You’re the Director of Special Projects at
SCBWI. Can you tell us a bit about how you came to be at SCBWI, and what
you do there?
I started my career with Lin Oliver in film and
television production focusing on family entertainment and, as you know, she is
the Executive Director of SCBWI. Lin drew me into the SCBWI circle. At first, I
only worked the National Conferences
where I oversaw the one-on-one manuscript and portfolio consultations in Los Angeles and the writer roundtables in
New York.
It didn’t take me long to fall in love with the
organization and all it stands for before I asked for a more full time
position. Lin and I created a job which
allowed me to, among other things, oversee many special projects such as our publications guide and as liaison with
the publishing community along with Lin. The most rewarding and exciting part
of my job is when one of our authors or illustrators is published as the result
of a pairing I have done at the conference.
What are some important things that writers can take
away from a conference?
Meet as many SCBWI members as you can. There is an
incredible community of children’s book writer’s and illustrators. Both
regional and national conferences and
other events are fantastic opportunities to connect. So many friendships and
critique groups form as a result of our conferences.
Listen.
Be open to revising your manuscript/portfolio and
learning as much as you can about your craft.
Wait to query agents or editors right after the
conference. Sit with all the information
from workshops and keynote speakers, process it, and make your manuscript even
stronger BEFORE you query. Don’t be in a
rush.
What’s the best way for writers to plan for a
conference?
Research the people teaching the break out sessions so you
choose the best possible ones for yourself.
If you are having a consultation, read the guidelines
carefully and don’t wait until the last minute to submit.
For our LA and NYC conferences, if you have any questions
about what might be suited for you, call our office and ask. We’re here to
help.
What objective should authors keep in mind when
attending a conference?
Be a sponge. You
are around creative people and have the opportunity to hear agents, editors and
published authors impart their wisdom and experiences. Soak it in, take
notes.
What should writers NOT do at a conference?
Put an editor or agent on the spot by trying to slip them
a manuscript. While all of our faculty
are open to queries after the conference, they can’t take a manuscript that
isn’t solicited. It’s also not proper etiquette in the publishing world so you
put yourself at a disadvantage opening with that.
Don’t pitch multiple ideas when given the opportunity to
pitch an editor or agent during a session.
Focus on the one you are most passionate about.
Is there such a thing as conference burn-out?
When do know that it’s time to stay home (does that ever happen?)?
Well, I certainly haven’t noticed that. I think every
writer and illustrator, published or unpublished, can always use inspiration
and current information about the marketplace as it is ever changing. As artists, I think you are always learning,
evolving and improving your craft. Our conferences are designed to do just
that.
You’ve seen some amazing writers speak at various
conferences. What advice sticks with you? – this could be for conferences
specifically, for writing, or just for life.
Wow, there have been so many. Here are a few that I have up in my office.
“My only advice is to stay aware, listen carefully, and
yell if you need help.” Judy Blume
“Just say yes!” Kwame Alexander
“Revise fearlessly again and again.” Kate Messner
“Love what you write. Write what you know. Write honestly
because everything counts.” Sara
Shandler
You’re a writer too! What can you tell us about
projects you’re working on?
I’m fortunate to work for two writers in Lin and Steve
Mooser who foster creative spirit. Our offices are filled with books and every
wall is a different color. It’s hard to
be around that much creative energy and not want to dive in. I’ve been working
on a young adult book for several years on weekends and nights like most other
writers. I’m currently revising my revision. I keep notebook with ideas that
I’ve kept for years. What’s really great
is that nearly everyone in our office writes or illustrates. In our spare time.☺
Kim Turrisi is the Director of Special Projects at The
Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, a position she has held
since 2002. In addition to her work at
SCBWI, she wrote Pretty Dirty Secrets, a web series for ABC Family’s hit show
Pretty Little Liars. In 2011, she won a Daytime Emmy for a web series she wrote
and executive produced. She is obsessed
with reading anything YA, college football and her dogs. You can follow her on
Twitter @KimmyT22
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