My 2nd SCBWI talk

I went to another SCBWI talk last night and really enjoyed it. I found the pub which is only a minute or so from Charing Cross station and had a dinner of rib-eye steak, chunky chips and a bit of salad (tomato and red onion - very hot). Then some water. I had to wait for a while because a few members were having a private chat before I was able to go up to the room to the meeting. I bought 5 books by the author, one of which I got signed, and I caught up with what's happening with a couple of friends I knew via the RNA, and chatted to a couple of other writers I know now. Then was the talk by the author, Sally Gardener, who has written for all children's ages and is now writing for teens. She was a very interesting lady who has had an interesting career. She was found to be very dyslexic when she was a child and because no one knew what was wrong with her in those days she was sent to a maladjustment school. Because of her disability she went into theatre costume design for some years until she wasn't happy anymore then she reinvented herself by saying she always wanted to be an illustrator. That was her second career, which led her to her third as a writer. What I should say that she discovered early on that she had the wonderful gift of seeing pictures of things in her mind which has helped her in her second career. She said that she loves writing for children and wants to continue doing so for as long as she can, and doesn't see herself as writing for adults as she doesn't particularly like adults much, and because of her disability she can relate to children more. She told us that when writing for children, the words should be manageable and gave an example that when she writes and comes across an awkward word she asks herself if little Johnny would struggle with this word and says yes so puts in other easier words instead. Also, we should never patronise because children could be cleverer than the writers. When we think about pacing we should stay on edge, and possibly think of music of its ups and down tempo. She said that we should have a voice which is how we write, and it is best advised to go through an agent because she finds hers very helpful and beneficial. All in all I had a good time, and on the way home I bought a sultana flapjack which I ate on the trains home and really enjoyed, although I didn't think it had as much taste as GM's bars. I got home about 9.20pm and thought my body would be so tired I would sleep through the night but I think I had too much to drink last night and ended up getting up and couldn't sleep that well after that, and now I am tired. Thankfully I am enrolling this morning and it's quite quiet so I can cope. Back in the office and busy this afternoon.
Must go now and get on with enrolment.