I became a member of SCBWI in 2010. For my friends who have no idea what that acronym stands for, it's the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. A great number of well-known children's authors are also members.
When you become a member, you are automatically a member of the local region. Our Oklahoma Chapter is the best one out there!
When I first joined, I was recovering from an injury and was just dabbling in the idea. I had written my Chameleon Girl books, not realizing they weren't really industry standard. I began going sporadically to our local meetings, then called Schmooze. And while I was always inspired, I didn't go regularly, nor did I do that much writing. But, it was always in the back of my mind, and my imagination was always "cooking" up stories.
Fast forward to 2013. I attended my first Oklahoma SCBWI conference. It was held in Tulsa. I had no idea before that day what I didn't know! But I walked away with such a picture of what children's book publishing is all about.
I have missed very few events since then, and have attended every conference and fall retreat since that time. I can't even tell you what it has meant for my writing career. Am I traditionally published yet? No. Is it a journey? Yes! Am I going to give up? Absolutely NOT!
If you have any interest at all in writing for children, or if you just love children's books, you must attend our Spring Conference. It is an experience you won't forget, and you will walk away with more knowledge than you thought possible!
Go to this link, look around our wonderful Oklahoma Region of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators, and sign up!
http://oklahoma.scbwi.org
