The writer in the glowing neon suit...

As my mind slowly unwinds from the conference last weekend I am thinking of some of the underlying truths about the children's book industry that emerged over the course of the three and a bit days. 1. You HAVE to talk to other writers, other illustrators, other players in the industry (publishers, booksellers, librarians, teachers, readers) to move forward. If no one knows who you are now it is less likely they will know who you are in the future. Trust me, if you are serious about making children's books your career, you WANT to be known. People will not come looking for you and your works of genius when they can see that other writer over there glowing in a neon suit that says 'Look at Me!' 2. You HAVE to talk to other writers, other illustrators, other players in the industry to survive. As any gazelle will tell you you are more likely to survive if you are part of a herd. Not because you will escape the lion if you can run faster than another gazelle, but because you are stronger when supported by your peers and you in turn can provide strength to your herdmates. Share knowledge - it doesn't diminish any of you, it makes you all stronger. And with the current rates of rejection it is nice to have someone who can commiserate, stand you upright, dust you off and then send you out into the world to try again. 3. There is NO excuse for ignorance about the industry. There are TRUCKLOADS of information about how EVERYTHING works available out there. If you have not found out it is because you have not bothered. Do your homework. It will make you smarter. It will make success more likely. However if you do not, you are now the SLOW GAZELLE and that makes it easier for me. Are you happy to be the slow gazelle? Okay thats enough for now. I'm sure I'll have some more post-conference revelations and you can be sure I will post them up. In the meantime you will be shocked to learn I am keen as mustard for a rejection so I can send the publisher this letter in reply. And here is a handy link with some excellent advice from the always informative Nicola Morgan.