Hello SCBWI Florida

After 29 hours of travelling, most of it flying in a steel bird but with a deal of it spent sitting in airline lounges, we are here in Miami Florida – where I am the closing speaker for SCBWI Florida’s Regional Conference. Linda Bernfield, the super RA, has been trying for quite a few years now to get me here. Finally we have pulled this off. And besides …. how could I say NO to Linda, especially when this year’s theme has a dragon with glowing nostrils and eyes in the illustration?

So, 6 hours after we checked into the hotel I was down with the crew, presenting at the pre conference Picture Book Intensive with Stacey Barney (Penguin), Heather Alexander (Pippin Agency) and Verla Key (SCBWI Blueboards). Now I have just one question … where does 60 minutes go? That was my allocated session and before I knew it no sooner had I begun my session on narrative non-fiction than my computer clock was showing that my time was nearly up. Of course throughout the intensive we were all adding our comments to what was being presented and the activities that were happening. Friday night – how exciting to arrive at the local bookstore Book and Books. What a beautiful building that is, filled with books.

And then we stumbled across:

Saturday was a full day of presentations. The opening speaker was the wonderfully entertaining Chris Grabenstein with his insights and reflections on his life that have led All The Way To Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (his most recent award winning title). Interestingly, mine had a similar flavour on surviving as a children’s book author. It was an immense thrill and pleasure to be the closing speaker for this conference. My presentation, the A-Z of children’s publishing, or how I have survived for 25 years as a kids book author, was filled with anecdotes too, about – ME.

Lotsafun and excitement for the folks BUT again, one question, where does 45 minutes go?

Lots more speakers and presenters including my fellow SCBWI board member Laurent Linn. Additional joy for me was the opportunity to present the regional Crystal Kite award to Shannon Hitchcock.  How thrilling.

Then tonight … dinner and the ball – HEROES -vs- VILLAINS MASQUERADE: where, in a world of good and evil…one man…or woman…will win the costume battle. And what an exotic array of costumed creations filled the ballroom. Just have a look at some of these characters …

More snaps from Friday and Saturday:

Day 1 and 2 … done. And we are sooooo tired!

About Chris Cheng
Christopher is an award winning Australian children's author of picture books, fiction and non fiction titles in digital and traditional formats.
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