SCBWI FACES Addy Farmer
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Let's go behind the scenes at SCBWI-BI to meet the volunteers who keep our Society ticking. This month, Catherine Whitmore chats to Addy Farmer, Central North Coordinator.
Hi Addy and welcome to Words & Pictures! Can you tell us a bit about what you write?
I write funny, slightly odd middle grade as well as empathetic and probably sad, shorter fiction and picture books. I hope I land somewhere in the middle with my work being subbed at the moment, Wilfreda and the Werecat, which is oddly funny with heart. I love research and have been delving into narrative non-fiction and non-fiction. I sometimes get to work with partners like Child Bereavement UK and Amphibian and Reptile Trust to create stories for particular readers.
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Addy Farmer.
Do you have another job as well as writing?
I run creative outdoor workshops for families and children with organisations like Landscape Partnership and with schools (more online at the mo). I also run a tiny holiday cottage – staycations here we come!I used to teach Primary and I felt very much in touch with childrens' lives. Now, the workshops are fantastic for reminding myself about what readers might be interested in. I also volunteer for a literacy trust which is a big help in keeping up with tastes in reading.
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Addy's writing space.
How long have you been a SCBWI volunteer?
I have been volunteering for the SCBWI for about 18 years now. It began when I lived in Belgium and had my third baby, and I was starting to write seriously again (as you do). I wanted help (!) and found SCBWI Belgium and the lovely Jane Clarke. When I returned to the UK, I went to a SCBWI session at Sara Grant's flat in London and volunteered on the spot. I think I was then SCBWI North and Jane was SCBWI South! As SCBWI regions developed, I took on Central North as a coordinator; a role I now share with my very good friend, Liz Miller. We eventually both ended up sharing the conference 1-2-1 role which was really quite busy. What do we do as coordinators? Organise the monthly crit and chat, arrange events and have a lot of fun chatting.
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The SCBWI Central North Christmas social. Addy is the snowman.
Has volunteering affected your writing career?
It’s been amazing. I have made industry contacts, made great, great friends and been supported in my writing. Yes, it is a commitment but the rewards of doing what I do far outweigh the graft. Everyone should give it a go. A little volunteering is massively appreciated.
* All photos courtesy of Addy Farmer
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I'm happy to add as a P.S. that I've now signed to Darley Anderson with the excellent Chloe Davis.
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