IN SCBWI Schmooze

Obviously, pictures add more interest in a blog (see Cat in the Hat below!). But, since I didn't have my camera with me last Saturday, I don't have any cool pictures to accompany my description of the Schmooze. The event went well; a huge turnout compared to usual Indiana events. Generally, the big Indiana conferences are well-attended, but the smaller events entice only five or six people. This time, about 25 people came. Congrats to Peggy Archer, the assistant RA for our chapter. She did a splendid job passing the news along about the event. Hurrah for Peggy A!

To all of the new Indiana writers I met, what a pleasure it was to hear your backgrounds and stories. Everyone had a tale, and one lady in particular still sticks out in my mind, just because her current situation is so similar to mine (unemployed spouse, scrape money together for kid's tuition, etc.) Actually though, she has four children, so her saga beats ours!

Three members gave small presentations. Peggy A. spoke about trade publishers because she's worked with Dial and Candlewick, Judy Roth discussed small presses because that is who she published with, and Karen Kulinski spoke about the relationship between writer and agent. Afterward, we had a lively Q & A, and returned to the snack area before wrapping it up. It was a delightful afternoon.

Thanks for stopping by,
Katie

ALA 2009

Oooh... I returned from the ALA annual conference on Monday night. What a treat! The Cat in the Hat happened to be in attendance, hula dancers swayed to island music, and books greeted my eyes everywhere I looked. I went with a fellow writer from my critique group, and we attended the Poetry Blast in the evening. Eleven different authors read from their books, and Jon Scieszka was absolutely hilarious. It turned out to be a great trip, definitely worth the train ride and the conference fee. If you ever get the chance to go, take it!