The Future of Us at WORD

 

Last week my friend (and talented writer) Jay Asher was in town to promote his new book, The Future of Us, which was written with another uber-talented individual, Carolyn Mackler... 

 

yes I'm 36 weeks pregnant....

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SCBWI Photos

There's a new photo gallery on my photos page: Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's (SCBWI) events! I selected just a few images from the many conferences I've attended, and I'll continue to upload photos to this gallery in the years to come. SCBWI is an organization that has a special place in my heart, and I'll be forever grateful for the friends I've made and things I've learned through SCBWI conferences. Read up on my SCBWI blog content here.

Q&A with Judy Blume

Judy Blume was a surprise guest at the SCBWI conference in Los Angeles! Organization co-founder Lin Oliver (above) interviewed the sweet, funny, down-to-earth and hugely talented author for about an hour, and here are some of my favorite Judy Blume quotes... I hope you find them as inspiring as I do!

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Poolside Pajama Party

While I was in Los Angeles last weekend, the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) held a poolside pajama party at the Hyatt Regency Century City. Famous people lounging in their PJs? Check. Awesome cover band? Check. Librarians dancing on the stage? Check, check. Here are some photos from the fabulous event....

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The Power of Art

For me, David Small was one of the most memorable keynotes of the SCBWI conference last weekend (you may recognize him after taking at look at this book cover). He's an award-winning childrens book author and illustrator, and during his talk he shared a book trailer for his new graphic novel Stitches...

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Flying Home

I am so thankful for this weekend. It was the *best* SCBWI writing conference I've ever attended, and I'm still processing all the wonderful things I learned and thinking about the fabulous people I met. I can't wait to study all my notes and dive into my creative writing projects. Over the next few days, I'll be sharing with you some of my favorite quotes and tips from the conference along with photos from an award luncheon, poolside pajama party and more!

(photo captured on friday night while out on the town}

Hello from Los Angeles

Well, I arrived safe and sound in Los Angeles for the annual summer SCBWI conference! It's been a busy day of travel and networking already...

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Weekend in Review + Photo Sesh Pics

Did you have a nice weekend? It was a beautiful, sunny weekend here in New York City, and ours was packed with activities...

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Networking Dinner

Last night I attended a private Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrator's networking dinner at Cafe Centro. About fifteen people were in attendance: children's book editors, literary agents, writers, illustrators. Although I've been an active member of SCBWI for several years, this was the first networking dinner I've attended. It was such a relaxing way to get to know these publishing industry professionals, to learn about their upcoming lists, current clients, specific interests, and so on. So different from the usual conference/workshop experience. Also, children's book people are just SUPER NICE. One highly-respected individual even brainstormed a chapter book series idea with me, one that I've been thinking about starting this winter. He was so gracious with his time and enthusiastic about my vision – I practically floated back home to the Upper West Side at the end of the night. I'm counting down the days until the SCBWI summer conference in Los Angeles, less than a month to go!

{above photo: grand central main concourse, captured with a phone}

At My Desk

Lately all I've been doing is writing (read: I have no life).

If I'm not sitting at my halfsie-doesn't-really-count-as-a-real-desk overlooking this park, then I'm usually writing here, here or here. Writing can be a really lonely profession, so I like being around the energy of others while I'm working....

Right now I'm preparing for these meetings and this major conference. It's going to be a crazy busy summer of writing, editing, pitching and deadlines...

But there's lots of exciting things in the works *my lips are sealed* and I can't wait until I can share more details down the road.

P.S. Okay, I did carve out some time to see Super 8 with my husband. A great movie to watch in the theater.