Thursday, January 19, 2012

2012 NESCBWI Conference

If you're going to be in the New England area in April, you should definitely consider registering for the New England SCBWI Conference from April 20-22.

I attended my first regional conference in April 2007. I was an extreme newbie. Nervous. I was sure I was a poser, and that everyone else knew more than me. Keep in mind, at the time I had been a director of a department at a major American university, had supervised professional level staff, had coordinated a regional conference (for a different organization). In short, I was a grown up. I knew stuff.

But the writing thing was new.

The people of NESCBWI are awesome. No one ever made me feel "less than." I immediately felt part of something. Something cool.

Flash forward five years. I've been a volunteer since 2008. Getting involved as a volunteer is a great way to feel a part of something, network, and make friends. This year, I'm organizing the Special Interest Groups and the Submissions Strategy Consultations.

And for the first time, this year, I'm faculty. I have the extreme honor to be on an Author/Agent panel with my agent Vickie Motter, as well as Kate Messner and her agent Jennifer Laughran, and Christine Brodien-Jones and her agent Stephen Fraser. If I squee a little, you'll know why. ::pinch me::

It's going to be an awesome conference. Registration opens on Monday, January 23. Hope to see you there!

6 comments:

Theresa Milstein said...

I saw you were listed on the agent panel. Congratulations!

My first conference was 2007 too. I only went for a day. Since 2008 I've been going the whole weekend. This will be my 3rd or 4th year to volunteer.

I'd better look at the schedule and pick my workshops!

Laura Pauling said...

Can't wait to sit in on your panel! yay. I'm squeeing with you! And I have registration marked on my calendar!

Ansha Kotyk said...

I'm totally going to be there. Wouldn't miss it. It's where I met you Kris!! :) Remember me being all preggy? Those folding chairs were murder! But you didn't have any problem sitting next to fidgety ol' me. Can't wait for this year!

Shoshana said...

This year's conference looks really cool. I'm really hoping to get into the Novel Academy!

Kristine Asselin said...

Theresa--Me too!

Laura--Having you there will make me less nervous!

Ansha--I totally remember! You were adorable!

Shoshana--Hope to meet you! I'm also hoping to be in the novel Academy. I'm polishing up a middle grade for it.

Heather Kelly said...

YAY! I'm all registered, and have a hotel room. BRING IT.