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I can honestly say as a first timer, that the SCBWI Conference left an unforgettable impression on me. I was up in the clouds and reeling for days afterward and am still so very grateful for the opportunity to attend as the Liz Conrad Scholarship winner.
      Just within the last couple of years I have been learning more about illustrating children's books and have been trying to challenge myself creatively. I have toyed with idea of taking some college classes on illustration but in order to do that, it would be necessary to go to school full time and that is to much of a time commitment in my life right now and all I want is information on "illustrating children's books". My search began and I couldn't find any course just for that specifically. Over the years I have self educated myself in art through reading books, taking workshops and putting in my 10,000 hours of practice. So, I bought/picked up every book I could get my hands on to teach myself more about the subject. The only problem was getting feedback on my illustration work and that is when I applied for mentoring last year with Michael J. Austin which opened the door into the world of imagination and illustration.
      It was a last minute decision for me to apply for the Liz Conrad Scholarship because Fine art portraiture and figurative type paintings have been my focus throughout my art career and I did not feel there were many pieces in my portfolio which were actually illustrations that I could submit. However, with my love for a challenge and lack of fear to take a risk, I picked three paintings and applied for the scholarship at the last minute. It was a bit of a gamble. Boy am I glad I took the gamble!!!. I was shopping at Dillards department store when I received a phone call. I did not recognize the phone number from the call and was listening carefully after I answered "Hello". The caller identified herself saying "Hello Connie, this is Elizabeth Delumba from SCBWI Southern Breeze" and it took me a second or two to understand who was calling me. I could not have been more thrilled when she said "You have won the Liz Conrad Scholarship". I could not believe my ears. The sales girl was smiling as she saw me jump up and down with excitement from the call. Wow! It made my day, made my week, made my month. Well, the feeling will last a very long time, maybe a lifetime!
      Receiving the scholarship has been so encouraging to me as an artist. Illustration is a new journey in my art career and it is so helpful to hear confirmation from professional illustrators that I am on the right track. The life of an artist can be isolating and I don't think any artist ever gets tired of others appreciating what they put their heart and soul into especially if it is a new direction in their art.
      So, I chose to reserve a room at the Marriott where the conference was held because, driving from Buford, GA and fighting our challenging Atlanta traffic would most definitely make my experience stressful. I am glad I did because my room was very nice and comfortable. All I had to do was jump up in the morning and take the elevator to the Conference. It provided the opportunity for me to absorb the whole thing without any additional stress.
      I also felt the selection of guests was superb. They each were so open and willing to share their individual expertise of which has taken them a lifetime to learn. They were very much down to earth and all about helping the attendees. My brain was so on overload that I could have written a book on the information I received at the conference. "Hmm maybe I will !". I felt like I had attended a full children's book illustration and writing course. I know I will be referring to my notes for a very long time.
      The SCBWI Southern Breeze Spring Mingle was an educational experience for me. I felt welcomed, educated, comfortable, fed well and would absolutely plan on attending another one.
      I want to personally thank everyone involved for the effort, time and energy put into organizing this memorable event. Not only was it well organized but I believe, it would be hard to match the next conference and attain this high level again. I look forward to seeing what you can attain to at the next one.
      I would like to express my "Gratitude" for the Liz Conrad Scholarship again! I was thrilled to receive such an honorable award. I feel very honored. It was simply "INCREDIBLE" to me. I would also like to thank Stephanie Moody who took a portrait class from me several years ago and turned me on to SCBWI! Thanks Steph.