the conference. This is indeed a wonderful resource for all children’s book writers and illustrators. Thanks again Lin & Steve for being our pioneers! Happy 40^th SCBWI!