SCBWI Special Event

The SCBWI CA: North/Central Spring Spirit Conference is only a few weeks away and I was delighted to be a special guest at this online event where I shared "The Stories Behind the Stories" discussing where I got my ideas, how they developed into a published book, and how long the journey might take. The journey began with my rhyming nonfiction picture book, In the Trees, Honey Bees! that takes an up close and personal look at the lives of honey bees. It was a natural topic for me since my father-in-law was a beekeeper with over 300 hives. Each time we visited, Gene was always involved with the bees--cleaning frames, extracting honey, or even picking up a swarm from the Altamont Raceway.

I also shared the stories behind Cowpoke Clyde and Dirty Dawg, Arlo Draws an Octopus, and Cindy Moo. Each story began with its own spark and it was great to read these stories and discuss why I wrote it, the structure of page turns, and building climactic moments that lead to a satisfying and unexpected resolution. Attendees had great questions and it was a pleasure to share my work and my stories with so many talented SCBWI members.

And next month? The SCBWI: CA: North/Central Spring Spirit Conference. Looking forward to being part of this great faculty lineup with Ariel Richardson (Editor at Chronicle), Jennifer March Soloway (Agent at Starling), Nikki Shannon Smith (Author), Isabella Kung (Author/Illustrator), and Sally Kim (Agent with Andrea Brown). Can't wait to present "SHAZAM! How to Bring Your Picture Book Biography to Life" and offer critiques for attendees achin' to get a professional review of their manuscripts.