The Ballad of SCBWI Conference 2016 - or The Spelling Beast

To reiterate our midpoint Story Arc post - 'SCBWI people can party', hearty as it were, arrr!

Here's the little ditty that whet our appetites on the Dinner Dance Party night by poet master, Harry Laing, aka red hot speller; aka twister on the dance floor.

So here we are at The Menzies

soon we’ll be whipping up frenzies

‘cos SCWBI people can party

they’re not just kids’ literati

no they’re crazy, they’re wild

(ask their strange inner child)

or that’s what I think

but then I’ve had a few drinks

first up…Susanne Gervay

who does it her way

she’s a true force of nature

a passionate creature

her voice is commanding

do you think she’s demanding?

when her eye falls on you

you just bloody well do

Tracy get up here

Harry…where are you (feelin’ the fear!)

Susanne’s not really scary

though she can look a bit glary

people do things for her

(would they dare to demur?)

um…er…um…er

Susanne, you’re a star

which brings me to stellar…

cue Deb Abela

she just gets everywhere

look – she’s under your chair!

and she’s on drugs

now she’s under the rug!

hum, what rhymes with Abela?

here’s a word – fella

blokes, guys, yes men

there’s not many of them

I feel like a minority

triumph of the sorority

yes, you can jump to your conclusions

he’s got masculine delusions

that’s just the way it is

not so much manuscript as Ms

but let’s get back to this feast

and the famous spelling beast

it’s more fearsome than a bee

you’ll get so anxious you will pee

right, spell SCWBI

mmm…S..Q..U..I..B..B..Y?

go to back to your table

with a can’t spell label

OK, next word: seceded

but why is that word needed?

it’s what WA have done

they’ve gone off on their own

so how do you spell SCWBI?

Deb Abela, take more drugs, tell me!

C..C..Q..E..P..P..Y..E

ShhhhKWIPPPYYYY

meaning squib, a firework, verbal joust

but I’m sure my time is running out

is there anything I’ve missed?

here’s a final checklist:

are you branded or stranded

has your contract landed

are you showcased, po-faced

is your profile mostly web-based

are you upbeat or defeatist

can you spell TMETUS

did you quiver at the pitches

develop involuntary twitches

have you handed over cards

have you done the hard yards

and I think we’ll leave it there

it’s time to let down the hair!

©Harry Laing 2016

#SCBWISyd

Midpoint of the Story Arc! - Conference Dinner Dance party

A night of fun, celebration, dancing and general hilarity until all hours!

Harry Lane performed his wonderful poem about our fearless leader Susanne to huge appreciation!

Presentation of Harper Collins Illustrated Portfolio Award

Winner gets a personal portfolio critique. Lisa Berryman said there was an outstanding range of entrants. (Donna Rawlins signed up 3 people from it!)

Winner:  Nicky Johnston

2016 Penguin Random House Award

Presented by Sarah Davis in lieu of Zoe Walton who was ill:

Winner: Sophie Blackhall–Cain

Andrea Pinkney Award

Judged by Claire Stuckey. She told us one entrant really stood out.

Finalists:

• Anna McGregor – Haircuts by Hernando
• Jenny Hale – Princess Cage
• Reena Balding – Not My Rice
• Sandy Fussell - Wraith

Winner: Dawn Meredith – Letters from the Dead

Book launches:

Terry Whitebeach: When I Was a Boy in Sudan

Author and historian – believes that everyone’s story is important – Australian stories that haven’t been heard. Protagonist refugee Saraphino, but book made for all children everywhere. Group effort to complete the book: everyone did it for their belief in helping Sudanese kids in Australia. Also: When I wasa Girl in Sudan

Also in this range of books:

Pascalina  illustrated by Gay Mackinnon

Young adult novel. Terry realised she had to go to see the Mahdi people . Lots of photos for Gay brought back. Etihad flew 300 kg donated books for free. Local refugees love the book. All donated money goes to South Sudan.

Book launch by Claire Halifax:

Christina Booth, Scholastic, writer and illustrator

Too Many Sheep

We were treated to a highly entertaining puppet show duet by Christina and Claire. The manuscript was first shown to Claire at the last SCBWI conference!!

Christina designed the cover first as part of 52 Week Illustrating Challenge.

Christina gave a highly entertaining reading of her book.

Deb Abela then made the thanks and presentations to Susanne Gervay, Regional Adviser Australia New Zealand. Deb reiterated that Susanne’s the reason we’re all here – she’s organised the amazing fruits of SCBWI. A massive contribution!

A very special card, made by Christina Booth and signed by everyone was given to Susanne. Plus a box of wonderful care essentials eg a ‘No!’ paddle to say no to requests because she’s hopeless at it! Plus slippers, sleep mask, relaxing candle, do not disturb sign, writing notebook etc. Also a beautiful charm bracelet to remind her of all her lovely books. And a pendant with a quote from Elephants Have Wings inside of it.

AND an amazing book engraved with a superb illustration of The Hughenden in the front, signed (and sometimes illustrated) by everyone.

Susanne said that our SCBWI is one of the special writing communities of the world.           

Evening rounded out by a rousing group singalong – a special song for Susanne song to the tune of Rawhide!

Then we danced the night away to the sound ofthe fabulous Beatknickers,  SCBWI’s own band. Thanks to a couple of intrepid ring-ins!

What a party!!!!!!

By Charlotte Calder

#SCBWISyd

Photos Courtesy of Denzo Alker, Leigh Roswen and Dimity Powell Rovers at large

What a party!!!!!!

 By Charlotte Calder

#SCBWISyd

Chapter One: Pitch Perfect

The pitch to publishers session was an opportunity for 8 delegates to pitch their PB/MG/YA manuscript to a panel of industry experts in just 3 minutes.

An excited audience watched as Tracey Hawkins and Katrina Germein introduced a panel of publishers while 8 very brave delegates waited in the audience for their names to be called out.

The publishers:

Donna Rawlins – Book Designer, Walker Books

Lisa Berryman—Associate Publisher, HarperCollins
Clare Hallifax—Publishing Manager, Scholastic

Maryann Ballantyne—Publisher, Black Dog Books an imprint of Walker Books
Suzanne O'Sullivan—Commissioning Editor, Hachette
Sue Whiting - former editor for Walker and author

The pitchers should consider the following:

1. What makes the publishers want to read on?
2. What makes the publishers want to request a full manuscript?

Previous pitch winner:

Pamela Rushby explained how her successful pitch resulted in publication. Firstly, she was feeling terrified and had a lot of sympathy and empathy for the those pitching today.

When each publisher on the panel showed an interest in her manuscript she was delighted but it soon came back ‘like a homing pigeon.’ After a bit of reworking Clare Hallifax from Omnibus, Scholastic picked Pamela’s manuscript up.

Pamela said you must make it enticing and intriguing so members on the panel will want it. She recommends having a tag line like she did for her own book as follows:

‘Princess Diaries meets Monster High.’

The Pitchers:

Christina Booth with ‘One Careless Night.’ A picture book based on historical events.

• Sue Whiting said the story behind the story gave her chills.
• Maryann Ballantyne said it was the kind of book Black Dog does best.
• Lisa Berryman said it was a very good pitch spoken in a calm voice.
• Jenny Hale with ‘Immortal Me.’ Historical fiction for ages 12+
• Lisa Berryman said she loves historical fiction and that the story was compelling. She loved the sense of jeopardy.
• Suzanne O’Sullivan was holding her breath due to the action and suspense.
• Donna Rawlins said that she loved historical fiction and joked that she would love to do the cover.

Jodie Wells - Slowgrove with ‘Two Islands.’ A picture book for 8+

• Maryann Ballantyne wanted to know more about the characters.
• Clare Hallifax said the story was a universal theme that conveyed an enormous amount in so few words (300.)
• Lisa Berryman’s brain was fizzing with illustration ideas.

Benjamin Johnston with ‘Shoes From Somewhere Else.’ A middle grade novel.

• Suzanne O’Sullivan said it was an intriguing mystery.
• Sue Whiting thought it was suitable for 8-12 year olds, not 10 to 14 as Ben had suggested. She loved the deeper meaning with lots of twists and turns.
• Clare Hallifax thought the fairytale type of story was very evocative.

Karen Collum with ‘Hatch.’ Dystopian, 500 word picture book for 6-10 year olds.

• Suzanne O’Sullivan said it was beautiful and that she had illustrations running through her head.
• Clare said it was very emotive and the themes were love and conquering fear.
• Sue Whiting wanted to know more about the characters fears and the world after the inciting event.

Gina Newton with ‘Tides of Orca.’ YA series and epic maritime adventure.

• Lisa Berryman said strong female characters are popular.
• Suzanne O’Sullivan said it was a complex story with strong characters and that she would be unlikely to sign up 5 books in one go but maybe 2 or 3.
• Maryanne Ballantyne said Gina did well trying to pitch 90,000 words in 3 mintues.

Dee White with ‘Beyond Belief.’ Historical fiction based on a true events for 10-14 year olds.

• Clare Hallifax said it was a beautiful pitch. She thought the story was gripping and timely and that she wanted Dee’s manuscript!!!
• Suzanne O’Sullivan said she loves reading about WW2 as the stakes don’t get any higher than that.

Jenny Blackford with ‘Dead Girl In The Mirror.’ MG for 10 to 12 year olds.

• Clare Hallifax loves a good ghost story.
• Lisa Berryman thought it felt more suitable as YA (Young Adult).
• Maryanne Ballantyne liked the fact it was a historical and ghost story all in one.

Anna Popova with ‘Button City.’

• Suzanne O’Sullivan said there was so much potential for secret hidden worlds and that it was lots of fun.
• Maryanne Ballantyne said she had extensive button tins and that it was an intriguing story.
• Donna Rawlins loves tiny people worlds.

This session was so fascinating. I could not write my notes fast enough to keep up with all the nuggets of great information being shared by the publishing panel. They were generous in their encouragement and constructive feedback. So to wrap this up, if you are considering entering a pitch, think about the following:

1. Give the genre (picture book, middle grade, young adult)
2. Word count
3. Age range
4. Theme (environmental, dystopian, adventure)
5. Tagline/pitch (your story in one sentence)
6. Consider the illustration potential
7. Research two comparables
8. Who is your main character and why should we as the reader be rooting for them.

Donna Rawlins, Maryann Ballantyne, Sue Whiting, Clare Hallifax, Suzanne O'Sullivan & Lisa Berryman - The Publishers Photo attributed to Oliver Phommavanh

The other exciting snippet of information is that the publishers when attending a conference like SCBWI Sydney, do pick up new talent.

Suzanne O’Sullivan signed up an illustrator for KIDLITVIC2016.Clare Hallifax signed up an illustrator from KIDLITVIC2016.

Maryanne Ballantyne discovered 2 authors from CYA and 2 illustrators from SCBWISydney 2016.

They are on the look out for new talent so give them your best effort and goodluck!

Ramona Davy Roving Reporter

#SCBWISyd