Thrilled to have my picture taken with Dan Yaccarino.
SCBWI: (Carolina’s Chapter)
If you enjoy writing or illustrating children’s picture books, chapter books or novels, then I highly suggest you join the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Living in Piedmont, North Carolina, I didn’t have far to travel to the SCBWI (Carolina’s Chapter) three-day conference this past September in Charlotte.
Held at the Crowne Executive Hotel on West Park Dr., presentations for the conference ranged from historical fiction to picture books to contracts and more, with a range of talented presenters including Joy Neaves, Patti Ann Harris, Lisa Kline and Chris Woodworth. One of the favorite presenters for the conference was Dan Yaccarino with his presentation, Inspiration to Publication.
As author and illustrator, Dan has a multitude of children’s books to his credit including Lawn to Lawn, All the Way to America, Doug Unplugged, Every Friday and the Lima Bean Monster. In addition to writing and illustrating books, Dan also writes and produces television programs, including the popular animated children’s program, Oswald. I’ve gotten to know a lot about Oswald (the octopus) in the last couple of years because of my two-year-old grandson, Carson. Watching the program together, I especially like the lessons about getting along with others, demonstrated through Oswald interacting with his friends.
Sharing some of his techniques for creating books, Dan said he begins with sketches or a thumbprint, usually developing ideas for pictures before the story. Occasionally, however, he writes the text first, editing as the pictures develop on the page.
During his presentation, Dan said anyone who wants to write or illustrate books for children should read the classics. Much to everyone’s amusement, his definition of the classics were books such as Curious George, Amelia Bedelia, Madeline, Petunia, Swimmy and my favorite, The Story of Ferdinand.
After the presentation, everyone stood in line eager to talk with Dan. Since I was last, I was hoping he wouldn’t leave before it was my turn. To my delight, I discovered being last in line had its advantage. Asking Dan if I could take his picture, he suggested we have one taken together. With only a few minutes left, he took the time to give me advice about publishing, saying not to overlook publishers in the local market. Knowing he was in a hurry to get to his next commitment, I thanked him and then said good-bye.
Sharing my experience later that evening with a friend, I proudly showed her my photo. That’s when she said she was too shy to go up to presenters, especially someone like Dan Yaccarino. Although I understood how she felt, I’ve come to realize celebrities are just like everyone else. Besides, a good way to break the ice is to ask if you can take their picture. As you can see, it worked for me.
Maybe someday I’ll have the opportunity to attend the National Conference in Los Angeles, California, but until then, I’ll look forward to next year’s Carolina’s Conference in Charlotte and as always will keep writing.
To learn more about SCBWI, the Carolina’s Chapter or Dan Yaccarino, click on the hyperlinks above.
Do you have a writing experience you would like to share? If so, leave a comment in the box below, message on Facebook or email dicysm@yahoo.com.
Thanks,
Dicy
www.dicymcculloughbooks.com/blog
