• Author Events,  Inspiration,  Writer's Conferences

    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…

  • Writer's Conferences

    Getting out of my bubble — My SDSU Writer’s Conference Experience

    I love attending writer’s conferences, workshops, and critique groups with fellow children’s and young adult writers.  I get to spend time with like-minded, spirited individuals who love children’s books as much as I do.  And, I don’t get people looking at me funny for enjoying them either! This past summer, I received a wonderful piece of advice while attending a Children’s Writers Schmooze — ‘Expand your horizons.  Don’t limit yourself to events just for children’s writers. Branch out! Explore events for other genres as well.’ I percolated over the idea for some time and finally decided to take the plunge.  I signed up for the SDSU Writer’s Conference in San Diego, and will…

  • Writer's Conferences

    Did you miss WriteOnCon?

    What is WriteOnCon? WriteOnCon is a free online conference designed to give Writers many of the features of a live, in person conference in an online setting.  WriteOnCon is the brainchild of seven writers who wanted to “pay it forward” and give something back to the writing community. The curriculum is focused on Picture Book, Middle Grade, and Young Adult Writers, however the information is relevant for all writers. Sounds fabulous! How do I attend? Well, here’s the thing. WriteOnCon 2011 has just finished. This year it was August 16-18. Not to worry though! The schedule is archived and still available for viewing. You will need to sign up to…

  • Inspiration

    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…

  • Inspiration,  Writing Journey

    Writer’s Day in L.A.

    Yesterday I attended the SCBWI-LA’s 30th Annual Writer’s Day. It was my second official writing conference since taking up writing seriously again. I was a little anxious about attending at first. I kinda felt like that little five year old girl I once was. I was always nervous about having to move for the 3rd time in two years and then go to a new school and make new friends all over again.  Well I’ve come a long way since then and I am happy to report – I loved every minute of it!The camaraderie with fellow writers was excellent. I also felt very inspired by the speakers of the…