This Saturday I attended my first children’s book writing conference. I learned a lot, saw some great talks, and even got excellent feedback on a piece.
What stands out, though, was a small interaction with an editor.
I prefaced a question by telling her that I am a new writer. She launched into her standard spiel for new writers. The advice was excellent but I had read it many times. It struck me as pretty basic and most of it I’ve already followed.
- I’ve read piles of how-to books on the writing craft.
- I’ve dredged the internet for the best advice.
- I’ve read literally thousands of children’s books. Good, bad, new, and old.
- I’ve joined a critique group.
- I’ve learned to put myself out there to publishers and agents.
- I’ve even landed my first book deal.
So, why do I still feel like a n00b?
Because I still have so much to learn.
I walked away from this conference with a brimming notebook. Each new book I read offers insights. I’m constantly finding ways to improve my writing.
I’m no expert and I know it.
That’s not a bad thing. A little humble pie opens the doors for improving. A newbie has more much more room for growth than a more established writer.
In that case, I hope I’m always a newbie. Always learning, always improving, with wide-open space to explore.
But maybe I won’t introduce myself that way.