Rocking Rolling Riding - Sydney Conference Kicks Off

2019 Sydney Conference Superstar, Susanne Gervay described it as a BUZZ. Sydney Trains might remember it as something more chaotic but one thing is for certain, cram a bunch of excited children’s authors, illustrators, and publishers on a train bound for Beecroft and you’ve got a recipe for LOUD!

120 people: kids lit industry personnel, families and creators were drawn to Beecroft for this event

The Event: Celebrating Books with Paul McDonald at The Children’s Bookshop, Beecroft

The Creators:

• Christina Booth

• Amelia McInerney

• Meredith Costain

• Shelly Unwin

• Aura Parker

• Kelly Hibbert

• Aleesha Darlinson

• Caz Goodwin

• Dimity Powell

The Brief:

A speed launch of their latest work of art, aka children’s book. The variety and scope of topics was incredible, illustrating to the crowd of 120 just how diverse and awesome picture books and junior novels really are.

The hilarious, moving and insightful presentations were delivered with humility and humor and from a personal point of view, were a tremendous way of sharing the love of story with so many in such a brief but brilliant time. I found this experience immensely fulfilling, and enjoyed every second of it. What a privilege to be in the same room with so much talent.

Here are some of the highlights from the raucous trip in; the presenters; and the crowd!

We could have stayed in that bookshop all afternoon but of course, there was a Conference to attend.

Come back soon for the next exciting installment of Sydney 2019!

Rove ya later!

Dimity (Head Rover)

#SCBWISyd

www.dimitypowell

Images courtesy of RRer, Maria Parenti-Baldey and various kid lit sharers.

Behind the Scenes: Meet the Faculty Marjorie Crosby-Fairall

What better way to beat the summer heat than to settle back in your pool lounger and soak up some more cool behind the scenes snippets from our SCBWI team. Marjorie Crosby-Fairall is the Assistant Regional Adviser for AusNZ and one fine illustrator so strap on your swimming caps and welcome, Marjorie!

When Marjorie was a little girl she often escaped to the library, spending hours devouring picture books and minutely examining their illustrations. Consequently it was a surprise to no one that she decided to become an illustrator.

Marjorie has illustrated several children’s books and her magazine work includes The School Magazine and Australian Geographic. Her books appear on the Premier’s Reading Challenge lists and have been shortlisted and won awards, including the CBCA Eve Pownall Award for her first picture book.

Her picture books include Brothers from a Different Mother (Penguin Random House) and The Croc and the Platypus (Walker Books). She also has upcoming picture books with Susanne Gervay and Deborah Abela.

Released November 2016, One Christmas Eve (by Corinne Fenton for Black Dog Books an imprint of Walker Books) was the inspiration for the 2016 Meyer Christmas Windows in Melbourne.

Soak up more of Marjorie’s exquisite art here, www.crosby-fairall.com

Briefly state your conference role and conference responsibilities

I am the Assistant Regional Advisor Australia East & New Zealand which means I sort of run around behind Susanne—and along with the rest of the committee—try to put structure to all her irrepressible and enthusiastic ideas! As far as the Conference goes, my responsibilities include organising bookings, the website and general design.

Describe your most notable achievement or proudest moment in Kids’ Lit to date

There have been so many highlights but one that was certainly unique was illustrating One Christmas Eve by Corinne Fenton, which was the inspiration for the 2016 Meyer Christmas Windows in Melbourne. More recently, I’ve had the opportunity to illustrate upcoming picture books with both Susanne Gervay and Deborah Abela. What a treat it has been to collaborate with my friends!

What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?

So many! I had a wonderful and exhausting time at the Winter Conference in New York. And I’ve loved being able to meet the various SCBWI members who I’ve only previously known via email. But most of all I’ve enjoyed all the fun we have as a committee working to organise the Sydney Conference, culminating in that final sigh of relief when it’s all over and we can fall into an exhausted heap.

Name one thing you can’t live without

A good book.

Provide at least one Fun Fact from a SCBWI Conference you’ve attended or organised (anywhere in the world)

Four of my most recent book contracts came from a Portfolio review at the last Conference.

There’s more to come so come back again for another refreshing behind the scenes look. And remember…The 2019 Sydney Conference is ALMOST SOLD OUT!
Yes, that's right. The conference is ALMOST sold out. Here's what we have left:

• 5 conference tickets

• 5 dinner dance tickets (dinner is optional and not included in the conference ticket price)

• Due to popular demand, we have opened places in Zoe Walton's Masterclass. Please click here to book but be quick!

• 3 international manuscript critiques (all other critiques are sold out)

• a few places in Masterclasses with James Foley and Dianne Evans.

Hope on line now to secure your everything!

Rove ya later!

Dimity (Head Gardener)

www.dimitypowell.com

#SCBWISyd

Meet the Roving Reporters: Giuseppe Poli and Katrin Dreiling

It’s a beautiful time to be in the garden in SE Queensland. Meet two of our ‘homegrown’ - well we like to think of them that way - Queensland based gardeners today, aka our Roving Reporters. Both Giuseppe and Katrin have roved for us before and will be reporting in the style they know best - with fabulous illustrations! Raise your garden trowels for the inspiring:

Giuseppe Poli

My name is Giuseppe Poli. I’m a Brisbane based Children’s Picture Book Author Illustrator, and after four years in the children’s literature scene, I am currently illustrating my tenth picture book. In 2018 my Author Illustrator debut, Young MacDonald, was published by Yellow Brick Books and my wife, Katie Poli, and I also released our debut as a children’s picture book team, Marvellous Mummy, published by New Frontier Publishing in Australia and the UK. My eighth book, Invisible Jerry, written by Adam Wallace and published by EK Books is due out November 2018 in Australia and will be released into the UK and the US.

I have two goals - to be a prolific Children’s Picture Book Author Illustrator creating incredibly beautiful, wondrous and emotive Children’s Picture Books and to share what I learn about the creative process with others.

I look forward to sharing this marvellous journey with you.

Invisible Jerry comes out Nov 2018.

Is this your first SCWBI Conference? If not how many have you attended, where?

No. This will be my second. My first was Sydney 2016 - which was AWESOME!

What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?

I'd have to say being a Roving Report :-) and meeting some amazing people.

What endears you most about the Kids’ Literary Industry and your role in it?

I am a big believer in learning, growing and playing. It's just magical that we can create wonderful experiences for children and also challenge ourselves to become better. Our art form is as limitless as the stars above though in that great expanse, whilst our journeys may feel lonesome, the kid lit community is always there to support you, wrapping you up like a warm, loving hug from grandma. I love creating and I love sharing and helping others grow. I feel completely at home in this industry.

Name one thing you cannot live without.

Apart from my wife and family, the one thing I can't live without is creating. I get frustrated if it's been a while since I've made something.

Discover what Giuseppe is busy making at: www.giuseppepoli.com

Keep banging those gardening forks together for the irrepressible:

Katrin Dreiling

Katrin is Germany born and raised but moved to Australia with her husband and three children. Now she lives in a wooden house on stilts next to a creek filled with snakes, strange sounding birds and poisonous toads and keeps hoping to spot a Koala one day.

She is self-taught and creates quirky illustrations that feature different media, texture and techniques that children are familiar with and speak to them. Katrin’s first picture book has been awarded “Notable Book 2018” by the Children’s Book Council of Australia, short-listed for the 2018 Speech Pathology Australia Award and she also delivered illustrations for a highly successful video animation production on YouTube.

Katrin also teaches art to children and bribes them with lollies to clean up afterwards. Additionally she conducts workshops for both adults and children. In her free time Katrin enjoys walking her big Golden Retriever Loki who loves to eat and watch Marvel movies just as much as her.

Is this your first SCWBI Conference? If not how many have you attended, where?

It’s my second - I attended the SCBWI conference in Sydney 2 years ago.

What is the most memorable (SCBWI) Conference experience you’ve had to date, or hope to have?

I loved the community and am pretty sure it will be amazing again 😊

What endears you most about the Kids’ Literary Industry and your role in it?

Its creativity and caring.

Name one thing you cannot live without.

My morning coffee I think?

Soak up more of Katrin’s awesome artwork at: www.katrindreiling.com

Keep your brollies handy because we have a barrow-load more fun and fascinating reporters for you to meet. Till then,

Rove ya later!

Dimity - Head Gardener

www.dimitypowell.com

#SCBWISyd

Artwork courtesy of Tania McCartney