SCBWI LA 40th Anniversary Conference-Part 7
I don't mean to scare you, but we are now HALFWAY through the conference. And that's only because I didn't attend the Intensive Sessions on Monday. I've never been to anything like this before. It's amazing and exhausting. At this point, I'm sucking down ice tea, caffeine riddle soda and full-on regular coffee as needed. ( Read as--with an IV drip) I'm breaking off glacier size hunks of dark chocolate from the stash in my bag. So far, I haven't missed a single keynote or workshop, but I'm openly weeping at the drop of a hat and running to the SCBWI store every break to hoard more books. I may have even high-fived Jay Asher in the lobby. He was totally cool with it though. Ah...so where were we?
Norton Juster-AN ACCIDENTAL AUTHOR TELLS ALL
Legen...wait for it...dary!
Here are your nuggets...
*The great puzzle for kids is what their parents are made of.
*Boredom is an undervalued commodity. It is a mistake to banish boredom.
*My books were motivated by "trying to avoid doing other things." Ha!
*The hardest thing to make kids understand is how to listen to their own voices.
*Being out of context is the one great, liberating thing in our lives. Spend a lot of time out of context and help kids stay out of it as long as possible.
*Playing with words is my great disease.
My friend Edna Cabcabin Moran, taking in Norton Juster.
I always like to watch for the little messages that the universe sends to me. *heart squish*
Next up, I had a workshop session with Gary Paulsen. I am going to save my notes for his keynote since there was a bit of overlap. I'll combine the best of the two for you later.
And then there was shame. My shame. *sticks out hand to be slapped* I have no excuse, except the hideous crash of all that unfamiliar caffeine in my system. Oh, Mary Pope Osborne of MAGIC TREE HOUSE fame...I have done you wrong. *sobs*
Mary Pope Osbourne-A BRIDGE OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS
My brain has turned to mush. I could see Mary up at the podium...talking...but it sounded like the teacher from the Charlie Brown specials. The words would not go in. I took no notes. I fiddled with my camera...
Cute, huh?
I climbed over a row of people and went to the SCBWI store and fed the book habit--again. Came back and ate some more chocolate. It wasn't her. It was me. *hangs head in shame*
How will I ever feel good about myself again?
I GOT TO HOLD PEEPY!!!!! And meet Lisa Yee. *heart squish*
(My boys laughed so hard, when I squealed about holding Peepy. *snicker*)
I'm totally over exposed with Ellen Hopkins LOL! I *heart* her!
She signed my copy of IDENTICAL..."A banned author to be!"
I hope I don't let her down. She is such a hero of mine.
Me and Cynthea Liu
Cynthea is a major resource and support to the Children's Book Writing community.
I've learned sooo much from her. Thank you!!!!
Jay Asher signing a copy of Thirteen Reasons Why for my babysitter Amy.
She's the best and loves this book!!!!!
Nancy Castaldo (Best SCBWI RA evah!) and me.
Eastern NY SCBWI in the house!
Brought my own copy of HARRIS AND ME, a personal favorite, for Gary Paulsen to sign.
The wonderful Mary Pope Osbourne who DOES NOT sound like the teacher from Charlie Brown and is super sweet.
What time is it? It's almost time for the 40 Winks Anniversary Poolside Gala!!!!!
Everyone hanging out and getting on line for some food.
(Kim and Jodi) Got my bunny slippers!!!!
Surprisingly is was pretty cool out.
Jodi, Kim and Laura
Can you see my PJ's? Fiction that Rocks--The Class of 2k12
Captain Stupendous aka Mike Jung in his cape blanket with sleeves. :o)
Jeff, rocking the dance floor in his night gown night shirt. *grin* Not my fault guys are so easy to tease.
It was at this point that I ran up to the room and dumped my sweat shirt and everything that did not fit into my name tag holder. Take my word for it, dancing in bunny slippers just gives you really hot feet and a desire to throw your hands in the air and wave them all around! What a great night!!
Phew, we made it through Saturday. Now we're almost done with the LA Conference blogs. Are you clapping? Seriously, that's not nice. *gives you the stink-eye* I'll be back to my regularly scheduled blather soon enough--then you'll be sorry.
Friday's post will kick off (Sunday at the conference) with an Agent Panel and Gary Paulsen.
Norton Juster-AN ACCIDENTAL AUTHOR TELLS ALL
Legen...wait for it...dary!
Here are your nuggets...
*The great puzzle for kids is what their parents are made of.
*Boredom is an undervalued commodity. It is a mistake to banish boredom.
*My books were motivated by "trying to avoid doing other things." Ha!
*The hardest thing to make kids understand is how to listen to their own voices.
*Being out of context is the one great, liberating thing in our lives. Spend a lot of time out of context and help kids stay out of it as long as possible.
*Playing with words is my great disease.
My friend Edna Cabcabin Moran, taking in Norton Juster.
I always like to watch for the little messages that the universe sends to me. *heart squish*
Next up, I had a workshop session with Gary Paulsen. I am going to save my notes for his keynote since there was a bit of overlap. I'll combine the best of the two for you later.
And then there was shame. My shame. *sticks out hand to be slapped* I have no excuse, except the hideous crash of all that unfamiliar caffeine in my system. Oh, Mary Pope Osborne of MAGIC TREE HOUSE fame...I have done you wrong. *sobs*
Mary Pope Osbourne-A BRIDGE OF CHILDREN'S BOOKS
My brain has turned to mush. I could see Mary up at the podium...talking...but it sounded like the teacher from the Charlie Brown specials. The words would not go in. I took no notes. I fiddled with my camera...
Cute, huh?
I climbed over a row of people and went to the SCBWI store and fed the book habit--again. Came back and ate some more chocolate. It wasn't her. It was me. *hangs head in shame*
How will I ever feel good about myself again?
I GOT TO HOLD PEEPY!!!!! And meet Lisa Yee. *heart squish*
(My boys laughed so hard, when I squealed about holding Peepy. *snicker*)
I'm totally over exposed with Ellen Hopkins LOL! I *heart* her!
She signed my copy of IDENTICAL..."A banned author to be!"
I hope I don't let her down. She is such a hero of mine.
Me and Cynthea Liu
Cynthea is a major resource and support to the Children's Book Writing community.
I've learned sooo much from her. Thank you!!!!
Jay Asher signing a copy of Thirteen Reasons Why for my babysitter Amy.
She's the best and loves this book!!!!!
Nancy Castaldo (Best SCBWI RA evah!) and me.
Eastern NY SCBWI in the house!
Brought my own copy of HARRIS AND ME, a personal favorite, for Gary Paulsen to sign.
The wonderful Mary Pope Osbourne who DOES NOT sound like the teacher from Charlie Brown and is super sweet.
What time is it? It's almost time for the 40 Winks Anniversary Poolside Gala!!!!!
Everyone hanging out and getting on line for some food.
(Kim and Jodi) Got my bunny slippers!!!!
Surprisingly is was pretty cool out.
Jodi, Kim and Laura
Can you see my PJ's? Fiction that Rocks--The Class of 2k12
Captain Stupendous aka Mike Jung in his cape blanket with sleeves. :o)
Jeff, rocking the dance floor in his night gown night shirt. *grin* Not my fault guys are so easy to tease.
It was at this point that I ran up to the room and dumped my sweat shirt and everything that did not fit into my name tag holder. Take my word for it, dancing in bunny slippers just gives you really hot feet and a desire to throw your hands in the air and wave them all around! What a great night!!
Phew, we made it through Saturday. Now we're almost done with the LA Conference blogs. Are you clapping? Seriously, that's not nice. *gives you the stink-eye* I'll be back to my regularly scheduled blather soon enough--then you'll be sorry.
Friday's post will kick off (Sunday at the conference) with an Agent Panel and Gary Paulsen.