Goodbye to “Hello!” by Isabel Estrada O'Hagin

 

Our heart-warming It Starts with Hello series began in January 2022 to celebrate community and reaffirm the importance of how we foster relationships within SCBWI-Michigan. Before I sign off with a final good-bye to our Hello stories, I want to thank everyone who shared their personal stories of support this past year. Special kudos to the friendly souls who were acknowledged in these posts. May the thought that you made a difference add some sparkle to your halo.

Perhaps these stories reminded you of the person who made you feel seen when you needed a friendly smile. Like many of you, my list of names would be quite long. Here’s one story I’d like to share. . .

I joined SCBWI after attending an author’s panel held at the Haslett Public Library—listening to that group made me want to become a published author, too. Soon after, I learned about the Midwest Conference being held in Fort Wayne, IN. Yay, my first SCBWI conference! Unfortunately, everyone I’d just met in the Lansing Meet-up group who planned to attend already had their roommate situation set. Ann Finkelstein suggested I post a request on the listserv, and—lo and behold—someone responded! That’s when I met Angie Verges and Cheryl Adams—the three of us roomed together at the 2013 Midwest Conference (side note: We brought so many munchies for late-night snacking, we could’ve opened our own concession stand; - ). As I was still a newbie to SCBWI, Angie shared her knowledge of the who’s who in SCBWI and introduced me to her circle of friends. She took the time to share information about the wide world of children’s lit and her own journey. Angie and I became friends, roomed together at two other conferences, and stayed in touch. We also served on the first Equity & Inclusion team for our region.

Thank you, Angie, for your kindness and support all these years!

Back then I had no idea Angie—so considerate, polite, and kind—was a budding comedian! Need a good laugh? Catch her on Instagram: writermama223

It’s true—our Michigan chapter is a friendly group! It’s also true that walking into a room where you don’t know anyone can be intimidating. As someone expressed to me: “You look to see if anyone else in the room looks like you. You scan the room and hope you’ll be accepted. You want to feel safe.” Let’s continue our good work, Michigan!

This year we welcomed several new members to our Michigan chapter. Do you know the new members in your local community? As Co-Coordinators for our Kalamazoo Area Shop Talks (K.A.S.T.—where everyone’s a star!), Melanie Bryce and I make an effort to reach out to the newbies and make sure they know when we’re meeting.

As we slowly transition to in-person events this coming year, let’s welcome our newest members (from 2020-2022) and continue to support those already in the fold. It starts with “hello!”

 

Isabel Estrada O’Hagin

SCBWI-Michigan Outreach Coordinator

It Starts with Hello with Kat Higgs-Coulthard

Hello used to be hard for me.

It's one of the reasons I started writing--in the high school cafeteria, bending over a notebook, pen in hand, made me look busy instead of lonely. Creative, not terrified. I wrote words to avoid speaking them.

Until...one day at a bookstore I overheard a group of women analyzing the moves an author had made to build suspense in the book they were reading. After the group dispersed, I approached one woman who remained behind gathering her things and asked the name of the book they'd been discussing.

She introduced herself as Cynthia Furlong Reynolds and shared that her book group was composed of writers who analyze the work of other writers in order to inform their own writing. She shared that she was also a writer. PROFESSIONALLY. Until that moment, that was something I did not think was actually possible. She was kind and friendly and told me I should consider joining SCBWI. She belonged to the Michigan Chapter and because I lived in Michigan, I could too. In fact, I should come with her to the meeting next month.
I was terrified.
But I went.
It was tempting to sit in the back and hide in my notebook. But before I could, Cynthia introduced me to one person, then another. The hellos piled up; conversations began. I couldn't tell you who I met that day or what we talked about, but the message was overwhelming and clear: YOU BELONG.

I'm still afraid to say hello. But every time I do there's a new friend saying hello back. I've met some amazing people through SCBWI and I look forward to meeting even more.

Hello :)

Kat Higgs-Coulthard has been a writer as long as she can remember. She became a teacher out of a desire to help others share their words and has been a teacher for more than 20 years, first as an elementary teacher, then as a teacher educator at Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame. Her latest YA book, Junkyard Dogs, is due out in March 2023 from Peachtree Teen.

Thank you, Kat, for sharing your Hello story marked by these descriptions of authentic emotion. I think many of us can relate to your experiences. From being terrified to looking forward to meeting more amazing people through SCBWI—may our greetings and smiles welcome the new faces we encounter virtually or in person! Pass it on!

Do you have a Hello story you want to share? Send me your submission at ohaginib@gmail.com (300 words or less).

It Starts with Hello with Charlie Barshaw

My first SCBWI conference was a weekend stay at the Yarrow Golf Course and Conference Resort in 2010. I had a roommate who was not my wife, and a freshly-written novel about Friday the 13^th.

Charlie Barshaw

As I stepped nervously up to the registration table, I was greeted with genuine warmth by Rachel Anderson, who seemed positively happy to see me, a complete stranger. I would later that weekend share a critique session with her and others, and it would be there that I’d hear an initial draft of what would become The Puppy Predicament.

Rachel’s warm smile and welcoming attitude got me started on what was soon to become a learning experience. I learned, for instance, that I snored so badly that my roommate packed up and stayed at a friend’s house Saturday night.

I also learned that my perfectly polished novel was not, in fact, polished or perfect, and I remember stewing in a miserable funk during the final session Sunday morning, counting the minutes until I could scurry from this place and give up writing for good.

Which, thank the Muse, I didn’t.

Mostly I learned that writing for kids is not for the lazy or thin-of-skin. On the flip-side, I learned that children’s book creators are some of the friendliest, sharing-est, best commiserators anywhere.

That first encounter (and I doubt she even remembers it) led to hundreds, thousands of heartfelt hugs and handshakes over the years since, and I embrace my SCBWI experience as a joyous journey of discovery.

Thanks, Rachel.

Charlie Barshaw is a published author of seven middle grade short stories on Amazon Rapids , pre-published author of several MG and YA novels, and an interviewer for the Writer Spotlight feature on The Mitten. Check out his website CharlieBarshaw.com.

 

Thank you, Charlie, for sharing your Hello story and relating your aha moment with a good dose of honesty—a necessary trait for any writer/illustrator who desires to grow and deepen their understanding of the art form. I love hearing these stories and it makes me think of both sides of the hello—the greeter and recipient. While it takes courage to attend that first event or an event where you don’t know anyone or only a few people, it also takes confidence on the part of the greeter to reach out, to break the ice, to move us from being strangers toward becoming professional colleagues and perhaps friends. May Charlie’s Hello story inspire you to take that first step!  

Has anyone made you feel welcomed to an SCBWI-MI event and made you feel like you mattered? Share your Hello story with the rest of us by sending a three-hundred word or less post to Outreach Coordinator, Isabel Estrada O’Hagin at ohaginib@gmail.com.

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.

It Starts with Hello with Robin Pizzo

This month’s It Starts with Hello story is authored by Robin Pizzo, a long-time member of SCBWI who attends the Lansing Area Shop Talks (LAST). Our regional Shop Talks are a fabulous way to connect with other kidlit creatives, as are SCBWI-MI workshops and conferences. Don’t walk, run to your nearest Shop Talk!

-- Isabel Estrada O’Hagin, Outreach Coordinator

 

Sixteen years ago, my third child and first son neared two and would not wean. I know, just stay with me. I was researching how to get my picture books published and found some article about SCBWI. My husband suggested I attend the LA SCBWI Summer Conference and that would wean my little guy, plus I’d learn about the publishing process.

 

Unfortunately, I missed my flight. My mom lived in Detroit, and I went home to cry on her shoulder. She would not accept my tears but gave me the money to fly out first thing the next morning. I made it just as the keynote was over and the audience had cleared. Again, tears. Then a man started with, “Hello,” and asked me what was going on. That man was Walter Dean Myers, one of my literary rock stars. Tears again. We talked for a while about my journey, and he encouraged me to keep writing.

For the next two days, I met Linda Sue Park, heard Jacqueline Woodson speak, and learned from great editors like Arthur A. Levine. I even roomed with Jennifer D. Chambliss who wrote the amazing Book Scavenger series. From there, I connected at a local bookstore with Lansing’s Regional Shop Talks. Although I’m a member of the SistaLoc Writing Group in Lansing, which is comprised of five professional Black women who write in a variety of genres, I’m the only one writing kidlit. The Regional Shop Talks are great for checking in with writers who focus primarily on children’s literature. This past September I enjoyed the outdoor gathering hosted by Charlie and Ruth Barshaw. It was a perfect mix of social distancing, fall foliage, fresh air, kid lit creators, snacks, writing journey, a Quinceanera, and book talk. 

More about Robin in her own words: I've been a writer since the age of five and my first published piece was a poem for my childhood best friend aka my grandmother printed in her obituary. I fell in love with books in 5th grade and historical fiction is my favorite genre. I still hate that I sold my Shakespeare anthology in college because I was broke and the buyback seemed better than selling plasma. I continue to write all the things but my ambition is to become a traditional children’s author publishing picture books to young adult and everything in between. I'm a Detroit girl, member of the Sistalocks Writing Group, a mom, wife and Education Director at WKAR Public Media where Elmo is my boss, according to my youngest!  

You can also read more about Robin in her interview with Charlie Bradshaw or follow her on Twitter or YouTube. 

Thank you, Robin, for sharing this uplifting story of perseverance!

 Enjoy reading about other member’s “Hello” stories? I do, and I bet you do, too! We each have a unique story to tell! Send your 300-word or less submission to ohaginib@gmail.com.

 

 

It Starts with Hello with Tammy Layman Hall

  

Taking a step in a new direction can be daunting, but it often opens up a new pathway. This is my takeaway from this month’s It Starts with Hello story submitted by Tammy Layman Hall. Tammy responded to a call for SCBWI-MI volunteers, and wouldn’t you know it—Carrie Pearson responded with an enthusiastic hello, as did a few others. Those friendly greetings gave Tammy an opportunity to meet many of our members as she set up events for our regional chapter and continues in the position as Registrar.

 

Thank you, Tammy, for sharing your hello story! You, too, can submit your hello story (300 words or less) at: ohaginib@gmail.com. I especially would love to hear from new members!

 

- Isabel Estrada O’Hagin

 

How?

 

How do you switch careers? How do you stop writing work instructions? How do you write stories for kids? Try writing for hire, I was told. Off to a workshop, I went. Join your local SCBWI chapter, I was told. Years ago, I joined. Not much came out of it. Besides, I was so far back on the path I did not feel I would ever catch up. How will writing fit into this already overfilled life? I will stay safe writing instructor guides to upload into learning management databases.  

 

Tammy Layman Hall

Then, SCBWI-MI posted a registrar position. Someone to set up events. I can do that! So, I sent an email. Carrie Pearson answered. She took the time to talk to me on a telephone call. What a difference! The time she takes with me each event we set up keeps me involved in SCBWI. Then, Ann Finkelstein said hello. She walked me through how to set up the mentorship. Isabel said hello. She invited me to KAST. I carved out time to go. Then, the Nonfiction Toolbox conference came. I had to put faces with the names from the database. Again, I carved out time to go. Then, COVID hit. Just as I was learning how! The world shut down. Why bother! Now it’s too hard to meet people, I thought. Yet, Zoom meetings meant more people saying hello. Conferences, webinars, and Shop Talks kept showing me how.  

 

So, that first hello pushed me to leap towards my dream. Now, so many hellos pull and prod me onward. Yes, my overstuffed life keeps pulling me from the writing chair. Still, deadlines are met. Submissions go out. Stories sell. Critique groups say hello. That first hello started to show me how.  

 

Tammy

tammy@layman-hall.com

 

Tammy lives in southwestern Michigan with her family and a crazy menagerie of pets. She is married to the reigning neighborhood Christmas light grand champion and got talked into adding a garden train to her cottage-inspired tangled yard of blooms. When she's not writing, you can find her hitching a ride over to the local park on our scratch-built go-kart, Oliver. Her stories are pending publication in High Five Magazine and Primary Treasure. As a storyteller, she has told stories at city gardens, museums, and nature centers.    

 

It Starts with Hello with Jean Alicia Elster

 “Hello!”

Three years ago, one of the initial tasks I undertook as the first Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair for SCBWI-MI was to get a sense of the interests and needs among our members through informal interviews. I contacted a few people and asked them to identify and share their perspective on what they thought were key issues. The importance of being made to feel welcomed as a new SCBWI member came to the forefront. Jean shared her thoughts on how she felt when someone took the time to say, “Hello,” at the first two SCBWI-MI conferences she attended. Today, she shares a poignant personal story with us.

New members may often feel like strangers and left to wonder if they really belong. Fortunately, as Jean relates and so many other members will attest, our SCBWI-Michigan members can and do take steps to welcome all to our community.

Jean’s broaching of this topic a few years back and subsequent conversations with others inspired me to start this series. We can learn to do better when we walk a mile in someone’s shoes through story and Jean has given us all a gift with hers. 

We’ll continue to share these personal stories of support with your help. Send your “It Starts with Hello,” submission, 300-words or less, to Isabel Estrada O’Hagin at: ohaginib@gmail.com. I look forward to receiving them!

Thank you, Jean, for sharing your story!

Warmly,

Isabel Estrada O’Hagin

Outreach Coordinator 

Let me begin by saying that there are now many members of the SCBWI Michigan chapter that I consider my dear author buddies. However almost 20 years ago, as a new member, I could not have imagined making that statement.

Yes, it was just under two decades ago that I attended my first Michigan chapter conferences. They were one-day events. Both times, when I arrived, I began to do what I normally do when I am at an event and I don’t know anyone: I walked around, smiled, and tried to make eye-contact. Folks just looked away. I said, "Hello," to people at the coffee table who were not engaged with others in conversations.  Nothing happened. I couldn’t connect with anyone. The vibe was decidedly cold and unwelcoming.  

At lunchtime, everyone rushed off to their tables. I looked around for an empty chair at a table and could not find one. There was an empty table so I sat down, ready to enjoy my lunch and keep myself company.

Then someone came up to me and said, “Hi, I’m Shutta Crum. Will you join us at my table?”  I was stunned. I looked over to where she gestured, and her table was full. I mentioned that fact. She grabbed my chair and asked one of the attendees to scoot over. “Now there’s room,” she said.

At the second event, something similar happened when Nancy Shaw saw me sitting by myself in the auditorium and sat next to me. She introduced herself and struck up a conversation.

Both of these SCBWI-MI members went out of their way to make a stranger to the organization feel welcome. And it is because of them that I stayed connected to this chapter. I am grateful for their kindness and count them as friends to this day.

 

You can follow Jean online:

Instagram: @jeanaliciaelster

Twitter: @j_a_elster 

Facebook: Jean Alicia Elster Books

Pinterest: @jelsterwrites

 

It Starts with Hello with Lisa Wheeler

You’ve read about our new Outreach program, It Starts with Hello, in Carrie’s and Jodi’s monthly newsletters. Here it is! We kick-off the program with a post written by Lisa Wheeler. Our plan is to post these shared memories monthly throughout 2022, so please send me your submissions, 300 words or less, at: ohaginib@gmail.com.

We hope you’ll enjoy reading these mini-essays from your SCBWI-MI friends and may it inspire you to reach out to others in our organization. From “It Started. . . “ to “It Starts. . .”—we can continue to build and strengthen our relationships today through social media and online connections. We need each other’s support and encouragement more than ever!

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

Lisa Wheeler

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!

We all spoke the same language--children's books! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Rhonda Gowler Green gave a talk where she shared her first two books. I appreciated learning that it takes time and that I was on the right track.

That week, I joined SCBWI and learned more in 6 months than I had on my own in 3 years.

So to all of you newbies who are reading this, "Hello! Come on in and meet Your People!"

Submitted by Lisa Wheeler

You can follow Lisa online at:

Instagram: @littlelisais6

Twitter: @lisawheelerbook

Facebook: Lisa Wheeler Children's Books