Wow! What a weekend at SCBWI-Illinois’ Full Zoom Ahead online conference for kidlit authors and illustrators! I was sad to take off my Committee member badge when it ended. In these strange times of social distancing, it was such a treat to connect and be inspired in live and interactive sessions with industry professionals. I had the pleasure of moderating chats with these two wonderful editors, Esther Cajahuaringa from Little Brown Books for Young Readers and Meghan Maria McCullough from Levine Querido, alongside Darcy Day Zoells and Jennifer Wagh.
In addition to craft sessions, pitch sessions, inspiring keynote speeches from Commander Herrington, kidlit author and the first Native American astronaut, and Vanessa Brantley Newton, author, illustrator, crafter and champion of diversity, we celebrated Sarah Aronson’s Just Like Rube Goldberg and other #ReadLocalIllinois recent publications at the SCBWI-IL Crystal Kite Gala (what a poignant acceptance speech...), and had so many chances to connect during socials and Office Hours.
There were contests for writers and illustrators alike. Check out the two winning entries for the Portfolio Showcase.
Kudos to those organizing a brand new online format for an interactive conference: Deborah Topolski, Jenny Wagh, Cedric Gliane and the rest of the Committee. Thanks to the faculty and all the attendees. I love the kidlit world, feel inspired to get back to work today.
