SCBWI events, authors and fleeting magical moments

August 6, 2024 — Last Friday, I attended a Northville event called Buy Michigan Now where many different Michigan-based vendors sold local goods. 

I’m a member of a great international/national organization called the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and participated as part of their Michigan group. Five authors shared the SCBWI-Michigan table. The event ran for three days and different authors signed up each day. I was there with Cathy Collison, Shutta Crum, Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw and Heidi Woodward Sheffield. It was a special treat for me to hear some behind the scenes stories about their books, things like who the story is based on or how illustrations went wrong and were fixed (or not). I learned a thing or two about the business. Such as, if I get invited to do classroom visits or an assembly, that the protocol is to charge a fee. Otherwise, it undercuts authors who make their living through their books. But, I was pleased to hear that not charging for something like a literacy night or career day is fine (because I didn’t charge when I did these). How much to charge depends on how many books you have published, your experience, that kind of thing. 

I was fortunate to share a table with Shutta and a lovely selection of her books. Probably 20ish years ago, I met Shutta at the Ann Arbor District Library, where she was a librarian for many years. I think I’d read about her being a children’s book author somewhere, probably in the Ann Arbor News, and set out to meet her and introduce myself. If my memory serves me, she agreed to read one of my picture book manuscripts and emailed me some tips and encouragement that meant so much to me. Chatting with Shutta made the entire event worth it for me, as well as meeting the other authors and hearing some of their stories. 

They’ve authored wonderful books that I’d highly recommend you check out. I bought two hardcover picture books, one for myself, and another I had the author sign to a grandniece for a gift (I was tempted to keep it for myself but it’s even better to give special things away!) Even if you have grown children, or no children, there’s a child in each of us and also — gifts to buy. I’ll spotlight a few of their books here in the spirit of authors helping each other. Under our shared tent, in addition to our own books, we promoted each other’s books to the attendees. 

For authors with many books published, I’ll highlight one and link to their websites. 

Cathy Collison and Janis Campbell wrote Meet the Pets: From alligator to zebra (no joke!), this charming rhyming book introduces children to a number of presidents and their pets who made news through the years. Interesting for all ages, including adults. A special shout out to Cathy for snapping the lovely photo at the top of the page!

Shutta Crum is the author of 21 traditionally published books for young readers (from babies to teens) and poetry for adults. I’m adding several of her books to my purchase/read soon list. I bought Thunder Boomer! at the event because it is absolutely adorable, cozy and made me feel happy. The writing and illustrations are a darling and beautiful match. And there’s a sweet surprise ending! Hot tip from the author, be sure to look at the illustrations from the time you open the cover. The story begins there. (See, this is what I mean about getting the inside scoop straight from the author!) 

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw writes non-fiction for children and is the SCBWI-Michigan event coordinator. She has two published books with a third due out in November available for pre-order now: The Super Volcano: A Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park. The book summary says, “In a wonder-filled trip through an iconic destination, discover the spectacular powers of the supervolcano hidden below the ground. WHOOSH! SIZZLE! BLORP! Visit the volcano’s exploding geysers, boiling mud pots, and much more.

“But what does a hero do best? Help others! … Learn how its superpowers support a thriving ecosystem, helping feed and protect the unique wildlife year after year.” 

Heidi Woodward Sheffield is an author and illustrator. I LOVE her illustration style and I’ll bet you will too. I bought a book she illustrated called Are Your Stars Like My Stars? written by Leslie Helakoski. The story celebrates the differences that make us unique and highlights the shared experiences that unite us all. She uses collage in her art with a stunning and original effect. Readers of many different races and ethnicities will see themselves reflected in her books’ adorable illustrations. One of the books she wrote and illustrated, Ice Cream Face, is also extremely cute!

I brought How Happy Is a Lark? to the event. I was happy to hear positive feedback about my book from the authors, about the clever concept, they loved the colors and commented or laughed about some of the particular little stories within. Shutta thought that English teachers would appreciate my book. I only sold two that evening (Shutta helped me make one of my sales!) but the experience was definitely worthwhile. 

I want to give a BIG LOUD SHOUT OUT to my friend, Nancie Janitz, who saved the day when she brought me a folding camp chair! Thanks a gazillion again, Nancie! I forgot to bring my own, which the email told us to do. I was watching a virtual conference, I’ll write about that next, and had to leave for Northville, so I wasn’t as prepared as I could have been. Nancie lives nearby and from the time I texted her, she sent me the GIF of Mrs. Doubtfire saying “Help is on the way, dearie!” What a gift to have such good friends! 

Last weekend, I watched the SCBWI Summer Virtual Conference. I just noticed that  registration is open until August 31, which allows you to watch any/all of the breakout sessions and keynote talks. Whether you’re interested in children’s book writing and/or illustration and just starting out or continuing your journey, this is an exceptional organization to assist you along the way. I’ll definitely go back in and take in some more content, but what I’ve seen so far has been enlightening and inspiring. A few of the sessions I watched were Writing Rhythm and Rhyme: An Intuitive Process for Penning Lyrical Picture Books with Tameka Fryer Brown, How to Strategically Craft Reels to Promote Your Book with Erin Lee and a moving and heartfelt keynote address by Kate DiCamillo. These were live events where we were able to submit questions. 

Recently, I received a notification from Facebook Messenger that someone wanted to message me. It’s often spam but I took a look and as I started reading, I saw that it was about a group of Mamas for Kamala having a silent auction to raise funds and build community. So, like so many other messages that I’m sure we’re all getting lately, I expected it to request a donation. Well, it did, but not in the way I thought. She asked if I’d donate a signed copy of my book. That was a pleasant surprise!

Speaking of pleasant surprises, on the way home from the post office today, a large doe bounded across the road in front of my car. It was far enough away that I wasn’t afraid I’d hit it. I was able to slow down and watch the creature in all its beauty as it leapt over the road and into the corn field, high stepping above and bouncing through the stalks. I made sure to watch out for more deer following. 

The reason I was at the post office was that friends of ours, Mark and Cheryl Denny, purchased a few books for me to sign for their granddaughter’s sixth birthday, and their grandniece and nephew (for Christmas). I really appreciate their support.  

Back to the deer who appeared unexpectedly — and oh. so. beautifully. This reminded me, in a way, of the appearance of a hummingbird that we saw yesterday while sitting on our back patio for breakfast. There and gone. In a luminescent green flash. Just a few heartbeats. These happenings sometimes seem almost unreal. I think we have to keep our senses open to these fleeting brushes with magic or we just might miss them. I believe that compassionate hearts, open minds and attuned senses are cornerstones for deeply enjoying a full and rich life. 

Images: top Gail Kuhnlein and Shutta Crum. Credit: Cathy Collison.