Staying connected

In keeping with the theme of my last post, I thought I would share a couple of the ways children's writers can stay connected. Many of you probably know these already, but some of you may not, and sometimes we need to be reminded, as I did this morning.

Last night I finally signed myself up for the message boards for our upcoming workshop at Chautauqua. There hasn't been a whole lot of activity there yet, which is okay. No one likes to be the first kid to jump in the pool. Well, except Sarah, and she was in fact the first one in besides the workshop staff. Go Sarah!

I spoke with our local SCBWI coordinator Anne Marie Pace this morning. She reminded me that people on Verla Kay's blueboard are active posters of all things kidlit, and I should look there to find more workshop attendees. She was right! I haven't been a participant on the blueboard so far, and I tend to only check the SCBWI boards if I'm looking for specific information, but both are tremendous resources for information and connecting with other writers.

I should mention that you do need to be a member of SCBWI to access the discussion boards. It is well worth the money, though, because you receive information about conferences and events in your area as well as the national ones, and you often get a discounted rate at events if you are a member. And you get the bi-monthly SCBWI Bulletin magazine, which is full of good information. Verla Kay doesn't require a paid membership, but you do need to set up an account.

For any of you who are still looking for critique partners, I'd check the boards. You may be able to find folks in your area, but you may also find some online partners, which may work just as well for you.

Happy connecting!