NESCBWI Spring Conference Recap

So this past weekend I went to this thing:

What an adventure! There were hundreds of talented people, some pretty amazing faculty, and a vast array of intensely packed programming. I left my first 3-day NESCBWI Conference completely worn out and a little overwhelmed, but here are some highlights that will keep me smiling all week:

• Working with fantastic volunteers like Jen O'Keefe and Sean Bixby, who were invaluable help during the Portfolio Showcase that I coordinated this year.
• Seeing my pal Nina again, who flew all the way out from MN for this,  and members from my amazing critique group here in Providence.
• Visiting the Eric Carle Museum and the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden.
• Meeting a gazillion internet pals from the KidLit Café Facebook group in  person.
• Networking constantly and everywhere.
• Attending Kelly Light's extremely helpful Character Design class and learning more about writing from Mary Brigid Barrett and the nonfiction market with Peggy Thomas.

There's tons more that happened (trust me: I saw Dan Yaccarino lose a rib- eating contest to the petite Heidi Stemple), and I wish I'd taken more photos. I'll just leave you with these images from the Dr. Seuss Sculpture Garden:

Have a great week, everyone!

Loft Children’s and YA Literature Conference

Spend a weekend learning the art of writing for children and young adults from some of the most respected authors and editors in the country.

The Loft’s Children’s and YA Literature Conference
Date: April 30 and May 1, 2011
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Saturday); 9:00 a.m. tp 1:00 p.m. (Sunday)
Place: The Loft Literary Center, Suite 200, Open Book, 1011 Washington Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55415
Fee: $250

This year’s conference features keynote speakers Arthur Levine, editorial director of Arthur Levine Books, Stacey Barney, editor of Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers, and several award-winning authors and editors from Capstone Press, Picture Window Books, Milkweed Editions, Carolrhoda Books, and Peppermint Books.

For a complete schedule and list of speakers, please download the conference brochure. To register, visit loft.org.

Minnesota SCBWI 2011 Fall Conference Meeting

Anyone who is interested in helping out this year for the Minnesota chapter of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is welcome to attend our upcoming meeting. Do you have some event ideas for our membership? Have you ever wondered how we put together the multitude of events every year? Then come on down!

Minnesota SCBWI 2011 Fall Conference Planning Meeting
Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Place: Heritage Library, 20085 Heritage Drive, Lakeville, MN 55044

We’ll be going over our plans for this year’s Annual Conference, discuss future workshops, field trips, and projects, and of course welcome new volunteers.

Please RSVP by contacting our Regional Advisor. For more information about this fine organization and the benefits of volunteering, please visit the Minnesota SCBWI website.

Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference Recap

I’m at the Minnesota SCBWI Winter Workshop today, but while I’m gone you can read my recap from this past weekend’s 19th Annual Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference. It was my first time attending this annual event at St. Thomas University and I can certainly understand what all the buzz was about!

The caliber and variety of presenters made it a very interesting event. Chris Raschka gave a focused and very thorough look into the making of his book, Little Black Crow. I couldn't believe the number of dummy books he created while writing and illustrating that story. Alison McGhee spoke in a more general sense about writing for children, her ideas, and her motivations. Her speech was very touching and I could see more than one person cry as she recited her emotionally-charged story, Someday. It was beautiful.

Conference attendees had a diverse selection of breakout sessions to choose from, led by writers, artists, and media specialists. These allowed a more intimate setting in which to converse with the presenters. I enjoyed meeting scratchboard illustrator Claudia McGehee, whose old-fashioned techniques and scientific themes were inspiring. I also attended Dr. Sally Hunter’s fascinating discourse of multicultural books that have been published over the last year. I left that session with a long list of diverse titles to read.

 It was nice to finally attend this celebrated event, and I recommend it to anyone who is considering going next year. Don’t miss it!

19th Annual Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference

There is still time to register for this exciting event!

19^th Annual Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Place: University of St. Thomas, 2115 Summit Avenue · Saint Paul, Minnesota 55105
Fee: $60, includes lunch and refreshments. $10 discount for groups of 3 or more.

The annual Hubbs Children’s Literature Conference provides an opportunity for parents, teachers, students, librarians and others interested in children’s literature to share information and learn how to better meet the educational needs of youth.

This year’s Conference will include keynotes by author/illustrator Chris Raschka and Pulitzer Prize nominee Alison McGhee, with breakout sessions led by illustrator Claudia McGehee, librarian Donna Nix, media specialist Jean Doolittle, St. Cloud State University assistant professor Marcia Thompson, and UST associate professor Dr. Sally Hunter.

Registering online is quick and easy, but if you’d like to take advantage of the discount, get in touch with me ASAP and I’ll add you to my growing group of registrants.