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SCBWI -conference goodies:

10/3/2017

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     This September I was blessed to attend the SCBWI -Northern Ohio Conference, ​"Blazing a trail."  It takes a ton of work to put a conference together.
So I'd like to give a shout out to our fab Regional Advisor Mike DeSantis, Assistant R.A. Lisa Amstutz,  I.C. Sophie Cayless, and other amazing Ohio folk who worked to make this event a success.
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Mike DeSantis, and co.
      In Linda Sue Park's opening keynote, she encouraged us to "write the story only you can write." 
​
 She also reminded us that it takes a team to produce a book. "Try your editor's suggestions, but don't put the kitchen sink in your book to please people. At the end of the day, it's YOUR story."
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    Inspiration was bouncing off the walls.  And I can't possibly squeeze it all into this dinky blog. but here are some choice bits to chew on...

     From Viking editor Nancy Brennan's breakout session 
      "The Picture Book Puzzle":
  •  It takes roughly six months to get from thumbnail sketches to final art.
  • When submitting a picture book, don't come in with the idea that your book is finished.
  • Book covers are some of the hardest things to design. They're like little billboards
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Portfolio showcase - Northern Ohio SCBWI
  In Debbie Ridpath Ohi's breakout session on insider illustrator tips...
  • Explore different visual solutions before illustrating a text.
  • Show characters in a sequence of illustrations.
  • When coming up with a time estimate for illustration, take into consideration outside factors you can't control:(          
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The ever enthusiastic Debbie Ohi.

     I had the privilege of meeting Debbie in person for a portfolio critique. She was so helpful and kind. Thank you, Debbie:) 

    Author Tricia Springstubb taught us that children's books should be both windows AND mirrors. 
 
     Sterling editor Brett Duquette had the midday address:
     "Acquisitions to Publication"-
     
  •    In spite of today's politically charged climate, not every children's book NEEDS to be political. Kids need fun books too.
  • Everyone in publishing wants everyone else in publishing to succeed.​
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Mr. Brett Duquette - at Northern Ohio SCBWI

     Author/editor Jill Santopolo had the closing address. 
   She related the heart-crushing story of how her book The Light we Lost came to be. 
  Then she asked us..."Does YOUR book reflect who you are?"
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Agent Jennifer Wills, Author Linda Sue Park, and Author/editor Jill Santopolo at Northern Ohio SCBWI
     Moving forward, I'm attempting to put into practice much of what I learned. 
​      I'll close with my favorite quote from the conference...

      "Remember, you'll never love a book the way you loved it as a child."
                                                                                - Linda Sue Park

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    Author:

     Greetings!
    I'm N. Alison Colle, owner of Talking Donkey Studio.
    ​
    I write and illustrate picture books, chapter books, and have a graphic novel in the works. 
    ​God is my enabler, any talent I have comes from Him.


    You'll find my Portfolio at...
    http://www.
    talkingdonkeystudio.com

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