I think the bottom line is that as my plate got fuller and fuller, I shoved the blogging into a napkin, kind of like you do when you're served brussel sprouts or turnip or beet tops. And yet I like all those things. So what I'm trying to say is that instead of eating my veggies first, I left them to the end and they got cold and then I didn't want to eat them anymore. Does that make sense?
In any case, No Excuses.
I've had so much going on and it's all been good. The February Austin SCBWI Conference Books, Boots & Buckskin was a HUGE success thanks to a lot of hard work, giving volunteers, great leadership (Regional Advisor Debbie Gonzales) and a stellar line-up! Everybody I spoke with during and after the conference seemed to be glowing. It's hard catering to a group with varying levels of expertise but in my opinion there was something at the conference for everyone, and I believe if you come to any event with the right attitude you're bound to come away with an "aha" moment and a few more specks of wisdom in your pocket.
Right now, we're gearing up for the many librarians, editors, authors, illustrators, publishers, packagers that are about to descend on Austin as Austin hosts this year's Texas Library Association (TLA) Conference. If you're going to be at the conference please stop by the SCBWI booth (booth #1626) and say "Hi!" There'll be a host of friendly authors and illustrators there to greet you with a warm SCBWI welcome!
Also there are still a few last minute spots left to snag at the Writers' League of Texas YA A to Z Conference that runs on April 15th and 16th. It's your time to shine in front of authors, editors and agents so make haste and sign-up! I'll be moderating the Path to Publishing: Options for Getting Your Book Out with authors P.J. Hoover, Andrea White and Suzette Conway from Author Solutions on Saturday, April 16th. I hope you can come and gleam some advice from the experts.
This weekend I'll be attending the Houston SCBWI conference on Saturday then heading back to Austin to catch author Jo Whittemore's Odd Girl In (Aladdin) book launch at BookPeople. Both events are sure to be mind-blowing and fun!
We've just announced our next Austin SCBWI Workshop headlining the Texas Sweethearts.Beyond the Basics: Analyzing and Applying Constructive Criticism will fill up quickly so don't delay in visiting our website and registering for the July 30th, 2011 event! If you're not currently in a critique group this will be a great chance to mingle, network and find that ideal group of like-minded writers.
Seeing as April is National Poetry Month I wanted to tell you about a wonderful poetry retreat sponsored by the Southern Breeze SCBWI chapter. Dive Into Poetry with Rebecca Kai Dotlichwill begin on Friday, June 10th and end on Sunday, June 12th, 2011 in Dahlonega, Georgia. No doubt these spots will fill up quickly with a chance to learn from one of the best poets and authors around. If you're not familiar with Rebecca's poetry check out her picture book Bella & Bean illustrated by Aileen Leijten (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2009) and she's also included in many poetry anthologies including Amazing Faces illustrated by Chris Soentpiet and compiled by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Cynthia Leitich Smith's last interview with Lee) (Lee and Low Books Inc, 2010). One of my favorite poems in the anthology is her poem "Amazing Face."
I hope to see you at one of the many events happening in and around Austin in the next few weeks. There's just so much to be thankful for living in such a vibrant writing community and I promise to do better and keeping you abreast of all the activities on my blog.
Have a great day!