The SCBWI far north Queensland Chapter attended the Cairns Tropical Writers Festival, 8–10 March.
Alison Stegert (SCBWI Queensland Coordinator) was also a guest at the festival. She travelled north to spend time with SCBWI FNQ members, attend events and present two workshops. Jacque Duffy also presented a workshop.
The group panel presentation was: Hidden Layers – Exploring the serendipity within children's literature, a conversation with local children's authors presented by Diane Finlay, SCBWI FNQ Coordinator.
The panel members discussed audiences and children they never expected their book to appeal to and the form that appeal took.
As writers we never see the "wholeness" of our books. We think we know who our audience is but then are surprised – even blown away – by the reception from a most unlikely readership, where the story has touched in a way that we the creator had never imagined.
The presentation was revealing, funny, poignant and had excellent participation from a really engaged audience. We were very happy with our presentation and keen to follow on from our 2023 and 2024 successes into 2025.
Panel members were: Alison Stegert, Ann Harth, Jacque Duffy, Rebecca Ralfe, Celia Berrell
Reported by Diane Finlay, SCBWI FNQ Coordinator.