SCBWI Summer Conference 2010 - Confessions of a First Time Faculty Member

Some dreams, like a rainbow after a storm, just happen. Others, like getting on the faculty of the SCBWI conference, happen after many years of hope and perseverance.

I have sent in proposals for workshops over the last couple of years without results, so I was surprised and pleased when I received the email in April that my latest proposal had been accepted and I would be teaching a workshop at this year's summer conference.

On Thursday night before the conference I was delighted to attend the faculty dinner at the Plaza. Nervous, but knowing a few faculty members, I mingled with the crowd. We all introduced ourselves and said a few words before dinner. (I talked about my workshop and mentioned that I love the costume contest.) I ended up at a table with M.T. Anderson. I was glad I had read his National Book Award winner, Octavian Nothing. It was fascinating to discuss the ending of the book with him. Arthur Levine, Lisa Yee, Kathleen Duey, and various other editors, art directors and illustrators were also at my table. I felt as if I had arrived! Everyone was charming and interested in my opinions, making me feel as though I wasn’t just a minion; I was one of the club.

The next day, after watching this ritual for 16 plus years, I marched onto the stage with the rest of the faculty, almost in a fog, to the traditional one-word introduction. I had thought of several words but ended up using “Original.” I savored the moment with my video camera.

Lucky for me, my workshop was right after the keynote addresses by Jon Scieszka, who had us rolling in the aisles, and M.T. Anderson, who had us laughing with his Delaware jokes. So my newbie conference goers were in high spirits when they arrived at my session: “How to Survive Your First Conference.” The room was packed with over seventy-five people. I was in my element. I played a 5 minute video I'd created, “The Scribe’s Magical Journey,” starring me as the scribe on her way to her first conference. We discussed critiques, workshops, editor etiquette, hotel camping and the all-important…where are the bathrooms. I did my best to make the newbies feel welcome. Throughout the conference I had many attendees come up and tell me how much the workshop had helped them. I just had to pinch myself.

The quality of the workshops was fabulous this year, and many repeat conference goers commented on that. I found many workshops for professionals offering loads of information, with handouts included. Some of my favorites: “Writing for Boys,” “Home Repair Tips for Your Novel,” and Gennifer Choldenko’s “How to be Your Own Best Editor.” My buddy Alexis O’Neill gave a great workshop on school visits, and several authors sought me out to say how fabulous it was.

The Saturday night costume party was a hoot. My entourage won first place with our Heart & Soul tribute to Lin Oliver & Steve Mooser. The pre-party in the room and the after-party in the lobby introduced me to many new friends (who probably won't know me without the white wig). I also loved the regional coffee meeting with my Mid-South listserve girls. Every conference we get closer.

Editor-turned-agent Rubin Pfeffer dropped a bomb on the ballroom when he discussed the state of the industry and suggested that the SCBWI get into e-publishing. David Diaz calmed the discussion with a follow-up on holding our horses and waiting until the e-picture book form settles before we all run out and learn how to do them.

The Monday night faculty closing party at Lin Oliver’s beautiful house topped off my experience as a first time faculty member. I mingled with top authors, editors and agents. I went home with new ammunition to work on my writing, new friends to keep in touch with and many memories of the 39th SCBWI Summer Conference that will warm me for years to come.

Comments

[Eloise Freeman]

Glorious Tina! You're always glittering
no matter what you do.

[Caroline Hatton]

Hi Tina -
What a gift to all conference attendees--to have you on the faculty this year! I think you had "arrived" a long time ago. It's great that life showed it to you in such dazzling terms.

[Rene Colato Lainez]

Congratulations Tina.

[Tina Nichols Coury]

Re: [Tales from the Rushmore Kid] Dianne White submitted a comment to SCBWI Summer Conference 2010 - Confessions of a First Time Faculty Member

Thanks for the kind words Diane. I pushed back Nancys review until the conference talk settles down.

[Dianne White]

Your workshop sounds like it was fun and informative. Those newbie conference-goers were lucky to have you!