SCBWI LA – V’s HIGHLIGHTS

Last week, I attended the SCBWI’s national conference in Los Angeles. The days went by in a whirlwind of meetings, lectures, dinners and parties-- truly, it was a whirlwind.

As my fellow Muses have mentioned, the best part was being around other people who love kids, books and writing.

Here are the highlights of my time there:

Favorite quotes:

Not knowing is more powerful than knowing.

- Bruce Coville

Embrace the suck of your early drafts.

- Libba Bray

Start the book on the day something different happens.

- Judy Blume

It’s your job as an artist to disturb the Universe.

= Laurie Halse Anderson

Favorite Moments

Listening to the writers above speak, each of whom I’m a huge fan
Dancing in pajamas with 1300 other writers – Who knew writers could be so much fun? Well, ok. I did. But really, the party this year was off the hook.
Spending time with my amazing agent – We talk on the phone often, but nothing beats real face time.
Meeting Bookanistas and Apocalypsies in person – Why is the writing community filled with such amazing people? Why, I ask?
Dinner with the amazing Lorin Oberweger and Eric Elfman – A real treat to spend time with two of my most special people together.
Breakfast with a college friend from my UCLA days –Some people never change, which is such a good thing.
Celebrating a certain Muse's birthday with our favorite group publicist and a gaggle of smoking hot Brazilian dancers – Don’t ask. But yeah, also be jealous.
Signing my very first ARC for the one and only Ellen Hopkins – What an honor. My hands were shaking.
Celebrating a 40^th anniversary with the fantastic SCBWI – I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to this organization. It’s done so much for me personally, and does so much for the writing community at large. Hat’s off to you, SCBWI! To 40 more years!

My suitcases are unpacked and it’s time to get back to work, recharged and inspired. Off I go to disturb the Universe….

A final thought: thank you so much to those who have entered to win the UNDER THE NEVER SKY ARC. You've made me so happy. I would love to be able to give you each a copy, but since I can't, I wish you luck!