UNEXPECTED SURPRISES AT THE SCBWI CONFERENCE IN NYC ... PART TWO!

Happy Monday everyone.

Well, you will be happy to know that I did make that EARLY 6:30 train yesterday. Dark, misty, and cold, I had slinked into my semi-frozen car like a thief in the night ready to steal more writerly information.

But before I tell you about Sunday's events, I'd like to finish my recap of Saturday. (Please scroll down to part one if you missed it.)

Right before my exciting meeting with the "FONZ," I had my first of three seminars about fiction. I choose these particular ones because as a fiction writer, I honestly wanted to know if I was doing it right. Lol.

Jennifer Laughran from Andrea Brown Literary Agency was the lecturer on general fiction. Since my main focus was to meet an agent, here was my first chance. Luckily I am far from shy, so I headed straight for the first row. Jennifer had been present an paced between the podium and the other SCBWI rep.

This turned out to be one action-pacted hour. Many interesting questions were asked and NONE were allowed about querying...  "That's what Google's for," she emphasized.

Since most of you know my novel THE BLINDED GARDENER is edgy, I wanted to know JUST how edgy one could get in Y/A, so my hand shot up. Jennifer eyed me suspiciously, and then nodded. She must have known. LOL.

The question didn't surprise her, but she did flush a bit especially after her answer.... need I say more. To paraphrase ... Anything goes as long as it fits in with the story.

My next session was after meeting Henry Winkler. A nice guy and now a Children's book author. I had a few minutes to inhale my protein bar and off I went to my Y/A session. Now this session was from the "Editor's" point of view, so I was really looking forward to what Tara Weikum from Harper Collins had to say.

Tara focused on good writing and NOT to worry about trends. We all know this. Basically is was a recap of what the panel had said in the morning session. Bottom line... write commercial, high quality properties where the publishers can make tons of money. That's they're only interest.

My last and most interesting lecturer was with Ari Lewin, exec editor from G.P. Putnam/Penguin. Although this was a Fantasy focused lecture, she actually dug into the principles of what makes a terrific and eye-catching first page. She gave us four different examples. Artemis Fowle, The Hunger Games, The Golden Compass, and a project that she was working on.

Wow. She had us dissect each excerpt and by doing this I learned how an author can really say a lot in a minimal amount of space. So for your exercise this week try doing this with you favorite novels. Read EACH and EVERY line slowly and pull out what's there. It's amazing what you can learn.

Exhausted and starving, I met up with my friend Lila and we ran to the cocktail party. What a spread ....

Meeting with people from all over the world was exciting and awe inspiring. Although the party was jam-pacted with people, I still managed to have some intriguing conversations. I had met Jennifer Laughran again, but unfortunately the conversation didn't segue into a pitch, but I will send her a query anyway.

By midnight I had returned home and wrote part one. 5:30 came all too fast so I was back before I realized I hit the pillow.

Sunday's events concentrated more on the Illustration aspect of the business. Since I illustrate I was beyond fascinated to reacquaint myself with my former craft. Knowing this aspect if you are a children's book writer, m/g or y/a, is important. They really do go hand in hand.

The panel of illustrators were the TOP in the industry and their work is global. Many of their influences and inspirations could easily be used by writers. ALL of them stressed on being active in the community and meeting other artists. Having the human connection to bounce ideas around is crucial. We bloggers know how important our community is to us. I certainly have stressed it enough on my blog. WE ARE AWESOME!

After the awards and door prices were given we had an AMAZING talk by renowned writer, Kathryn Erskine. Her whole talk was on how to FOCUS on writing and to stayed FOCUSED... don't give up and continue to grow... Again we all know this, but it is nice to be reminded of it.

Lila and I went for a quick lunch. What a fascinating and wonderful new friend I have now. After escorting her to a cab, I ran back to the last lag of the conference .... the book signings.

I had bought several books on Saturday: two from Kathryn Erskine and two, from beyond awesome illustrator, John Rocco. Lines were still a bit long, especially at John's table. I had found out later why. After a half an hour, I made it to the front. He graciously smiled and took my two books for signing. I chirped away about my work a bit and in about a minute I glanced down and saw an original drawing of an gnomish creature peering up at me ... WHOA! Not just a signature!  He sketched a moon in the other of my books.

How awesome is that?

Could this conference get any better?

The answer .... YES!

I made it over to Kathryn's table. By now only a handful of people were left compared to the hundreds that were there earlier. We talked a bit and she asked about my latest novel. She liked the premise and also believes that a writer should write about ALL the intensities of life. It is all part of the human factor.

With an hour to kill before my train back to the burbs, I scoped the room. I noticed agent Regina Brooks from Serendipity had written a book as well on how to query, etc. Although I didn't buy her book, I thought I'd swing by and say hello.

Vivacious and smiling, I introduced myself. I told how much I had enjoyed her on one of the panels and was interested in querying her agency. Well, she graciously asked me about my novel. Here was my chance to finally pitch to an agent. After a huge swallow, I let it rip....

Two minutes later we shook hands and she had placed my card in her purse... Yes, she asked for a query and partial too! YES!

You just never know when it's going to happen. Shyness will not get you where you need to be.

A few moments later I strolled over to Fantasy writer, Cassandra Clare's table. Only a few admirers were talking to her, so I slowly worked my way into the conversation. Her guest spot focused on love triangles. Since I have one in my novel, I had discussed with her. She LOVED my premise and wished me luck.

That my friends was the end of this amazing weekend. I crashed into a leather seat in the lobby five minutes later, with still a half and hour to kill before my train.

The next SCBWI conference is in August in LA. I HIGHLY recommend going. Know I understand why so many writers are pushing themselves to attend these events. I had gone with high hopes, but low expectations.

I learned a very valuable lesson. Agents and Editors are NOT OUT TO GET YOU.... They have a hard job and they are truly very nice people. The members at this conference were supportive, encouraging, and offered their time to read our novels. Who could ask for anything more? Well, maybe a contract. LOL.

Have a great Monday everyone.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISES AT THE SCBWI CONFERENCE IN NYC!

Hi, Everyone,

Greetings from the BIG APPLE. Originally home for me. I am pleased to say that NYC never disappoints meet and neither did my first day at the conference.

At an EXTREMELY early start, I found myself on the train from my suburban home town at 7:00 am. Yes, folks, I had to get up at 5:30 to be pulled enough together to make that time. Tomorrow is going to be even earlier.... Sundays the trains only run every hour. BUMMER. So it's the 6:30 train for me. YUK! But it is so worth it.

No sooner did I walk into the hotel, conveniently next to Grand Central Station, when I hopped on the elevator to the ballroom floor. There a charming young woman, who could be a dead ringer for a young Wynona Rider, joined me. Her nervous/excited expression said it all. This was her first time at this conference.... mine as well.

Before I could finish asking her the question, she answered with a breathless, "Yes." I smiled and tried to put her at ease, which I knew I did. The stress drained from her glowing face. I met my first new writer friend seconds into the conference. Lila Black and I became instant best friends.

We exited the elevator and RAN to the hot coffee... Since EVERYTHING to eat was carbs, carbs, and MORE carbs, I bit the bullet and smeared some cream cheese on an everything bagel. AH, NY....

Since I barely ate half, I wasn't too concerned. Coffee was much more needed at the moment, and really, who could eat when chatting with a sweet and charming new friend.

The conference started with a warm, welcome from our "Hostess,"Lin Oliver (a children's book author and with the SCBWI FOREVER) which became the big joke of the morning. When she had finished her intro, she had asked us to hang on for five minutes after the panel discussion for a special surprise.

The energy was electric. Who or what could it be? This inquiring mind wanted to know, that's for sure!

Our Key note speaker was renowned author, Chris Crutcher. Let me just say one thing about Chris, taking fiction from real life experiences is THE only way to write. His message was one I had truly related to. Life's traumas are present in all of our lives ... why not write about them. No matter what the cost.

My current novel is Y/A edgy contemporary dealing with child abuse, alcoholism, and yes, sex between teenagers. This is life. This is real. So I connected with him. Nothing is TOO much in writing. Get YOUR message out, no matter what the cost as long as it's true. Of course, I HAD to have his latest book and I had met with him afterwards to discuss it and get his signature. That was my second surprise. Lila being my first.

Next came the panel discussion with four renowned publishing veterans. Fascinating. Discussion on the past, present, and future of this amazing industry. To simplify it, write what you know. Publishing is not dying, just more particular with its projects. We ALL know this... So keep up with your favorite author blogs for any changes that might be brewing.

The time came for our surprise guest... a person. Famous. Known by all for decades. An actor who recently within the past few years entered into writing for children. He has collaborated with our "hostess," and was none other than Henry Winkler. Many of us have grown up with "THE FONZ," and this charming man with a gleam in his eyes amused us for several minutes.

I had the pleasure of meeting Henry and Lin after I had bought their book. It was truly worth giving up my lunch hour for  this pic... here we are, me and "THE FONZ!"

Tomorrow I will recap this afternoon and the GALA cocktail Party. I don't want to overload with too much. LOL.

Until tomorrow. Have a great weekend....

A NEW EARTHLY ANGEL DISCOVERED ...

Happy Monday everyone.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Most of mine had been spent preparing for ABNA and for the SCBWI conference. So needless to say I was quite busy.

However I did manage to get to the gym for my workouts and surprisingly it was there that I had discovered this year's first Earthly Angel.

For all my new friends that have never seen one of my EA posts, I will clarify what EA's are. Almost a year ago to the day I had posted my first EA post. It was during the Blizzard of 2011 in Chicago. A woman had been stranded from the two feet of snow and the whirling 70 mph winds. Her sister ventured out into that dangerous and blinding night and drove thirty miles in those conditions to rescue her.

She was an EA. True, honest, sweet, and caring humans that go beyond the norm to help someone else are labeled EA'S.

But to me the most interesting and most amazing EA is a stranger to the person they help. Today's post is about one such person.

As I arrived at the gym yesterday, a blind man, alone, entered just before me. I had asked if he needed help to the locker rooms ... no this isn't about me. He nodded, introduced himself and took my arm.

I waited a few moments, but he assured me he could manage on his own. Looking back, I reluctantly left and thought how much respect I had for this person. To move on with life, when something as precious as sight was taken away from him, is awe inspiring.

A few moments later, Tom (the blind man) was approached by a another member. Not a "team" member but another gentleman working out too.

I watched the caring patience of this man taking Tom from machine to machine, stacking the weights, guiding Tom with his form, and genuinely enjoying his time with Tom. For two plus hours, I glanced in between my sets. Tom's radiant smile visible in each of his movements.

Timing as it was, we all met in the locker room at approximately the same time. The gentleman shook Tom's hand and told him what a pleasure it was to meet him.

I left with Tom on my arm. Both of us singing the praises of the total stranger who gave so much of himself to help Tom through his workout.

This EA was truly a special man. May you encounter one of these special people in your daily travels through life.

IF you DO, PLEASE let me know. Leave a comment, or email me directly. I really do LOVE posting about these special people. I would like to post about these exceptional people bi-monthly, so keep an eye out for me, will you please.

Did anything special happen to you this weekend? I'd love to hear about it.

DON'T FORGET today is he first submission day for the ABNA contest... Click here for details.

Have a great day everyone. 

HAUNTINGS FROM A-Z ... A POEM FROM ME?

Hi, everyone,

Well this post came in as a last minute surprise. My wonderful cyber sis, Siv Marie @ Been There, Done That, convinced me to enter into this amazing poetry contest. Now I certainly don't consider myself a poet, but I do have a flair for description. So I decided to look into some of my old work to see if I could find something that might work.

Last April during Arlee Bird's INSANE A-Z challenge, I had posted Flash Fiction with a riddle or twist. I have to admit, some were rather good, or so I've been told. Anyway, as I ruffled through each one, talk about time consuming, I found one that seemed to fit. With a bit of tweaking and restructuring, I managed to squeak out an entry.

I have to say one thing about the challenge, it really got me to write. SO you should all consider signing up. Yes, it is tons of work and insane, but the rewards are many, too many to mention.

Lee and his chosen minions work harder than I have ever seen anyone work. And it's all for us. To get us to write. To get us to meet new bloggers. And most importantly, to get us involved. Thanks guys. YOU are the best.

If by any strange chance you don't know Lee, then drop by his blog and introduce yourself. Click here for easy transport.



 Now for the poem ... I would love to know what you think... I used me E post. (or a variation of)

EVENTIDE

Palm trees sway from the ocean breezes,
as their fingers beckon to a mysterious stranger.

Crystals of sand skitter across the dunes
as the call of seabirds echo beyond the crashing waves.

A kaleidoscope of colors streak the vast blue sky
as wispy clouds lock together in a celestial dance.

Minute by minute, the sun sinks low into the horizon
as the distant waters inhale the blazing sphere with its final swallow.

Dusty colors blend into one
as each breath of the wind blows them out to sea.

For one brief moment the earth sighs, foreseeing the inevitable.

Composed by the heavens, pinpricks of light pop to a silent orchestra
as a crescent moon glows into a glorious crescendo,
piercing the black velvet sky.

Well, I hope you liked it. If so, and you have the time, drop by the contest and vote or comment... It would be greatly appreciated. Here's the Facebook link.

Have a great day everyone.

TOP WRITING BLOGGER AWARD ... ENCOURAGING THE FIRST STEPS OF NEW WRITERS ...

Hi, everyone,

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Cold and sunny here, but bearable. The winds were calm for a change.

Today I am honored to say I have been nominated for the TOP WRITING BLOGGER AWARD by College FInder. This award was created to provide students with helpful blogs from authors, publishers, book reviewers, etc. 

What a wonderful way to help encourage fledgling writers on their long journey down the road to publication. All of us have found a wealth of help, inspiration, and caring people in our amazing community. Why not expand it even further by our involvement with this worthwhile organization. 

Many close blogger friends have also been nominated. I am in good company with Alex J. Cavanaugh, David Powers King, NR Williams, and Denise Covey.

College Finder requested each nominee to write a student targeted post. My will be in the form of a WELCOME to new writers and students.

So for my loyal blogger friends please join in on the welcome.

Welcome new writers to IN TIME ... You have now taken the first step in a life-changing journey. Through the twists, turns, bumps, and sideswipes of the literary world, you will learn about life. Art in any form is a reflection of life.

With each new experience a myriad of stories can emerge. Soak your soul and let the words pour out through your prose. Let your passion take over and the words will write themselves. Don't worry about the technical aspects, those can be learned IN TIME ... but YOUR soul is unique and one of a kind ... embrace it. Allow it to present itself to you. For yours is a gift to be shared through your writing.

IN TIME ...  Two small words that open a million possibilities. IN TIME ... anything could happen.

As I stated in my banner "Creativity is a terrible thing to waste."

Although creative writing is important to any author, we all must be open to other creative outlets. Inspiration comes in so many forms ... art, music, design, etc. Open your mind and spread your talents. Many authors can draw, paint, play an instrument, landscape, why not express yourself in these mediums as well. 

My background is in fashion, art, and design. But, I am also musically inclined and came to writing at a much later age than many of you. If I didn't have an open mind I wouldn't be here speaking to you today.

We live in very exciting and turbulent times. As artists we must go with the flow and keep on creating. The world cannot survive without us.

Stay close to this amazing community through blogging. What you will learn from us will teach you so much more than any classroom. You have entered into the multiple facets of the most amazing people you will ever have the pleasure of knowing. 

My life changed when I entered this world and so will yours. Imagine. 

Good luck on this, the most exciting journey of your life.

HOT OFF THE PRESSES >>>>

Hi everyone,

I normally don't post on Thursdays, but I visited a close friend and FABU blogger,  PK Hrezo at MY FICTION ADDICTION... What she posted in a MUST for all M/G and Y/A writers. AN AMAZING CONTEST and website crawling with agents.

For those of you who don't know PK, now is the time to get acquainted with her, YOU will not be disappointed. Click here and get whisked away to her blog.

Well, now that I have informed you of this breaking news story, how are all of you doing today?

I'd love to hear what new projects you are working on.

Don't forget about ABNA in less than a few weeks. Polish up those ms'.

Something extraordinary is happening in Chicago today. IT'S SNOWING! We haven't seen snow almost all winter and now it's here. YAY!

Swirls of pearlized white floating down from the heavens, clinging to silver bare branches is certainly an amazing sight.

One of winter's most beautiful calling cards.

For those of us who are experiencing this phenomenon, it's time to step into those winter boots and have a romp....  It's time to be a kid again!

Have a wonderful afternoon everyone.

CHOCOLATE, CAKES, AND GOODIES ... WHAT DO WE DO KNOW?

Well friends,

It is now a week or so after the new year and many of us are starting it with excess baggage. No, I am not talking about holiday family dramas, or all the presents we have to store in our already loaded closets. I am talking about those pesky pounds we gained during the holidays.

I know, your resolution is to go to the gym, watch every morsel you put in your mouth, and make healthier choices. Be honest, how many of you still have a box or two of candy that you just can't throw out OR those DELICIOUS cookies you baked that are still calling to you in the middle of the night?

I am not hear to preach or make you feel bad, I just want to help you through this most fragile time of year. First, pack up those goodies and get them off your counters and out of sight. When you REALLY crave ONE, have it. I am guilty of it too. I had worked SO hard this year taking off tons of weight. I, of course, put on five pounds over the holidays. We all do. It's a fact of life. BUT, I did lose it by putting away the sweets and jumping right back into my daily routine IMMEDIATELY.

It's not too late. You can do it too. Remember out of sight, out of mind. One good thing about chocolate... besides it's awesome taste... it doesn't go bad. Save it... Hide it in a closet and don't think about it. Valentines Day is a month away. Take it out then. Treat yourself. By that point you will have lost those few pounds and you DESERVE that treat. Love yourself enough to do the very best for you.

I know how hard it is. Believe me. It's an everyday battle for me too. But I keep it under control by daily exercise and eating right. And yes, have A bite of something wonderful. That's all we really need to feel satisfied.

Lately my new craving is a latte. They can be harmless if you get a fat-free one. Sprinkle some cinnamon and natural stevia on top and it tastes like desert. REALLY. I LOVE THEM! So run to your nearest Starbucks and order the Venti no-fat latte. You will hate me for turning you into addict. LOL. At four bucks a pop, it is expensive, but, again, we are worth it. Besides the caffeine does help with our writing. Who can't use an extra boost in the afternoon? Right?

On Wednesdays we need a fun post. Right? It gets us through the rest of the week.

I hope you are all enjoying this lovely burst of warm weather in the mid-west. It was like spring yesterday and today is supposed to be a repeat. YAY!

Have a great one everybody.