I have just spent the weekend in Winchester with amazing writers, publishers and agents from all over the British Isles and beyond. A host of events ranging from listening to the insights of the literary world from a well-heeled panel of geniuses to the merits of Sally Gardner’s murderous plans for Janet and John and not forgetting the re-creation of The Gingerbread Man, Melvin Burgess-style.
All the events were produced and chaired by the wonderful volunteers from SCBWI (the Society of Children’s Book Writers and illustrators) – wonderful authors who gave up their time to help out and create an amazing island of calm.
Wandering around the campus of Winchester University, I walked alongside many household names. They made my head spin in delirious awe as I was surrounded by the writers that adorn my book shelves at home and keep me up into the wee small hours as I read just ‘one more page’. I gasped. I also really tried not to point as I saw my heroes in the breakfast queue or sipping coffee in relative peace. I am hopeful they were immune to my peering at them over my itinerary.
So, three words to say how you feel? Three words that can make or break your day? The endless list of three words that will stay with you forever, a short sentence that you never forget…what would your three words be?
I love you – probably the first one that comes to mind but for me this is reserved for my very tolerant husband and mad children.
It doesn’t fit – yes, a saying I use often when I realise yet again that I am not 18 any more and my body shape has changed since having the kids. Sigh. *eats chocolate, feels better*
Show not tell – a writers motto if ever there was one.
In a minute – a mantra that seems to flow from me far too often. My to-do list is now an impressive mosaic of post-it notes pinned to my den walls, I might re-arrange them into the shape of Marilyn Monroe. Perhaps I just need to get on with it.
Who are you? – I have no idea. Please let me know.
The three words I have come to love from this weekend are simple. They don’t make a fuss or cause a scene. They don’t pick their nose and eat it in public. They don’t fall asleep on the bus and miss their stop. No. They just quietly exude hope and the collective knowledge of friendship that sits rumbling in us all just waiting for the right moment to come out and play.
Keep In Touch.
Nice one! And thanks to Facebook we certainly will!
I watched the award video again last night and I was blubbering like a baby and then laughing through my tears at the wonderful Anita. Your enthusiasm and commitment to everything you do is infectious. Congratulations again, Candy.
Beautifully written, Sarah. I hope to meet you at next year’s Conference!
I can’t wait to return. It was such a wonderful experience. I’ll see you there!
Absolutement! How could we refuse after such a smile-inducing post. It was really fab to meet you Sarah, and a right laugh too. Here’s to the next time. Cheers, Nancy
Thanks Nancy. Just give me a shout about Words & Pictures – more than happy to help!
That must have been an amazing weekend Sarah. I envy you.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
You must join SCBWI and come along. The Welsh contingency needs you David and there is plenty of tea and cake!
…great piece. m’Lady 🙂
Thank you very much Seumas!
Yay for you, Sarah. I’ve been to those conferences for ten years now. And I think that this one was the friendliest of all and I’m still buzzing from that. What a lovely post. Keep in touch… x
Thanks Clare. From the crit evening to the halloween book launch – amazing!
Nice post, Sarah! 🙂
Thanks Colleen! It was lovely to meet you.