Back from the Big Apple and the SCBWI conference. I can’t tell you how great this organization is, how nice to be in a field that really encourages and educates each other. There is so much to tell you, I will look through my notes and jot down all the words of inspiration that I took away from the conference. It may be a disjointed way to tell you all about the conference but maybe some of these words are just what you needed today!

-The imagination sits and waits for us to ask it questions, it waits to be used.

-Ask yourself, what makes you different than everyone else?

-When you are presenting your work, show a “complete thought”. It is a much easier sell that way. Make clear, concise presentations.

-As an artists, writer you are a “content provider”. Don’t just follow trends make sure you follow what you are passionate about what you are “providing” to your audience.

Marc Brown was there and I heard him speak a 2 sessions. He was great. He talked business and he emphasized that we all learn how to read a contract; he gave great advice as a business man. (And he has quite the track record on being a good business man.) He encouraged us to share information with colleagues so we all could learn. I really liked this and am a firm believer in this. He said all his stories began with something real that he experienced at some point. He does on average 30 revisions on each story. (Surprised? Me too, but good advice) He also was interesting because he is not content to sit in the comfort zone of his Arthur books and TV show. He is illustrating books in a new style that you probably would not recognize. It is lovely. Check out his new books the next time you are book shopping. He wants to be challenged and he is tackling subjects for children that are tough subjects. What I took away from that was for me to “Dare to step out of my comfort zone.”One of the underlining messages that always comes from these conferences often from Tomie dePaola is to Keep Pursuing. Keep Believing. Don’t give up. That is a big message and sometimes the hardest message to have sink into our spirits. So if I can encourage you at all that would be it. Don’t stop at your “mid-way” point there is more for you to do. If you don’t feel you are not even at you mid way point yet then don’t you dare give up! You have something to offer!

I also had fun in New York a bit of champagne was tasted here and there! I stopped by Hyperion and saw my art director on a project that I must get to work on today!!! It was so nice to see who you are gabbing with on the phone and I got a nice stack of books to boot! Fun!