Where have all the bookworms gone?

Having attended the Society of Authors' conference for children's writers, it became all too apparent to me just how hard it is:

1. to find an agent
2. to get published
3. to earn any real money from writing children's books

But, to be honest, it's not the money I'm doing it for. A total bookworm as a child, I know how just much pleasure can be gained from reading. So, if my books can convert just one child to becoming hooked on reading, then I will have succeeded in my mission.

These days, there are too many children who don't give a monkey's about books. They're too intent on texting and on playing computer games. Thank goodness for JK Rowling.

CWIG

Enthused by my evening class, I decided it was time to take my children's writing project off the back burner. So, in August 2008 I headed to Cambridge to the Society of Authors' conference for children's writers and illustrators - CWIG.

This was a brilliant opportunity for me to immerse myself in the world of children's literature for an entire weekend. There was an excellent line up of talks, workshops and discussion panels. I listened to some high-profile children's authors - there were even three past/present children's laureates who had been invited to speak.

I took every opportunity to chat to people at mealtimes and coffee breaks to find out as much as I could from 'real' authors who earned their living by writing for children.

I came away both highly enthused and very dispirited....