Writing Conferences
Meg loves everything there is to love about writing conferences. From national and regional conferences to small and individualized retreats, Meg brings insight, experience and inspiration to writers who are eager to take their craft and creative process to the next level.
“Meg’s talk was SO MUCH FUN!”
“Meg Fleming has heart, and her presentation on Nurturing Productivity: Strategies for the Highs and the Sighs is sure to inspire and provide a boost that all creators need to get over life’s hurdles. She encourages writers to acknowledge their emotions and shares tangible prompts to jumpstart creativity. Meg Fleming will bring warmth and energy to your programing.”
Jenny Wagh, RA SCBWI-IL and Author of Eggasaurus Fall 2021
“Meg Fleming’s Picture Book presentation is perfect for anyone hoping to break into the picture book market. From picture book basics such as structure, length, plot and character arcs to insights into the picture book industry, Fleming’s talks are fun and informative and will leave writers, both beginning and more advanced feeling like they have a wealth of information and actionable pointers to walk away with!”
More Info on Speaking Engagements
If you or your organization is interested in inviting Meg to present at your conference, please contact us here.
Tips From the Starting Line
Interested in writing books for children? Hoo-ray!! Here are a few tips for getting started.
1. Join SCBWI. This is the epicenter of the children’s book industry. www.scbwi.org
2. Find your SCBWI Region and attend local events.
3. Join a Critique group. Commit to regular meetings to swap manuscripts.
4. Practice putting yourself and your work in front of people you don't know. Consider submitting your work for professional critique when you attend conferences and events.
4.* Network. Make a friend. Network some more.
5. Read 100 picture books that have been published in the past 5 years. Study what’s working and make note of what is not working. Read 100 more.
6. Read 100 classic picture books. Type 5 of them out in manuscript form. Take time to identify the differences between classic and current PB’s.
7. Remember, an “easy read” does not mean it was an “easy write.” Rewrite until the manuscript is easy to read. Out loud.
8. Become a student of the industry.
9. Before submitting anything to anyone, study From Keyboard to the Printed Page from the SCBWI handbook.
10. Make friends with other writers and illustrators. Writing can be a quiet and lonely endeavor, but having the support of a friend (or two… or three) is a necessity and can change the trajectory of your career.
* There are two #4’s here. Sometimes two #4’s are okay. And especially if making a friend is involved.