About Kid Lit Vic conference, and more ...
Stepping out of my comfort zone
Contents
Warami! (Hello! in Dharug)
What I’m working on
KidLit Australia
Book reviews
Critique giveaway
Yanu (bye in Dharug)
1. Warami! (Hello! in Dharug)
I am SO slow when it comes to recovery and recap after a big social event. I feel like I’m still trying to find my way after a big weekend in Melbourne for the Kid Lit Vic conference. Honestly, I think I’m still trying to find my way to some kind of a groove this year … and we’re almost halfway through! Sorry for the horror of that realisation if you’re not there already.
That’s not to say that I haven’t been having an incredible year so far. Perhaps it’s all the wonderful, busy things that keep me from staying on top of all the other life things.
But back to Kid Lit Vic. It was such an amazing experience and something that is so far from my comfort zone, but at the same time not. What does that even mean? Well, since I’ve been connecting with more kidlit people in various online groups, I’ve become braver. I think it’s because I do feel (kind of) comfortable in this world of kidlit in a way that I haven’t felt comfortable or at ease in other ‘worlds’. And maybe it’s also to do with getting older and being a parent, too, where I get to see my kids being brave on the regular.
My 6-year-old just starting catching the bus home from school, and though she didn’t have the best experience the first two days, she’s come up with workarounds and ways to get back on the bus. She’s faced her nerves and anxiety, been upset, but gotten back on the bus again. Is it weird to want to be just like my 6-year-old?
Putting myself out there to attend an event all on my own where I’d be talking to complete strangers is not my usual jam. But, I took some inspiration from my kids, put my big girl conference outfit on and walked right on into Melbourne Town Hall to soak up everything I could about writing children’s books from industry professionals and fellow authors and illustrators.
I am so glad I did because the whole day was fabulous. I watched Jaye Chin-Dusting’s keynote address, which was highly entertaining, attended an illustration workshop with Donna Rawlins, watched two panels (Fly on the Wall: What goes on in an acquisitions meeting and Voice: publishing landscape), caught up with my literary agent Annabel Barker (yes, that’s right, I now have a lit agent! You can see my Instagram post about it here) and an online kidlit friend, as well as chatting to some new friends.
For my first ever conference, it was a huge success. A big part of that was being surrounded by likeminded people, but it was also because the information being shared was fresh and current.
During the acquisitions panel, I learned about how all the different teams come together to discuss whether a manuscript will be acquired. I did already know a little about this process, but not so much about what each team brings to the table to sway the other teams (this might be a post for another day). There was also very honest discussion about advances and the range of amounts (generally) in different categories (another post for another day if people are interested in more detail and specifics).
The voice panel also included fresh takes in the world of publishing. There was discussion around own voices and what that means for authors wanting to write diverse characters. This is such a complex topic, but the biggest takeaway and piece of advice is that if you’re wanting to write a diverse character when you do not also share that diversity, you need to ask yourself: ‘why do I want to write this character?’ A great approach and one that I think is incredibly useful if you’re feeling unsure about whether to write a particular character.
I have my own thoughts to add on voice and writing authentic characters, which is more along the lines of the kinds of characters and stories that you CAN write (again, this is a post for another day).
2. What I’m working on
As for what’s keeping me so busy, I’ve been editing and proofreading multiple projects with the publisher Thames & Hudson, one of which is the latest book in the First Knowledges series LAW: THE WAY OF THE ANCESTORS by Marcia Langton and Aaron Corn.
There will be more to come, including some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s titles and a Sydney Opera House book. I’m excited to see all these books come to life.
I’ve also worked on a couple of fantasy stories with some amazing authors. These are stories that left me captivated and in awe of the authors’ writing and storytelling abilities. I am still cheering on these authors as they take next steps towards being published authors.
In addition to my editing projects, I’ve been working on illustrations for one of my picture books while my agent is patiently waiting for me so we can start sending out my work. I wish it wasn’t taking me so long, but juggling work and children and all the things is A LOT. So I need to be content with the steps I’m taking, no matter how small they seem.
3. KidLit Australia
I’m a member of a few different writing Discord servers, which I’ve found to be wonderful for connecting with community and finding and sharing information about writing and publishing.
But I felt like there wasn’t enough information or discussion among the children’s writing community in Australia (that I could easily access), so I created a new Discord server for KidLit writers/authors/illustrators in or from Australia. The aim is to chat and share specifics around agents, publishers, advances, royalties, marketing, events, opportunities, and so on.
We’ve got around 20 members so far and welcome new members. Click here to join.
4. Book reviews
Check out my reviews for two amazing picture books I read last year. I was lucky enough to receive ARCs for these wonderful books.
Luna’s Green Pet written by Kirsten Pendreigh and illustrated by Carmen Mok
Whatever Comes Tomorrow written by Rebecca Gardyn Levington and illustrated by Mariona Cabassa
5. Critique giveaway
To celebrate my return to Substack after a break, I’m giving away a critique/edit of up to 2000 words, which can be either:
A picture book manuscript/s (can be fiction or non-fiction)
An article/blog post
Short story
Partial from a novel
To go in the running just reply to this email stating that you’d like to enter the giveaway. It’s that easy!
6. Yanu (bye in Dharug)
That’s all for now, mittigar (friend in Dharug).
Budyari writing! (good in Dharug)
I acknowledge the Darkinyung people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I live and work, and I pay my respects to the Elders past and present.