SCBWI Agents Party

I don’t like travelling on trains and the underground is worse. But, I braved the crowds and wormed my way around the seemingly endless tunnels and resurfaced outside Charing Cross Station. A little walk down Villiers Street, left into John Adam Street, up the stairs at the Theodore Bullfrog and relaxed.

Having been unable to attend any of the other SCBWI events in London due to work commitments, I was pleased to find this meeting fell at a time I was able to participate. Approximately 50 authors and illustrators were in attendance and all to gain knowledge from Illustrators or Authors Agents.

Each of the agents spoke about their agencies and what services they provide. Those in attendance were: Eve White from The Eve White Literary Agent – www.evewhite.co.uk and PFD were represented by Daniel Neilson assistant to Suzy Jenvey – www.pfd.co.uk For the illustrators amongst the crowd were: Mark Mills from Plum Pudding – www.plumpuddingillustration.com and Edwards Burns from Advocate Art – www.advocate-art.com

After a very informative question and answer session, a great deal of networking took place. This was not only a time for authors/illustrators and agents to chat, but for the group to socialise, meet or reacquaint themselves with other SCBWI members.

Everyone in attendance had the opportunity to win a one-on-one appointment with an agent. There were five agents willing to participate including Jo Williamson of Antony Harwood Literary Agency – www.antonyharwood.com who was unable to attend during the evening. There were three very excited authors (one of them me) and two thrilled illustrators selected for this great opportunity.

The whole event was well organised and ran smoothly. It is through networking like this that we writers/illustrators keep abreast of trends, and get to chat with likeminded people. In this way you pick up tips and contacts that help you move forward in your work. It is also a chance to keep up with current trends and things to avoid writing about.

I guess trains aren’t that bad after all. Without them I wouldn’t have had such an excellent evening.

SCBWI Writing Retreat 2008

SCBWI Writers’ Retreat 16th-19th May 2008
After attending the SCBWI Writers Day 25th November 2007 I will be amongst those taking advantage of the Writers’ Retreat in May. It promises to be yet another great opportunity to network and gain or hone new skills.
Anyone can attend this retreat for children’s writers, you don’t have to be a member, but it is cheaper if you are. The weekend is held at: Pendrell Hall, Near Wolverhampton. This is nineteenth century Victorian country house set in 10 acres of landscaped gardens/grounds. Visit their website for directions etc: http://www.pendrell-hall.org.uk/index.php Accommodation and all meals are included in the price of £270 for members. Check out the SCWBI website for pricing details. http://www.britishscbwi.org/
The weekend programme starts on Friday evening with dinner with likeminded writers and relaxing before the real work begins. Networking on the Friday night would be advisable.
During Saturday and Sunday various seminars, talks and networking will take place. There will be plenty of time to make new friends and to get chat to some of your favourite authors or illustrators. Julia Golding, award winning author of Cat Royal series and The Diamond of Drury Lane will be in attendance along with Shoo Rayner author/illustrator of many children’s books. But you will be able to work on your own work or partake in creative exercise along with having the opportunity to have your work critiqued.
After breakfast on Monday morning, Tessa Strickland, co-founder of Barefoot Books, will talk about the publishing house, its future and how to submit. A friendly lunch will bring the weekend to a close.