Five hows from the 8th Annual Conference of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Winchester, November 2015
How generous people are with supportive remarks
I heard all manner of kind words over the weekend. The yet-to-be published congratulating others on book deals, praise over portfolios and pirate costumes, and some humbling souls telling me I had made them feel truly welcome.
few people more encouraging than David Fickling
How much variety there was for everyone who came
After so many years of attending, I my expectation was to enjoy seeing my friends and may be pick up the odd trifle. I’ve come back with a treasure chest full, far too stuffed to unbox here. I wasn’t alone in taking home plunder – newbies or old hands found plenty to hoard.
How charitable people are
One of my roles was to encourage the buying of emergency eye-patches. At the end of the evening I was thrilled to hand over £120 for the Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
I sued the plastic cutlass encouraging method
How tolerant people can be
I had brought a set of photo cards I’d made with an offer for SCBWI members at my little retreat/B&B at The Witterings. I was rather shy about blatant self-promotion – but people were kind and took them.
at least they make nice book marks
How well worth the effort volunteering is
You get to meet fabulous people, get smiled at a lot and feel you’re giving at least something back to a cause you believe in. As, at heart, quite a shy person, it’s great to have something else to think about than nerves.
bonus
How heavy that cake is!
I helped get the edifice in the taxi after the Pirate Cruncher had had a go at it.
This conference was somehow extra wonderful. So lovely to hug you in real life!
Always good to hug you, Candy – No 1 reader-of-my-blog
Brilliant post, with a simple, but fab message. A great place to foster friendship. Let’s not wait a year to see each other! Words and Pictures group need a social! X
That is a jolly good idea, Charlotte!
Always glad to see you here or in real life – thank you for commenting.
Yes. That is all.
Lovely to see you. You are a true Scoobie treasure x
How kind – and how nice of you to take the time to read and comment, Marie.
You shy?
Actually, on the inside, yes, Julie.That’s why I like dressing up – it gives me armour.
Thank you for reading and commenting.
You were magnificent as always, Philippa – tirelessly hardworking and always supportive, much love and gratitude to you as ever my dear friend xxx
Aw- *blush*
It was such a treat to have you, you lovely Philippa person you 🙂 You’re a SCBWI ambassador of the highest order.
Aw shucks.
I want a badge with that on!
Thanks for reading & commenting, Nancy.