The SCBWI Virtual Conference 2024
I don’t know what rip in the time-space continuum occurred between the last time I posted and today, but holy cow friends it has been wild
Not So Secret Society
This past weekend I attended my first ever SCBWI Conference1, which consisted of two days of Zoom calls beginning at 8:30am and ending at around 4:30pm PST. There were breaks in between, but I realized that I have never been in so many Zoom calls ever in a single day—let alone two. Then it was followed by another half day of Zooms for the Illustrator’s Intensive.
Whoever planned this must have been big a-ha fans because these three days basically felt like being in the Take On Me video.
This is not a bad thing by any means. It was incredible. But by Sunday afternoon, I had to peel myself off the computer, feeling like the guy from Tales of the Crypt after a weekend with Paris Hilton.
Also I gave in and got myself a Bluesky account. I’ve been careful about my social media presence, but I’m giving this one a try for a little while to see what happens. My favourite part so far about it has been the absence of advertisements trying to sell me waterproof shoes and beard trimmers.
The Experience
Honestly I enjoy attending conferences, even in this virtual format. I felt a sense of adventure as I made my way through the different panel talks. I did not really know what to expect, and I was met with so much kindness and heart. I was glad to put faces to the names I’ve encountered over the last little while. The scary door on which to knock opened up and through it I saw a small wonderland.
I heard directly from illustration and literary agents, from publishers and art directors. All the funny feelings that I had questions about… Margaret, they do hear us! It was full of great advice specific to my situation as an emerging illustrator. My list of books to borrow from my public library has grown to an even bigger bulge, and I’m keen to discover much more.
The main impression I took away from the SCBWI conference was the diversity of the folks that make up the society. It’s not a monolithic entity to be broken into, but a really broad collection of perspectives and voices that all want us to understand what being a kid is like. It feels like there is room for more than one story here, and I’m delighted to have received an invitation to share mine.
Non-Olympic Bronze!
The highlight was of course on Saturday afternoon. I sat sweating through my tshirt as they announced that I had won the Bronze award for the 2024 Summer Portfolio Showcase, along with Cara Ziruo Wang.
Bitoy’s BBQ is getting a bit of mileage, I realize. And is about to get even more! Part of being chosen in the Portfolio Showcase is being featured as part of the SCBWI booth in the 2025 Bologna Children’s Book Fair.
🏆 Here’s a link to all the other amazing winners
🎨 Do check out all the fantastic work submitted to the Portfolio Showcase
I never would have expected these dots to connect so quickly, but friends I promise you that I am not wasting this opportunity. I feel like Meryl Streep looking into the hallway mirror after she drinks that potion from Isabella Rossellini in Death Becomes Her. And the SCBWI is that guy in the doorway wearing the purple pants. Ya’ll know what I mean.
It’s been an interesting ride so far, but I’m aware of the oncoming bumps and potholes still ahead. Thank you for being with me in this minivan with questionable transmission, broken door handles, and duct tape on the windows. It means a lot!
The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, which I have started referring to as “Scoobwie”