I attended this event in the hopes of discovering whether my art talent was strong enough to compete in the children's book marketplace.
As I went through the displays, I was overwhelmed by the entries and the process required to choose ten from among so many wonderful pieces. I steeled my shoulders and reminded myself that if I found my art was not competitive, it would be worth the trip.
I didn't find my artwork anywhere in the show. My first thought: "They've lost it. It's been misplaced." Then I saw my art across the room on a floor easel. My first thought: "They lost my table easel?....." My second thought: "Couldn't they have put my art with the rest of the show? Why is it over there? " (Apparently I spoke this part aloud and someone nearby told me I had been chosen in the top ten.)
"Winning" was absolutely so far from my mind I had trouble accepting the idea. And of course, with my friends jumping up and down, and laughing and yelling, the idea of being a finalist got through to me.
I am following up by contacting art directors and will keep you informed.
Mirabella and Peppy
SCBWI website
See the other finalists
I have been involved in the Children's book community for 15 years. I was past president of a professional group: RACWI, for 7 years. I've been teaching classes on writing and/or publishing for 10 years. Here's my current itinerary:
SATURDAY CLASS: HOW TO GET YOR BOOK PUBLISHED and CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOKS.
Date: April 30, 2005
Where: ROCHESTER INFO COURSES (http://www.rochesterinfocourses.com/)
Rochester, NY
Details about the classes will be listed on their website under "Writing and Publishing."
Students at these sessions report:
"The time went by so fast!"
"You taught us so much."
"This was a lot of fun."
"I learned more than I thought I would."
TWO DAY RETREAT: RELAX, REGENERATE, REVISE
Dates: May 21 and 22, 2005
Where: GLEASON LODGE, GELL CENTER, BRISTOL MOUNTAIN REGION
Bristol, NY
Details about the retreat will be listed on the WRITERS and BOOKS website: http://www.wab.org
We will take in the scenery, relax, write, laugh and learn. It will be rewarding for all of us.
Thanks for visiting my website. Come back again. I'm sure I'll have new things posted.
Jennifer Meagher (pronounced: "Mah-har")