All right-I know I’m behind on multiple different blog posts, but I’ve always said that I would only blog as long as it didn’t interfere with my priorities as a writer. I would prefer that you look upon that declaration as a wise and thoughtful choice instead of a personal lack of blogging fortitude–but if you can’t *tthhhpppffttthhhh* there’s a big fat raspberry coming your way. *grin*
So where do I start? Finish my agent journey? Baby Blogger interview? The NY SCBWI Conference? I’m going to go with the conference because it’s all I can think about. It was AMAZING!
This was my third year at the Writer’s Intensives and I registered before I landed the most amazing agent on the face of the planet…Michelle Wolfson. I’d planned on bringing my YA Touching the Surface to the tables, but instead I focused on one of my favorite funny picture books. My MC Iggy was well received and got chuckles in all the right places, so I think he’s ready to spread his wings and get out into the world.
I needed to get my 10yo on the bus before I left Friday morning so the train was going to be a bit of a dash. Of course the 7:05 mocked me by pulling in the same time I did and waving to me as I was huffing to the platform looking like a psycho bag lady. Luckily the 7:13 found me much more appealing and I made it to the doors of the Hyatt with 9 minutes to spare. All that running I’ve been doing has its advantages. I checked in, checked my bag, checked my coat, hit the ladies room, registered with Marilyn Hershey (a fellow writer/runner who was impressed with my mad skill), grabbed a bagel and cream cheese and sat down with seconds to spare before the opening panel-Listening to Feedback with an Open Mind.
*Edward Necarsulmer IV (Agent) Heads up the Children’s Literature Department at McIntosh and Otis, Inc.
*Julie Strauss-Gabel (Associate Publisher) Dutton Children’s Books.
*Liz Szabla (Editor-in-Chief) Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of MacMillan Children’s Publishing.
Here are some golden nuggets from the panel…
LS-Has found gold at the Intensives. She discovered two authors who are on their second books. Yay!!!
JSG-If the story is good enough-it won’t lose money.
LS-Number one reason plot doesn’t work is that the ending is telegraphed.
EN-Voice needs to be backed up with plot.
LS-Writers shouldn’t be surprised that we are publishing for a market-that is where the books are sold.
LO-(On critique) Listening with curiosity is different than listening while waiting to speak.
JSG-Writing is really hard-it sucks sometimes. :o)
My first wonderful table was with
Edward Necarsulmer IV from the panel. There were only five of us at the table due to weather interfering with transportation. While I was sad for those who didn’t make it, it did afford us extra time to discuss the fabulous Carrie Jones, her Need Series and her eagerly awaited DEAR BULLY anthology.After lunch, my second table was with Diane Muldrow, editorial director at Golden Books/Random House. This was another awesome table. We were slightly on the rowdy side, but well within the limits of good taste. LOL!
The afternoon panel was led by Aaron Hartzler (staff member of SCBWI and fellow conference tweeter aaron007) and consisted of…
*Nancy Conescu (Executive Editor) Dutton Children’s Books.
*Rachel Griffiths (Senior Editor) Scholastic.
*Michell Poploff (Vice President, Executive Editor) Delacorte Press Books for Young Readers.
All three editors gave great advice on how to take the Intensive experience and turn it to your best advantage as a writer.
Of course no Intensive is complete unless you hang out with old friends, meet new ones and hit Kidlit at the Wheel Tapper Pub. Of course-Kidlit makes it harder to get up the next morning, but its a blast and well worth it.
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Great post! I was at SCBWI NY too, but by the time I signed up the intensives were closed. I was really curious about them so it was fun to read about your experience!
Awww too bad we didn't bump into each other. The Intensives are really great. Its a wonderful way to connect and make new friends…sharing work brings people closer. Its also a wealth of information and possibilities. I learn something new every year. So glad you enjoyed the post!
I really loved this post! See, I've never been to a conference before, and I'd really like to go to one. So just by looking at the pics I could imagine I was there! LOL. THANKS!!
More virtual conference to come!!!!!
Hi, Kim,
thanks for this. I was disappointed not to be going, so it was wonderful to read about it (and you did such a great job). Keep me posted on your YA's journey (:)) Karen
I'm definitely going to this next year! Thanks for sharing this with us!
Karen-I missed you!!!!! I'll keep you posted too! Logan-You'll love it, but you've got to promise to hang out with me!!!!!