SCBWI Writer’s Conference - Another Fabulous Experience

Last week's conference in Los Angeles was, shall I say, awesome!

The conference is always wonderful and invigorating. In case those out there dont know SCBWI - it's the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators, a really wonderful group (and quite large) dedicated to writing all types of children's books. So many wonderful professionals assist others just starting out to those who have been writing for a while.

If you like to write for children, you probably already know this organization but for those who don't, I recommend joining. It provides a great learning and networking opportunity for those of us who tend to keep our heads down and working. I love talking to agents, editors, and illustrators just to learn something new on the craft.

Not just that though. SCBWI provides wonderful information on the book market, new technologies, and plenty of tips and tricks on the craft. The society also provides awards and grants to all levels of writers. The enthusiasm is contagious!

SCBWI  Organization Website

SCBWI 2015 Conference

Twitter etc.

I've been Twittering a bit lately and realized how much I come to depend on it. It has lots of good information even though it's just 140 characters. Now that is a challenge in writing if I have ever seen one. I find it so useful because I get news quickly and efficiently and then decide if I want to read further. For my busy schedule this is heaven! I also get reminders of competitions, contests, agents who are actively seeking submissions, editors & publishers seeking submissions, talk with other writers - some famous and some still working on getting published, and just fun stuff that interests me. I also can tweet (with moderation I might add) things I'm working on or projects I am promoting. I get to find services as well. A great way to find people and connect. So all I can say is tweet away!

Word Count for Books

I was having a discussion with a colleague on a book's length and I had remembered this blog post and have found it very useful in the past. It is by Writer's Digest and breaks down recommended word count for most of the different types of (fiction) books written. For those who are unaware, word count not the number of pages is how a publisher or agent will know if they want to view your work and be able to publish it. If too long or short most won't even take the time to read the first page. So word count or the length of your book matters.

They (agents & publishers) have their limits as to length and although you may have the best book you can do, it can be rejected if too long or short. As far as exceptions go? I don't really know many, although Twilight is one and the last Harry Potter (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) is too. If you are that popular (or famous), knock yourself out with as many words as you want. Although JK Rowling did keep her word count to what was appropriate for the fist book Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. If you don't believe me go to the link below at Writer's Digest.


Check out this blog post

Word Count for Novels and Children’s Books: The Definitive Post

by Chuck Sambuchino

Residency in the Scottish Highlands

This sounds marvelous...
(From the site)

Scotland

 

For the uninitiated, in Brora is a coastal village in the east of Sutherland in the Highland area of Scotland. The writer resides, for one week during the summer or fall in a furnished and recently renovated, traditional croft cottage, containing three-bedrooms. The cottage is few hundred years old (pre-Highland Clearances), enjoys uninterrupted views southwards over the Moray Firth and provides open access to the beaches, hills, burns, lochs and the beautiful unspoiled sandy beaches. It is a perfect base for hill and coastal walks, scenic drives and touring the Northern Highlands. Towels and linen included; off-street parking available; open fire. Washing machine, dryer, stove/cooker, microwave, and fridge. It is suggested that the writer bring a car with them on the residency. Spouses or partners are welcome to accompany the resident.  

 

The Scotland Writing Residency awards a free one-week stay in the Brora cottage based on a completed application. The Scotland residency does not come with a cash prize.

http://balticresidency.com/locations.php