I attended the Kansas SCBWI Conference this past weekend and it's amazing how inspirational these events are.  What a great collection of guest speakers and writers.  I wish for more time in the day to get all of my new ideas on paper. 

Bruce Coville started off the event on Friday night.  He is quite the dynamic speaker!   I don't know if he got me more excited about writing or saving the world!  His closing speech made me feel as if I had been "churched!" 

"Voice" was Coville's first topic and no surprise even someone as brilliant as he can't teach or describe "voice" effectively.  I think if someone could come up with the recipe for "voice," they should immediately get an agent and a book deal.

Eve Adler, an Associate Editor with Henry Holt Books for Young Readers, gave many helpful pointers on how to avoid scaring off an editor.  She says they are looking for educational books primarily.

Ruta Rimas was enjoyable, but didn't feel she has much interest in picture books.  If you have a MG or YA about a cat or doughnuts, you might be in!

The big talk was about the agent, Ted Malawer who left Firebrand Literary Agency since it shut its doors a few weeks prior to this conference.  Everyone was abuzz about the "dirt" before his talk!  He put it all to rest when he announced he joined up with Upstart Crow Literary with his old co

I rarely get an opportunity to write during the weekend.  It's a pity because I truly enjoy the time with my keyboard.  I was doing some research and came across a quote that tickled me.  Wanted to add it to my site...
"Writing is a socially acceptable form of Schizophrenia."  
                                                           --E. L. Doctorow
If my friends knew how many voices I heard in my head (characters, I like to call them), they would be quite concerned!!  Never enough time to get all of their dialogue down on paper.  Some day...?

Today I have been researching literary agents.  It is frustrating because 10 years ago when I first was writing children's picture books, you didn't need an agent to get your work seen.  Now it seems as if it is a neccesity.  If only I had been talented then and were able to score a book deal!  Timing is everything, I hear.

I'm so sorry to be missing the SCBWI LA Conference.   The lecturer list is impressive and I know the information presented will be immeasurable.  If someone is taking notes, I'd like a copy please! :)

It's getting late.  Back to my research.

I can't believe I have joined the masses and have my own site.  I used to think blogging was self-servicing for the brain, in PUBLIC, no less!  Now I can see how this is part of networking, and I can work with other writers, sharing experiences and ideas.

I have spent so much time this evening putting together my website, that I should keep this first blog brief.  Night!