Friday 1 June 2012

Guest post: Sandy Fussell, children's author

Sandy Fussell

Our guest blogger today is well-loved author and all-round generous spirit, Sandy Fussell. I know you'll enjoy reading Sandy's wise words.... 
 
There is one word I find myself constantly referencing when I talk about children’s writing and illustrating. The word is community. I discovered the writing community at my first SCBWI Conference in 2008, when I was an unpublished writer, far too shy and over-awed to speak to anyone.

I came to the conference feeling like an interloper gate-crashing the real writing world but I left feeling like part of the family. SCBWI breaks down barriers. Everyone talks to everyone – publishers, editors, presenters, authors, new starters and absolute beginners.

The SCBWI Conference program is a marvellous mine of information. Drill deep and you will find! But for me the most important thing is the camaraderie shared with others who are as passionate about children’s literature as I am.

For most people, including myself, the love of writing is easy – it’s inherent. But the work is really hard. The craft is demanding, it’s a juggle to fit in with a job and family and it can take years of perseverance to reach that first publication goal. Writers have a need to connect with other like minds – for inspiration, for support and for friendship.

At every SCBWI Conference I find a renewed sense of community and belonging.

Sandy Fussell ... Author of the Samurai Kids series, Polar Boy and Jaguar Warrior.


4 comments:

  1. Lovely post, Sandy,

    Sorry I won't be there to join you this year. I'm sure it will be a fabulous conference.

    Dee

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love this, Sandy - you're so right. I am constantly amazed and delighted at the consistent, beautiful community we are part of. It buoys my work and it buoys me. Miss you! x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Sandy ...it's that community that keeps us all going. Looking forward to catching up at the conference.

    Catriona

    ReplyDelete
  4. And didn't we all have a great time - again!

    ReplyDelete