If you'd be interested in attending ICFA in 2011 (in Orlando, Florida) as a visiting writer, please contact me (either email arotruck AT gmail or comment below). Compensation for attending varies and it is competitive, but I'd love to get some more readings from children's writers. I'm not making the final decision, alas, but I will pass names and ( Read more... )

Ok, I'm SERIOUSLY behind on my blogging. Now that I have all my travel done (until the write-in in Boston next week) and video shot (ok, so it isn't edited yet), here's a quick ICFA update ( Read more... )

The 31st Annual International Conference on the Fantastic in the Arts ( Read more... )

So, does anyone ever play something like the "6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon" game with things in their own life? I'm constantly amazed at how things intersect and double back; such as my husband working on trails in the area my family lives in West Virginia, or meeting my high school English teacher at ICFA. I had a fun mental game yesterday where I ( Read more... )

I'm back home after a lovely family reunion in West Virginia. I came home last night so I could have all day to write (deadline looming!). Here's my writing checklist ( Read more... )

If you'd be interested in attending ICFA in 2010 (in Orlando, Florida) as a visiting writer, please contact me (either email arotruck AT gmail or comment below). Compensation for attending varies and it is competitive, but I'd love to get some more readings from children's writers. I'm not making the final decision, alas, but I will pass names ( Read more... )

In a few hours, I'll be heading to Roanoke for graduation. Wow. I started this program in 2001, it's been part of my life for 8 years (almost exactly as long as my husband's been in my life as a love interest; our first date was the Wednesday before I went to Hollins the first summer). I've done two abroad trips. I've written two book-length ( Read more... )

I'm back among the living after one of the worst bouts of flu I've had in years. I got sick as soon as my feet hit Maryland soil after ICFA, and yesterday was the first day when I had energy and didn't have a sore throat that made swallowing even something nice like a popsicle or tea hurt ( Read more... )

Wow, what a week. Everything went great, no major problems at all. I was able to get up and make it to the 8:30 sessions every day and I believe I met everyone who was presenting in CYA. Also met lots of new people, some of whom I've friended on LJ (helloooo there!). Got to see many, many good friends, including Alaine, who I haven't seen since ( Read more... )

Why, oh WHY did I not remember to buy one of the guest scholar's books so I could have it signed? And why do I think THIS will be the main topic of ranting at the bar? Why do I never pack light? Why do I always either over or under pack books? Why do I post here and check out Facebook when I could be done packing? Why do all my clothes look ( Read more... )