January 2010 saw me attend a writing conference that has long held my interest--the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI ) Conference in New York. It was a genuine delight to be surrounded by the more than one thousand children's authors and illustrators in attendance.Participant's came from 45 States, as well as Canada, eager to learn about how to sell their work, connect with agents and editors, and create their best stories. I was lucky to know three other attendees and enjoyed spending time with Edmonton authors Debby Waldman and Mar'ce Merrel, as well as Ontario author, Marsha Skrypuch.
New York City highlights included visiting the New York Public Library, which has a bookstore with an extensive selection of books on writing. The two lion statues that lay outside the library's front entrance are named Patience and Fortitude. I also visited the Brooklyn Public Library, which has a beautiful children's section with quotes from children's authors inscribed on the walls.
The 15.5 ton Willamette meteorite was a site to see at the American Museum of Natural History. The chronology of what's happened from the Big Bang to the present was also fascinating. Despite the city's bright lights, I was able to look up and see Orion, the Big Dipper, and the North Star. Other pleasant activities included walking on Broadway, watching a David Letterman Show taping, walking in Greenwich Village, and visiting Coney Island.
Visiting Ground Zero was a sobering experience. Across the street, St. Paul's Chapel displays the eight-month volunteer relief effort that took place after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Built in 1766, the church displays the pew of America's first president. George Washington, who worshipped here.
My schedule included very interesting sessions on writing picture books and non-fiction. The keynote speakers were inspiring, professional, and well-prepared. Anyone striving to learn about the business of getting published will benefit from this conference, held annually in New York. I look forward to applying the knowledge I gained and corresponding with the people I met.
New York City highlights included visiting the New York Public Library, which has a bookstore with an extensive selection of books on writing. The two lion statues that lay outside the library's front entrance are named Patience and Fortitude. I also visited the Brooklyn Public Library, which has a beautiful children's section with quotes from children's authors inscribed on the walls.
The 15.5 ton Willamette meteorite was a site to see at the American Museum of Natural History. The chronology of what's happened from the Big Bang to the present was also fascinating. Despite the city's bright lights, I was able to look up and see Orion, the Big Dipper, and the North Star. Other pleasant activities included walking on Broadway, watching a David Letterman Show taping, walking in Greenwich Village, and visiting Coney Island.
Visiting Ground Zero was a sobering experience. Across the street, St. Paul's Chapel displays the eight-month volunteer relief effort that took place after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Built in 1766, the church displays the pew of America's first president. George Washington, who worshipped here.
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