It takes a village…
The thing I love about being part of SCBWI (Vic) is the support of fellow creationists who share and care and encourage each other. So standing up to speak in front of a large group of them last Saturday to share my Varuna Fellowship experience was a real pleasure, actually fun, and not at all fearful. Though I do recall that six years ago, as a relative newcomer, I was knock-knee terrified when I stood up in front of a similar group of SCBWI fellows to share my writing journey to that date.
I’m sure that becoming more confident in my writing, and more a part of the SCBWI community over the years since, (including more recently as assistant to SCBWI Vic ARA, Caz Goodwin) helped any likely nerves immensely, not to mention seeing so many familiar faces, and lots of new ones too, in the audience.
Having such a wonderful subject as Varuna meant I had plenty of fuel to speak of, but I always think the best industry talks are those where the audience come away with some little insight or new aspect to explore for themselves beyond the speaker’s experience.
I was fortunate at Varuna to have a chance to chat with CEO Jansis O’Hanlon, who generously shared her insights into the application process and criteria and, from some of the keen scribbling during my talk, I was happy to see that some of Saturday’s meeting attendees seemed to find her nuggets the same gold I did.
My fellow speakers made the day too: Prolific, award winning author Sherryl Clark speaking about her hybrid/self publishing experience producing an Australian version of her (U.S. published) YA novel Dying to tell me, a fast-paced mystery now on my TO READ pile. And the very delightful Susannah Chambers, Commissioning Editor for Children’s Books, from Allen and Unwin sharing her insights into the U.S. YA publishing scene, research gleaned through her recent Beatrice Davis Editorial Fellowship.
A great afternoon in every way, organised by our lovely ARA Caz Goodwin, topped off by wonderful social chit chat time, aka afternoon tea, and the chance to catch up with both some old and new faces.
Maybe it takes a village to raise a writer too!
Grateful appreciation to Jansis O’Hanlon, Varuna CEO, for generously sharing her time, insights and advice for SCBWI Vic Varuna applicants.
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Categories: SCBWI The Writing Life Varuna Fellowship
Leisl Leighton
So glad you had such a lovely time. You certainly have lots to talk about and lots of experience to pull from. I can’t wait to hear more.
christinemareebell
Thanks, Leisl. It was a great afternoon. Can’t wait to share it with you Monday. 🙂
Chris
Ann Dawson
Chris, sounds as though your speech went down a treat, so pleased to hear you had a great afternoon. Thanks for letting us hear the trial run.
christinemareebell
It was great to have a captive audience to practise on. Thank you to you and Robert. And it was indeed a fabulous afternoon. 🙂
Chris
Ann Dawson
PS. Love the picture
christinemareebell
P.S. Aw, thanks! xx
Corinne Fenton
I’m pleased it was such a positive experience for you Chris and so wonderful to share such important information. It sounds like it was a great meeting too – about the first one I’ve missed in 8 years or so.
christinemareebell
You were missed, Corinne, but it was a wonderful meeting in all other regards. I think we’ll let you off the hook this time. 🙂
xx C
1caz
I agree, Chris. I’m sure it takes a village to raise a writer, and in my experience, SCBWI is a big part of that village. Congratulations and thank you for your talk on Saturday – informative, interesting and very entertaining.
Caz
christinemareebell
Thanks, Caz, and for all your support and encouraging me to talk. I’m still delighted it was so well received.
Chris
Cecilia
It was a lovely afternoon and I am so glad you shared about your Varuna experience Chris because I am going to try for it. Thank you for speaking and sharing the information. That was my first SCBWI event and you all made it a wonderful experience for me. Thank you
christinemareebell
Hi Cecilia. Welcome to SCBWI. It was wonderful to meet you. I know you’ll get so much out of the SCBWI community, especially the more of us you get to know. So glad you enjoyed the meeting and feel encouraged to try for a place at Varuna. Go for it. Varuna offer so many opportunities and each is a fantastic experience. Plus a great boost progress-wise and excellent to add to your resume.
Best wishes, Chris.