SCBWI – the Society of Book Writers and Illustrators – is a wonderful, international organisation for, you guessed it, book writers and illustrators at all stages of their careers. On 6-8 October, I went away for the weekend with the SCBWI East members. I was able to soak up the atmosphere of being surrounded by fellow kid-lit tragics, have my work critiqued by professional writers and most importantly learn from experts – authors, illustrators, editors and publishers. I even came second in a peer-judged pitching competition! Highlights included meeting Kate Foster in my weekend’s critique group which also included Deb Abela, Dee White, Amanda Lieber, Kris Saclier. I also met the famous Bruce Whately (of Diary of a Wombat fame, amongst countless other books). It was an incredible weekend of learning, connecting and reflecting; I came away totally inspired!