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SCBWI 2013 Summer Conference Recap
Every year I have the intention to write a recap shortly after attending the LA SCBWI Summer Conference so I can share about my wonderful, life-changing experiences, and never seem to find the time to do so. I always leave feeling so ready to write that I think that’s what gets me. I go out and write, and write, and write — and neglect my blog in the process. I’m still writing up a storm in the aftermath this year — journal entries, revising current works, reworking a current picture book into something quirky and new, and dabbling in a historical piece. But this year is different in one way…
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SCBWI Summer Conference 2013 – What I’ve gained and why you should go.
The SCBWI LA Summer Conference is only one week away! I’m so excited. I’ve been packing for a week already. Next step — meal planning! I have food allergies. Eating away from home can be difficult. And on top of that, hotel food can get pricey. There are a few spots still open for this life-changing conference extravaganza. Don’t delay! Register today. (Sorry for the rhyme. Couldn’t help it.) What have I gained from this event? One word describes it. As was featured in keynote speaker, Bruce Coville’s talk in 2011 — ripples. Rewind to 2011 … my first summer conference. I didn’t know anyone. I went online seeking an SCBWI…
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Ripples…One Year Later
Last year I heard the amazing, Bruce Coville speak at my very first SCBWI 2012 Summer Conference. Here are a few quotes from his keynote “Ripples in the Pond: Why What We Do Matters…and Matters…and Continues to Matter”: “Start ripples throughout the world” and “You cannot know how you’ve affected the world; make ripples anyway.” Powerful words, right? Every time I hear them, I my heart melts. I threw my tiny rock in the pond in 2010. That’s when I attended my first ever writing conference, the Central Coast Writing Conference at Cuesta College. I met Children’s Book Author, Merrily Kutner, who told our class that the best thing we…
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Picture Book Review: A Balloon for Isabel
Sometimes there are books that touch my heart so much, I can’t help but review them. A Balloon for Isabel by Deborah Underwood is one of these books. Here are a few reasons why I love this book. 1) It has a clever, witty plot and is an all around fun read. 2) The main character is an adorable little girl named, Isabel. She also happens to be a porcupine who wants a balloon, and for obvious reasons can’t have one. Brilliant. 3) It’s filled with vibrant, colorful illustrations. 4) Isabel’s best friend is Walter. His Dad owns a candy shop. But what does Walter love? Broccoli, of course. What…
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Super SCBWI Summer Conference 2011
I gotta admit. This is a weird feeling.Why doesn’t the CVS cashier know I’m a Children’s Writer?How come the people in the fresh juice line don’t want to talk to me…about writing…and illustrating…and publishing children’s books?Oh yea…I’m not at the SCBWI Summer Conference anymore, that’s why! This year I attended the summer conference for the first time. On my first day I quietly sat in the lobby, trying to muster up courage to talk to people. That’s when I saw them…sunflowers! In the lobby of the hotel! As I have mentioned in a previous post, sunflowers tend to show up during significant times in my life. I think this experience…
