New York SCBWI Conference!

The annual New York SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) has become an annual destination for Mary Jane Begin and me to promote our graduate programs in children's literature and illustration at Hollins University.SCBWI opened up the conference to sponsors two years ago and its proven to be a fabulous opportunity to spread the word to the 850 or so attendees. MJ and I make great roommates and we had a heck of a view this year. We quickly set up our table and went to grab something to eat at a fabulous diner.Back at the hotel, the Friday night party is THE party to attend. It's formally a portfolio showcase for a select bunch of illustrators.But it doubles as an opportunity for folks in the children's book industry to schmooze and reconnect. I've been doing this since 2001 and I know a lot of industry friends - it's so good to see them all! And I do mean ALL!MJ and I are like butterflies as we dance from one group of friends to another. We were most thrilled to see three of our students there: Caroline, Lisa, and Lauren!Lauren won the Student Illustrator Scholarship to be there. That is a VERY BIG DEAL out of all of those portfolios!!!! But we also got to reconnect with the fabulous heads of SCBWI who put toghether these wonderful events. Here we are with Kim Turrisi, Sarah Baker, and Tammy Brown. Thank you for all you do!!! I also reconnected with old friends from the SCBWI Carolinas region, Elizabeth Rawls, Ashley Belote, and Erica Wood (that’s Becky Shillington’s head on a stick since she couldn’t attend in person).We also got to connect with Heidi Stemple who joined our faculty this past fall to teach writing picture books. The students LOVED her, of course - knew they would! We went to lunch on Saturday at the French bistro around the corner from the hotel - lovely!Of course, the whole reason we go is to find potential new members for our Hollins family. I'm happy to report that I think we did! Can't wait to welcome them to campus!