2010 SCBWI Winter Conference First Thoughts

I’ve just left the conference and am on the train to Connecticut on the way to Patterson, New York. Too tired for organized, coherent thoughts, but hope to post those in a few days.

Brisk morning walks
Right at Times Square
To Park Avenue

Talented writers and illustrators.
Old friends and new.
Radiant Smiles


Jacqueline Woodson
Incredible voice.
Amazing gifts.


So much love from Lin Oliver.
Jim Benton made the belly laugh
Libba Bray? Well, what can I say…


One journey ends
Another begins
See you in Prague!

To follow us by photo on our journey: Photo Ramblings

WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: shockingly nothing!

And We're Off!

Thanks to the generosity of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators,I am on my way to New York City where I will enjoy the privilege of attending the 2010 SCBWI Winter Conference. Can you feel the excitement?

But there's more.

New York City is the first leg of an incredible journey. Thanks to the generosity of my hubby and family, we will leave from NY to embark on my wildest dream vacation.

Stay tuned for news from the conference and then a post from---?

WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: How To Say Goodbye in Robot (N. Standiford) Liar (J. Larbalestier) The Wisdom of Tuscany (F. Maté)

The Great Critique-A Great Experience!

Earlier this week, a warm south wind blew a few of us down from the north for a delightful evening of critique with our SCBWI Western Washington friends. On the long journey home, the three of us Bellingham Networkers kept each other awake by sharing the positive experiences we all enjoyed.

A special thanks to Kerri Kokias, the faculty, and everyone else who made this special event possible!


WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: Jumping Off Swings (J.Knowles) Once Was Lost (S. Zarr) First Daughter, Extreme American Makeover (M. Perkins)

Young Adult Writing Contests

It seems to be open-season for writing contests. Here's a list of a few Young Adult Novel opportunities that have caught my attention in the past week.

***Mary Kole, associate agent at Andrea Brown Literary Agency has offered this gracious novel beginnings contest over at Kidlit: http://kidlit.com/kidlit-contest/

***Sourcebooks Fire #yalitchat Writing Contest: http://tinyurl.com/yj23mz5

***Pacific Northwest Writer's Association Literary Contest: http://tinyurl.com/yjdyp65

***2010 Bloom Award: http://tinyurl.com/yfle2yg

Literary Agent, Nathan Bransford, offers a wise bit of advice to consider before entering writing contests. Here's the link: http://tinyurl.com/yeghgkz

Best wishes for all those who choose to enter!

WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: Because I Am Furniture (T. Chaltas) Sea Change (A. Friedman) The King of Attolia (M. Whalen Turner)

2010: Reasons to Rejoice

The new decade begins and with it, all sorts of reasons for rejoicing:

*The commencement of my fourth decade on this awesome planet.

*A first-time trip to the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York City.

*The realization of my Dream European Vacation which includes a tasting at the Tuscan vineyard of my favorite memoir-writing author, Ferenc Maté.

*Two of my favorite YA books of 2009 racking up numerous nominations and awards. Shout out for Justina Chen Headley and Laurie Halse Anderson.

*Katherine Paterson becomes our new National Ambassador For Young People's Literature.

Could the decade get off to a better start?

Things I hope for in the coming year:

*Huge success for all those author friends whose books are coming our way.

*A book contract for myself and all my writer friends who are in pursuit of the same.

AND OF COURSE:

*Health and happiness for all my friends and family.

Stay tuned to this blog for all news pertaining to the above!!!


WHAT I'M READING THIS WEEK: After (A.Efaw) The Queen of Attolia (M. Whalen Turner) Goth Girl Rising (B. Lyga)