I have written about several of my recent experiences attending various SCBWI writing conferences. In Philadelphia and Maryland. And conferences are wonderful. But it isn't always feasible to attend.
First, there is the issue of cost and time to travel and stay in hotels in addition to the cost of the sessions themselves. And maybe it's only me, but I find if there is only one weekend in a month that I have prior commitments booked, that's the weekend a conference is offered. Finally, conferences are firecrackers--the experience is an explosion of information and delight, but over too soon.
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| Yeah, I earned it! |
So last month I was trying to decide what to do. I wanted the inspiration of a conference with the flexibility to fit my own time schedule. And I was looking for a writing experience that lasted longer than a weekend fling.
That's when I saw the post about The Picture Book Academy's online course.
For the past six weeks I've been a student at Dr. Mira Reisberg's Picture Book Academy--a mix of writers at various stages of their writing careers exploring children's picture book writing together through daily online "lectures," critique groups and conference calls (with calls recorded for students that couldn't access them in real time). Mira's passion for the subject was palpable, and her record of successes with previous students an inspiration.
Sharing some of her picture book favorites, Mira's "Monday's with Mira" Youtube videos were previously undiscovered gems. And the video clip of "the Revisionaries" critique group spoke to the need to continue the exchange of ideas and critiques throughout a successful career. I came away with a renewed sense of focus and a conviction that it isn't enough to write good picture books--children deserve great picture books and it is up to writers to rise to the challenge. And if Mira reads this, yes, I know I need to update my website. I promise, it's on "the list!" I'd share a copy of the adorable art on my graduation certificate if I could figure out how...
Seriously, thanks, Mira.
