It Starts with Hello with Betsy McKee Williams

 

Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert or somewhere in-between based on the situation, you’ll be able to relate to the bookends in Betsy McKee Williams post: from wondering if you belong—to knowing you belong in SCBWI-MI! The welcomes, invitations, and smiles we share with others, especially those who are “frozen like the proverbial deer in the headlights” as Betsy mentions, have a huge impact in making our members feel seen and valued. And as we know, one “hello” leads to another and another!

Share an important “Hello” experience with your SCBWI-MI friends by submitting your story (300-words or less) to Isabel Estrada O’Hagin: ohaginib@gmail.com  Recently joined SCBWI? Don’t be shy--we’d love to hear from you!  

Once upon a time, I was an introverted newbie at my first SCBWI conference, unpublished, knowing nobody, and doubting that I belonged.

At my first session, I chose an empty seat, one strategically surrounded by other empty seats.

Nancy Shaw sat down beside me. She introduced herself and chatted with me. She provided helpful info and made me feel welcome, as if I had a right to be there.

Later, at mealtime I stood, tray in hand, frozen like the proverbial deer in the headlights. All the tables looked full, filled with people talking to friends. But before I could seek an empty corner, Ruth McNally Barshaw saved the day. She invited me to join her crowded table and welcomed me into their conversation.

Only later did I learn how many books Nancy and Ruth had each published. These eminent authors first welcomed me as a friend.

More invitations followed: to join a book club, to join a critique group, to help plan events, to help out at conferences. Somewhere along the way, I started extending invitations too.

I’m still an introvert, still pre-published, but approaching my goals. I’ve made good friends and learned a lot. I’m still learning. And I know I belong in SCBWI.

Betsy McKee Williams

Betsy McKee Williams supports grad student writing by day and writes for kids after hours. She writes mostly middle grade, fiction and non, and seeks precise historical accuracy when writing time travel fiction. She recently completed an MFA in Young People's Literature from the Solstice MFA Program. Betsy has been a member of SCBWI since 2012. For most of that time, she has been coordinating Shop Talks in Ann Arbor. And writing.