In recent months I have become more and more drawn to the idea of writing for children and/or young adults. As I followed this urge and meandered through oh so many sites, I discovered the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and read on. It wasn’t long before I realized that this is what I’d been looking for.
I joined the SCBWI, and I attended a Tri-Regional event in Gettysburg in November. Listening to keynote speakers Patricia MacLachlan, Jim Murphy, and E. B. Lewis I could feel my excitement growing from their inspirational words.
I had started working on a young adult historical novel set in Civil War times, but in a workshop presented by Carolyn Yoder I realized the magnitude of the task I was attempting. I have not given up on the book, but I realize there is much more research to be done so this will be an ongoing project.
In the mean time, probably most inspired by Patricia MacLachlan, I have chosen to focus on writing for children. I am currently immersing myself in Picture Books and hope to join the ranks of the many talented authors I’ve been reading. The “vision board” in my mind has a picture of my grandchildren reading a book dedicated to them.
At the end of this month (January 2012) I will be attending the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York, and I’m sure this conference will be another excellent learning experience, and I will be even more strongly motivated to accomplish my dream of becoming a published author.
The Writings of G. K. Bostic 