SCBWI Retreat

2009 Retreat

Our 2009 retreat took place at Pendrell Hall, near Wolverhampton, on 15th - 18th May 2009. 

Mary Hoffman, acclaimed children's author of more than 80 children's books, including the internationally bestselling picture book Amazing Grace, and the Stravaganza series of novels, talked about writing across the age ranges, and sustaining a career as a writer. Mary's novel The Falconer's Knot is one of 40 books on USBBY's list of Outstanding International Books for 2008, has been nominated for the Malice Domestic Agatha Award, and shortlisted for the 2008 North East Book Award.  Stravaganza, City of Secrets has been nominated for the 2009 Carnegie Medal. 

We also had commissioning editors from Oxford University Press and Catnip Publishing talk to us about their publishing houses; what they do and what they are looking for, and how to get involved.  And the Arts Council came on the last day to tell us about all the money they have to give to authors and illustrators, and what we had to do to get it! 

Thanks to Sue Hyams for organising the retreat!