Southern Breeze-SCBWI | Cathy C. Hall Writes

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With pal and agent, Sally Apokedak at SM’17

Remember when I said I’d tell you all about Springmingle’17? And then really, I just told you about Patricia MacLachlan and Jacquelyn Mitchard and Cathy-on-a-Stick?

Well, today I’m going to deliver on that promise and tell you about the doings at the conference. Except I’m afraid I’m still going to direct you to another spot to get all–well, some; okay, just a few–of the details.

See, writer friend Sherri Rivers who’s over at GROG, a group blog made up of a lot of kidlit writers, asked if I’d share about the conference and of course I said sure. And then she asked a lot of questions about the conference and at that point, I ran into a bit of a sticky wicket. Because a. I am the worst at taking notes at conferences; I always assume I’ll remember stuff–and lots of times I do. But b. this was not one of those times.

This was the time I attended a conference with a very bad, no good, horrible cold. And so I was there, but perhaps I was not all there, if you know what I mean. Even so, I remembered the keynotes and honestly, despite my very bad, no good, horrible cold, this was one of my most favorite Springmingles! Because even with a very bad, no good, horrible cold, I came away buzzing with eagerness to write, and maybe even a little joy blossoming in my soul again.

So I hope you’ll zip over to GROG–it’s an excellent blog with tons of great writing information so join in that fun!–and read “Flying High with SCBWI Southern Breeze.”

And now that the very bad, no good, horrible cold is gone, I have some writing to do. Hope this spring is busting out with all kinds of words for you, too!

Southern Breeze SCBWI Writing and Illustrating for Kids is right around the corner (October 12th, since you asked), and I’m pretty darn excited about the faculty and workshops they’re offering!

And I’m pretty darn excited that agent Jennifer Rofé, from Andrea Brown Literary Agency, is here today to share writing insights, wisdom, tips—well, it’s just a smorgasbord of writing stuff. Not all her writing stuff—you’ll have to join us at the swell conference for that—but I’ll bet it’s enough to hook you!

Jennifer, I see where you’re open to projects from picture books to Young Adult, but that Middle Grade is your soft spot. What is it about Middle Grade that especially hooks you?

Aside from the expected hurdles, I mostly enjoyed my middle school years; I recall having a pretty fun time. I later went on to teach 8th grade for a handful of years in my 20s. I haven’t yet bothered to pinpoint why this is, but there’s something about this time in life that I understand and connect with. As for what specifically hooks me — that twilight moment of the pre-teen and early teen years; being just on the verge of self-realizations and life-truths. Also, there’s more room in middle grade for outrageous and funny and zany. I like that.

Check out the speaker bio here (and Jennifer’s agency bio here) to find out more about what in a manuscript is a wow! for her. And now we have to know what makes Jennifer wince. What, in a query and/or a manuscript, just makes you cringe?

Here are some query faux-pas that make me cringe:

* Misspelling or not including my name.

* Queries for materials that, per my bio (and online interviews), I am not interested in.

* Beginning a query with a question, like “Have you ever wondered…?” or “What would you do if….?”

And the biggest cringe for me:

* Writers “educating” agents on the current market. For instance, “Books about bullying are currently popular” or “The market for paranormal romance has cooled off.” It’s not necessary to do this in a query.

I always include that I’m a member of SCBWI when I query. Do you think that makes a difference to an agent? And if so, why?

It does make a difference to me because, namely, it shows that you’re invested in the industry that you want to be a part of. Also, members have typically attended conferences, so they generally have more knowledge about the industry than those who aren’t members or don’t attend industry conferences.

Are you a member of SCBWI, too? And what has the experience meant to you?

I am a member, yes. I don’t know how to say more other than I love SCBWI. I love the community it creates, I love the educational opportunities it offers to writers and illustrators, I love the connections it encourages and fosters between writers/illustrators and industry professionals, and I love the children’s lit family I have because of SCBWI. Our community is blessed to have this organization.

Jennifer will be presenting two, two-part workshops at WIK: The “So What” Factor, examining plots of successful books, and “Ten Things Nobody Tells You About Publishing” (and thanks so much for telling us!). So maybe you could give us a peek at one of those things we should know? Or maybe share a “So What?” insight?

I’m not sure where in the #1-10 spectrum this one will fall – it might even be #11 – but how about this:

Your second contracted book — it might be one of the hardest ones you ever write. Try not to sweat the angst too much; you are in good company.

Thanks, Jennifer! And thanks so much for stopping by! I can’t wait to see you at WIK—and hear more about those ten things I absolutely need to know. Unless you want to expound a little bit more now? Maybe? No?

Jennifer?

WIK is a great place to get inspired, get tips on your craft, and learn about the business of children’s publishing. It’s also an opportunity to meet editors, agents, and an incredibly supportive network of working writers and artists. This annual conference is hosted by the Southern Breeze region of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). To find out more or to register, visit https://southern-breeze.net/

And for interviews from more presenters at WIK’13, check out the schedule I posted here. But honestly, I think it’s MUCH more fun to check out the presenters up close and personal! (Early registration continues through September 10th, and it’s not too late to register for a manuscript critique as well! Hope to see you at WIK’13!)