Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Gathering

The day is almost over and I still haven’t written my blog post. Many thoughts zipped in and out of my mind this morning on what I would write about, but as I’ve spent the major part of today finalising organision of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Victorian/Tasmanian/South Australian gathering for this Saturday afternoon, I thought I’d write about that.

In my role as Assistant Regional Adviser for SCBWI (a voluntary role) my main job is to plan and organise quarterly gatherings for members and other interested children’s lit types. Each gathering begins with me giving some background on SCBWI, nationally and internationally and this is followed by presentations by author or illustrator members on various topics relating to their careers, successes and/or struggles.

Afternoon tea break is always a lot of fun – friendships are made or renewed, experiences are shared and knowledge exchanged while we sip tea and coffee and nibble the occasional biscuit or cake.

This is followed by a guest speaker, someone from the industry – an expert in their field of working with or promoting books and reading for children. Over the last six years, many of us have formed lifelong friendships and developed our love of writing and illustrating much further.

This Saturday’s event is in Ballarat and promises to be a great afternoon with award-winning children’s writers and illustrators talking about what they love doing best – making beautiful books for children. Note that bookings are closed now for this meeting.

www.scbwiaustralia.org