Thursday, April 14, 2011

2011 Conference Series- Faculty Q & A with Martha Mihalick

IT'S THURSDAY!! Has everyone packed? Have you brought your notebook to write down all the incredible things that you'll hear? Packed your cash and/or checks for the SCBWI store? Picked out a fun costume for the Dance Party?

Well, if haven't you've got one more day to get it done before our 20th Annual Writing and Illustrating for Children Conference! If you have, then you can slowly sip your coffee & enjoy perusing the answers from the fabulous Martha Mihalick! Martha is part of our Editorial and Art Director Faculty. You can read her conference bio here.

What is the best and worst advice you were given when you started in publishing?
Best advice:
Never be afraid to ask a question.
Trust yourself and your taste.

What were your favorite books as a child? And now?
Too many to name! But particular favorites as a child were Tamora Pierce's SONG OF THE LIONESS QUARTET, MATILDA, BEAUTY, A WRINKLE IN TIME, and the DRINA BALLERINA series. I still love all of those (and many more!), but ones I’ve added more recently are Megan Whalen Turner's ATTOLIA books, CRISS CROSS, GRECELING, ST. LUCY'S HOME FOR GIRLS RAISED BY WOLVES, THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE, and the Scott Pilgrim graphic novels.

If you hadn't gone into publishing, you might have been an....
I don’t know! But likely something that had to do with theatre in a backstage or script development way, or film editings always fascinated me. Not that I have any training in either of these things.

What's your favorite snack?
Do people really have just one favorite snack? Mine’s nearly anything chocolate or any baked good—as long as no cherries or raisins are involved!

What do you like most about your job? What do you like least?
I get paid to read and love and talk about books! I am never more challenged or fulfilled as when I’m elbow-deep in an edit. And I’m never more thrilled as when I get to call and make an offer!

What I like least? Having to say “no” a lot. That’s never fun.

Another great Q & A! Enjoy your last day before our Annual Conference! See you tomorrow at the Pre-Conference Kid Lit Drink Night (you don't have to be registered for the conference to attend!).

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