Thank you, Lisa, for being the first to submit your Hello story! Each time I read it, it feels like a warm fuzzy! (Yes, going retro on you, but it fits!)
Stay tuned for our next Hello and the story behind the story!
--Isabel
Estrada O’Hagin, SCBWI-MI Outreach Coordinator
It Started with Hello
Back in the summer of 1997--when dinosaurs roamed the earth--I went online. The first thing I did was look for My People. Typing the words 'children's writers' into the search engine brought forth a beautiful yellow message board (Anyone remember those?) for children's authors and illustrators. I started reading and fell down the rabbit hole. I was closer than ever to finding My People.
A week later, a message on the board said something like: If you live in SE Michigan you are invited to the SCBWI Schmooze!
I wrote to
the poster immediately.
What's
SCBWI?
What's a
schmooze?
Can I come if I haven't sold a book yet?
The answers
came back swiftly and that Sunday, I drove to the house of our very own Kathie
Allen in Beverly Hills, MI. I walked in the door and knew, without a doubt, I
had found them--My People!
So to all of you newbies who are reading this, "Hello! Come on in and meet Your People!"
Submitted by Lisa Wheeler
Instagram: @littlelisais6
Twitter: @lisawheelerbook
Facebook: Lisa Wheeler Children's Books
I'm so glad you found SCBWI because that's how I found YOU! Thanks for sharing, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteOf course, Vicky! I've met you and so many other wonderful friends through SCBWI-MI.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and welcoming, "Hello," Lisa! You were so very welcoming to me, years ago, when I started (waveringly) with SCBWI! I remember wondering if I belonged there at one of the early conferences I attended, and you sat down NEXT TO ME(!), SPOKE to me(!) so kindly, and really put me at ease - even though I knew you were already a writer whose books we had at our school library! And you continue to be your kind and welcoming self! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo nice of you to say this, Elizabeth! I feel as if in the last few years, I've been disconnected from everyone--not just SCBWI--so it's good to remember that at one time, I was much more involved.
DeleteAll my best to you,
Lisa
I am a newbie. I had zoomed a bit in 2021 getting acquainted with so many wonderful people. This fall, I decided to be brave and try an in-person in Lansing. Everyone was so welcoming. When asked about my background, I said I was a wanna-be writer. Ruth McNally Barshaw was quick to ask if I write, and I said "Yes." She said, "Then you're a writer." I had told them that you, Lisa, had critiqued one of my manuscripts and how gracious and helpful your comments and suggestions were. At our last in-person LAST (Lansing Area Shop Talk) meeting, we brought and discussed favorite books or books that have impacted us. I brought along "Uncles and Antlers," a favorite of yours. I got even more insight as we all discussed the way the art and story fit together. Sharing our thoughts around the circle was very inspiring. Wishing all that connection along the journey. We are Zooming on Saturday (29th). Hope to see you all there!
ReplyDeleteKathleen Clark-writer :)
Thank you, Kathleen. I'm feeling the love! I miss in=person events and cannot wait until we can all safely get our grooves back.
ReplyDeleteAll the best as you begin this journey,
Lisa