Book Writers and Illustrators at the School Library Conference

I love conferences! Particularly bookish ones. Even ones that seem determined to flood the world with acronyms. How’s this? SCBWI (Aus East) presented two sessions at the National ASLA Conference that was held at the end of May, 2025 at the AFL’s GMHBA Stadium in Geelong!

Let’s try that again:

The Australia East chapter of the (International) Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators presented two sessions at the Australian School Library Association’s National Conference, held at the end of May, 2025, at the Geelong Medical and Hospital Benefits Association-sponsored Australian Football League ground in Geelong.

Phew! Perhaps the acronyms do help. I could have added more detail (like the grounds once hosted a zoo) but I’m trying to stay on task.

Anyhoo, back to the ‘what happened’ bit.

SCBWI is an organisation that supports and promotes writers and illustrators of works for children and young people. Head office is in the USA but there are chapters all over the world. I’ve been a member for many years and have loved being part of conferences and other networking events.

We (me and 8 others) were offered a place on the program: 2 x 90 min sessions where we talk about how we work and also how our work can support direct classroom/library exercises for students. Have you already done the maths? 9 speakers. 90 min. Divide those nine speakers under three headings (Super Storytellers, Remarkable Researchers and Vibrant Visual Narratives) and allow 5 min question time after each section. Allowing for (speedy) transitions and we each had eight minutes to introduce ourselves, our work, our topic.

As the header says, Speed-dating.

It was fabulous. It was frantic. It was so good to be part of. And we got to do it twice. Not only did we get to speak to a room of wonderful librarians, but we also had the opportunity to hear peers talk about how they work. That seldom happens because if you are speaking at a conference with other creators, they’re usually speaking somewhere nearby, at the same or overlapping time. And if you’re at a school festival, even more so. Less so. Did that even make sense? Suffice to say, that’s it’s fascinating to hear others talk about their process, because even though we are in the same business, we all work differently.

The responses from the audience suggested that they, also, like to hear about the different ways book-makers (not bookmakers!) make books. Given they are also in the business of bringing books to readers in a wide variety of ways, the more we can support each other the better.

A flyer from the conference with links to all these fabulous creators has been produced. Take a look at this talent! Download the Flyer here

Conferences have become less common in these post-covid days (and for other reasons), and gosh I miss them. There’s nothing like casual conversations with your peers about the work that we all do. Okay, and the dinners. And seeing other places. The programs are always amazing, and informative and thought-provoking and encourage better writing.

Bring back conferences, I say. Can’t wait for the next one.

Oh, wait.

There’s a SCBWI Professional Day coming up in July 2025 in Melbourne. And a fabulous beachside inaugural event in Torquay in October 2025.

Bring them on!