Year to Volunteer

Happy 2006, which I am now proclaiming as the Year to Volunteer!

This time of year we always resolve to get serious about our writing , to work on our craft and finally hold that published book in our hands. Resolutions are fine things, but how do you translate intention into action?

A great way to start is to volunteer with NE SCBWI. As with any organization, there are always jobs that need to be done whether it’s contributing to the newsletter, helping out with  the Spring Conference, or starting a critique group.

So how does working for free for NE SCBWI bring me success as a children’s writer, you might fairly ask? Well, in a word…Connection. When I started with this organization, I knew very little about children’s publishing, but since volunteering my time, I’ve not only made good editorial and business contacts, but I’ve been privileged to meet and become friends with some truly exceptional writers and artists who have influenced my life in ways that I could never have imagined.