Sandy Fussell

NETWORK

Join writing associations and attend their functions. Learn to be a professional. Meet other writers. I gradually joined organisations and subscribed to industry journals as finances permitted - long before I achieved any smidgeon of writing success.

Australian children's writers are wonderful people. They all remember what it was like to be a beginner and they are generous with their advice and their time. Get out and meet them. Don't push but when the opportunity arises - yes, they really are happy to talk to you.

I belong to the NSW Writers Centre, the Australian Society of Authors, the South Coast Writers Centre, the Children's Book Council of Australia and the Society of Children's Book Writer's and Ilustrators. I support these organisation with my membership and I reap the reward of their information and expertise - through events, emails and newsletters.

I subscribe to Buzz Words, Pass It On, Bookseller and Publisher and Reading Time (CBCA). Buzz Words and Pass It on are invaluable - packed with information and opportunity. I cannot stress too strongly or recommend too highly, these two essential references.

I attended the Jan 2006 SCBWI conference in Sydney. It was a personal turning point for me and a wonderfully encouraging experience. I listened to dedicated editors, impassioned authors and enthused readers. I sat in lectures and I chatted over coffee - to all these people. I felt welcome. I learned heaps. And at the end of the day my ms sample received a very positive review from Mark McLeod. I felt even more determined then ever to keep going...

Networking is easy and a lot of fun - because the children's book industry is full of wonderful people. They're very busy but someone somewhere always has a slice of time to spare...