I’m back from a FANTASTIC time at the Eastern PA SCBWI Pocono Mountain Retreat. The first speaker of the evening was Donna Jo Napoli.
Donna Jo started off by letting us know she had 14 years of rejection under her belt. In addition to reminding us to hang in there and keep writing, she had other sage bits of advice…
* When at a conference-grow big ears and listen to what agents, editors and authors have to say. They are sharing what has taken them years to learn.
*Writing fiction is like walking into a room naked while everyone else is dressed-you have to start exposing yourself. (figuratively of course)
*The reader may be off base about what you’ve written, but they are never wrong. Listen to what they have to say.
*Write for yourself and be sure to enjoy every step of the journey.
*If you don’t care about it, don’t write it.
New to the Poconos format, we had our first Workshop session on Friday and then headed off for a yummy Shawnee Inn dinner. But before I stuffed myself, I had a very special moment…
I was there when my amazing critique partner Jodi Moore, introduced her “baby” to her friends and fans…
Jodi sold out of her copies of When a Dragon Moves In in record time, but you can get your copy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and your Indie Bookstore. You’re going to LOVE this book!!!
I was also very happy to welcome someone new into the SCBWI family…
Tommy Jarrett from my local SCBWI had a great time at his first conference. You can check out more of his art work at Jarrett Studios.
After diner we got to hear from the amazing Suzanne Morgan Williams.
Suzanne’s talk was–Caution: Write at Your Own Risk. She used her own personal journey about writing her YA novel Bull Rider to show us how writing comes from the inside out.
Then it was T-shirt night with Nachos and Networking!!!! I was having so much fun talking to everyone that I didn’t even take a picture. Opps!
I’d like to say that after a good night’s sleep I was well rested for a jam packed day, but the truth–I was up until the wee hours, hanging out with old friends and making new ones. Did I fall asleep in my cheese danish? You’re going to have to wait until my next post to find out if I was snoozing on Saturday.
If you’ve never been to a conference before, let me know if you have any questions.
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Awesome! And welcome to Tommy Jarret! Thanks for sharing this, Kimmie. I'll take all the inspiration I can get, even if it is long-distance.
You're always there in our hearts Ghost Girl!!!! <3
Great pics! Looks and sounds like a fantastic conference. 🙂
Wish I was there. Donna Jo Napoli – Oh that would have been something to see. I think she is amazing.
ctny
One day! One day I'll go with you to a conference! 😀
Thanks for sharing! <3
Dona Jo was AMAZING! Roar out load funny and yet so moving and inspirational. I was so lucky. Monica-I would LOVE to go to a conference with you!!!!!!