Conference Report - The Federation of Children's Book Groups, by Claire Fayers

 Two weekends ago saw me in Monmouth for the Federation of Children's Book Groups conference and it was a real antidote to everything that's happening in the world right now. I've known about the FCBG since my first book was shortlisted for their annual award, but it was my first time at the conference and I was blown away by the commitment and hard work of the volunteers who keep the Federation going.

It was lovely to see fellow Sassies and Firefly Press authors, Camilla Chester (whose Project Pony will be out on the 1st May) and Julie Pike (whose Flame Chasers is still blazing a trail.)

Having fun

The Saturday and Sunday programmes were packed with delights. The FCBG doesn't currently have a group in Wales but the organisers had done a great job of giving the conference a bit of a Welsh flavour. Lesley Parr talked about her background growing up in industrial South Wales and how Wales is not all daffodils and dragons. Manon Steffan Ros began her talk by explaining she was wearing a newly-bought dress because she'd stopped to rescue a dog on the way to the conference and got covered in muck. It was a great example of engaging the audience with a story at the start of your talk and I'll definitely be looking for animals to rescue on the way to my events from now on.

Lesley Parr and her new book

Manon Steffan Ros tells the story of how she got a new dress

On the Sunday, I was lucky to be chairing a panel on myths and legends, which included superstar authors Piers Torday, S.A. Reyhani and Ash Bond. All had very different approaches to writing, and surprisingly personal stories behind their connections with the myths and legends in their books. It was a fascinating discussion and over far too quickly. 

Then it was time for our last session, and, wow, it was a good one. Nicola Davies is always passionate and inspiring and she held the audience spellbound talking about climate change. We've grown up with the story that human beings are special and that has led to overconsumption and destruction of our environment. We need to change that story, and children's books are the ideal place to start. We, as children's authors, can make a huge difference.

And, of course, there was cake!

All in all, it was an inspirational weekend and I came away with my head full of ideas. The hard work of the volunteers is incredible and it's great to know there are groups all over the country working to get books into the hands of readers. I will definitely go to the conference again, given the chance.

Here's a final photo of the Hertfordshire FCBG group, with Camilla Chester.

Thanks to Julie and Camilla for the photographs. I was enjoying myself too much and forgot to take any.