by Christine Liu Perkins
 Like the children we create for, writers and illustrators are not
born fully developed. We grow. We struggle. We learn by experience
and practice, practice, practice. We progress step by step, interspersed
with leaps and cheers.
At different points in our careers, we ask different questions.
How do I create a first draft? versus How do I revise a 10th, 20th,
or 30th draft? How do I find an editor for my manuscript? versus
How do I handle the five-page, single-spaced letter of changes in
the manuscript that my editor wants? How do I prepare for my first
school visit? versus How do I handle a publicity schedule that doesn't
allow me enough time to create new work? At any point, we might ask
ourselves, how do I keep going?
For whatever stage you are in your career, the RMC-SCBWI Spring
Workshop will have speakers from whom you can learn and be inspired.
They will be upfront and personal as they share their experiences,
high and low points, motivations, and challenges.
Carol Lynch Williams will open the day with "A Pencil? I Know
I Have a Pencil. It's Right. . . . Hey, the Lead's Broken," the
colorful journey of her career. Hear how she has handled her ups
and downs. Be inspired to celebrate yourself as a creative person,
whether you are publishing or not.
After 17 long years of writing, Hilari Bell finally sold one of her
novels. Now she has five novels in print, four at her publisher,
and six more under contract. Hear Hilari share her dreams come true
as she tells "Out of the Ashes: One Writer's Cinderella Story."
Learn how to keep your motivation flowing as you listen to Eugene
Gagliano share his excitement for writing in his session, "From
the Bottom Up." He will reveal his definition for success and
his strategies for pursuing a career in the challenging field of
publishing.
What's it like to publish your first book? The "First Successes
Panel" will bring together Denise Vega, Mary Bartek, Nancy
Oswald, and Kathleen Pelley, who are experiencing the thrill of
their first books in print. Hear how their books were acquired,
what the editing process was like, and how success has affected
these authors.
Debbie Dadey will let us peek into the behind-the-scenes life of
a prolific, award-winning author of more than 125 books. She will
be open about her own mistakes and what she would advise other
writers do in her talk, "From 1 to 125."
Ever wonder how someone could write and sell 150 articles and four
nonfiction books? Carolyn Gard has done it and intends to keep
on going. Hear her insights in her session, "Midway in a Nonfiction
Career."
Laura Deal will offer help for the discouraged writer in her talk, "Action
is the Antidote to Despair." How do you keep going after years
of rejection letters? Find out what keeps Laura writing and hopeful.
Learn what steps you can take to keep pursuing your dreams.
The "Building and Maintaining Your Career Panel" will
feature Carol Lynch Williams, Debbie Dadey, Hilari Bell, and Caroline
Stutson discussing the realities of life in the publishing limelight.
These four authors will share their experiences and lessons learned,
plus offer advice on things to seek or to avoid.
Anna-Maria Crum has forged a career as a freelance illustrator,
writer, and graphic designer. Come learn secrets of her success in "Freelancing:
An Insider's Guide to Surviving." In an afternoon session, she
will demonstrate how computers aid the illustration process in "The
Software Solution."
Illustrators will have a unique opportunity to try out new art products.
In the "Media Exploration" session, samples of papers,
paints, and more from Strathmore, Golden, Casein, and Liquitex will
be available for hands-on testing.
For illustrators, Lori Kiplinger Pandy will offer "Dummies
for Beginners." Wonder if you're prepared for future job assignments?
Take this chance to learn how to create book dummies pairing your
artwork with a manuscript.
After being inspired by the day's revelations, join creativity coach
Cynthia Morris for our final session, "The Passionate Creator:
Maintaining the Spark." She will lead us in interactive exercises
to help us stay balanced, focused, and motivated in our creative
lives. She will also help us deal with competing demands between
creating and selling our work. Take this opportunity to formulate
your own career goals and plans.
Come April 9 to Spring Workshop for a day of inspiration, camaraderie,
renewal, and goal setting. As you listen to the palette of experiences,
discover your own color for success.
For more information and registration for the Spring Workshop, click
here.
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