A Jar Labeled SCBWI 2011 (and a bit about SCBWI summer 2010)

I want you to do something (pretty please?). Go grab a jar out of your cupboard. It could be one your kiddo has been using to store bugs. Or you could empty that jar of marinara that's been sitting in the pantry for months (and make some spaghetti tonight). Just make sure the jar's big enough for all of your coinage.

Why?

Because it's time to start saving for next year's SCBWI summer conference: my favorite of the year!!!

If you've just returned home from the 2010 conference, I'm sure you already have this jar out with it's first trickle of coins. If you haven't been there yet, you don't want to miss it.

Since I did a fair bit of blogging about the conference during the conference, how 'bout I take you on a little journey through some photos? But there's plenty of reading to be done. Don't miss the complete TEAM BLOG  coverage (I have finally browsed all of it and there is so much good stuff there). Also, check out the #LA10SCBWI twitter feed. Many are tweeting with links to their own conference blog posts.

So, other than the fab keynotes and great breakout sessions offered, here are some of the other parts of the SCBWI summer conference that were my very favorite reasons for attending.

THE PEOPLE

There was lots of meeting friends, old and new, and some friends I've met online but never face to face. The hotel lounge was always a happening spot throughout the conference.

(From L to R: Jesse Watson, Richard Watson, Kevan Atteberry, and Molly Blaisdell)

(I love being sandwiched between Kim Baker and Martha Brockenbrough!)

(Kjersten Hayes and I photograph each other.)

The only down side was realizing how many people I missed or never had a chance to truly chat with.

THE HEART AND SOUL POOLSIDE GALA

Friends enjoying Mexican food and cookies.

Oh, yes...I said cookies. Really. Big. Sugary. Cookies!

Cookies filling huge vases.

I was so wishing I had snuck a couple of those up to my room. I swear, they were the size of my head.

Mike Jung's creepy costume didn't even stop me from devouring my sweet treat.

There was lots and lots of dancing. That's SCBWI's own Sally Crock busting a move with the amazing Ashley Bryan.

It's a great night to capture a photo with friends (especially when they are all decked out).

That's me sandwiched between Dawn Simon and Molly Hall.

And, my short shelf with the beautiful and tall Robin Mellom (we are both in flats).

The ultra adorable Amber Lough.

Martha and I caught a shot with debut authors Kiersten White and Stephanie Perkins. They are super cool girlies.

And I had to get a Port Townsend picture. Hey...the gangs all here. Wait a minute! Brockenbrough snuck into my photo with the Watson fellas. She doesn't live in PT...yet! (We do wish the rest of the Watsons could have been there, too.)

And you never know who you might be able to get a photo with. Like a sweet cupid.

Hey...can I get a photo too?

Hey, wait! Isn't that Jay Asher under that wig?

And he had some rather lovely cupids by his side...

The amazing Carolyn Mackler and Rachel Vail. Yes, I took in some really deep breaths near these three YA dynamos to try and suck in some of their talent energies.

THE GOLDEN KITE LUNCHEON

The Golden Kite Luncheon is always a special afternoon, full of wonderful awards and great speeches. Last year I was shocked and surprised to be honored with the Member-of-the-Year Award, along with my partner in crime, Sara Easterly.

I was extra eager to see who would be honored this year, so I covered the announcement for the blog. I was beyond thrilled when the regional advisor from Australia, Christopher Cheng, was given the award. It's well deserved.

Chris receives his award from Steve Mooser and Lin Oliver.

On the last day of the conference Chris and I grab a photo together, knowing we have a bond we will share forever. (Yes, I know I'm cheesy!)

ARTHUR A. LEVINE'S MASTER CLASS

Doesn't he look like a scary teacher. Okay, not really...but it is scary to share your work with him in front of a class. I'm telling you, this class was full of drama, mystery, fear, laughter, and definitely emotion. For sure emotion.

And did I mention HOMEWORK. Yes, Arthur Levine gives homework, even on the night of the big party.

But there as so much to learn from hearing Arthur give on-the-spot feedback on what's making the writing work and what could make it better. I had a very lovely experience, recieving positive feedback that made me float on out of the room. Here's a few tweets about it.

mbrockenbrough tweeted:

A. Levine: "It tasted of pot and Dr. Pepper. That's a very specific kiss. The more specific it is, I feel like I just had it." #LA10SCBWI

Mike_Jung tweeted:

@cuppajolie I believe Arthur described the emotion in your piece as "rageful satisfaction." He RAVED about it, and rightly so. #kidlitchat

#FF@cuppajolie! Because if her work in Arthur Levine's class is any indication, she is gonna blow the roof off the kidlit world before long!

Sometimes I think you get a gift like that right when you need it. I needed it and appreciated it so very much.

Thank you, Arthur, for a most amazing experience; one that I will carry throughout my writerly lifetime.

And how must one end the conference and conference coverage. Well, my teammate Suzanne Young says that these (see photo below) sunglasses look good on anyone. Really? Anyone? So Mr. Dan Santat and I donned a pair with her. I don't know, Suzanne! But at least they got rid of my awful red-eye problem.

I'm ready to go back!

Like I said, start saving. You don't want to miss it.

SCBWI Summer Conference is HERE!!!!

It’s all starting, friends.

Are you ready?

The Official Blog is HERE! This is the spot to find constant and LIVE coverage.

Follow the action minute by minute, tweet by tweet using hashtag #LA10SCBWI.

Follow TEAM BLOG members:
SCBWI
Alice Pope
Martha Brockenbrough
Jaime Temairik
Suzanne Young
Lee Wind
ME

SCBWI TEAM BLOG Pre-conference Interview: Bonnie Bader

Is your suitcase out? Your conference ducks all in a row? Or, are you like me, making lists of all the things you still have to get done as you stare at piles of laundry that must be tackled before you fly away to LA for the upcoming conference?

I had one more bit of pre-conference interviewing fun that I got to do yesterday with Bonnie Bader. And, really, how much does Bonnie rock that she took time out of her busy Monday to answer some questions for us? She's got to get on a plane in a couple of days, too!

Take a peek at Bonnie's conference bio: Bonnie Bader is the Editor-in-Chief of Grosset and Dunlap and Price Stern Sloan, two imprints of the Penguin Young Readers Group. She oversees a group of eight editors who actively acquire a wide range of books from series to readers to novelty to licensed properties. The editors are always looking to hire writers to work on both a “for hire” and a “royalty” basis. While licensed publishing is a staple of the group, a big focus is on middle-grade series. Some of the bestselling series published by Grosset include Camp Confidential, Hank Zipzer, and Katie Kazoo.

WELCOME, BONNIE!

JOLIE: I hope it's as beautiful on your coast as it is here. If we were able to sit down in some little coffee spot for this interview, what would be your drink of choice?

BONNIE: It’s a beautiful day here in New York – we have a brief respite from the unbearable heat! Emailing is fun, but if we were to sit down for coffee, it would definitely be at Starbucks and I’d order a Coffee Frappuccino Light.

JOLIE: Those of us in the Pacific Northwest have been jealous of that warm east coast weather, but glad to hear you're getting a bit of a break from the intense heat. And, I haven't tried the Frappuccino light, so I'll have what you're having!

You have been a long-time friend of SCBWI and this summer conference. I believe you've been at each and every one I've been to--this will be #6, with one year missed, for me. I've watched your daughters grow up! What keeps you coming back year after year?

Bonnie: Right now, I’d take some of your cold weather over our heat! But then again, it is summer…

You’re right – I’ve been coming to the SCBWI conference for a long time. I’m trying to remember how long exactly – I think this will be my 8th summer conference! This year, I won’t be bringing my daughter Lauren – she’s at a Choral program in upstate New York for the month of July. She’s sad that she’s not working in the bookstore this year. Oh well, there’s always next year….


I love SCBWI, especially the summer conference. Although it’s a lot of work for me (each year I seem to have more and more work to do!) the energy at the summer conference is incredible. I love meeting all the writers and illustrators and it’s fun catching up with colleagues, too!

JOLIE: During the past few conferences you've offered a on-going class (requiring advanced registration) on pitching a series. I know it was immensely popular. But you're switching things up this year. I see you will present a two-part session called "Start: Write Your First Page." I have a feeling your room will be packed, which is why it's probably being offered twice. Can you give us a bit of a taste?

BONNIE: You’re right, I have offered several master classes over the past few conferences, but this year I’m doing something different. My workshop, Start: Write Your First Page will be offered twice and each “class” will meet twice – an “a” and “b” part. Since I don’t like my workshops to be all lectures, this one will be very interactive. On the first day, we’ll talk about what makes a good opening line, and we’ll do some exercises turning boring first lines into great hooks. Then, I’ll have the participants “go home” and work on the first lines of their manuscripts, taking into account all they learned in the class that day. Part “B” will consist of “workshopping” those first lines.

JOLIE: That really sounds fantastic, Bonnie. And something very new and different for this conference. Conference-goers out there, I'd get to this one early for a seat!

You're also giving a "Nonfiction Early Readers" talk. Tell us a bit more, if you would.

BONNIE: In this workshop, be prepared to learn that writing nonfiction early readers is not only creative, but you can learn a lot too! You’ll learn the best parts about writing non fiction early readers, and the most challenging parts, how to pick a topic for your book, which types of sources to use, and other handy tips. I’ll also talk about our reader program and exciting opportunities for authors.

And finally, I have to ask, are you prepared for the "Heart and Soul" poolside party?
 
BONNIE: I had an outfit picked out, but my ten-year-old daughter said it was too boring. I think I’m going to go shopping after work…

JOLIE: Ha! How about ten-year-old daughters and their honesty (I have one, too!). But, you're doing better than me. I don't even have a boring outfit picked out yet.
Thanks for the chat, Bonnie!

SCBWI TEAM BLOG Pre-Conference Interview: Ginger Clark

How can it be that the SCBWI summer conference is only a few short weeks away? Is it that the weather has been so cold it doesn’t seem possible that the end up July could be that close? Okay, I suppose that only goes for those of us in the Pacific Northwest. But still! How excited are you to be there? Or…OR are you still deciding? There’s still time. You don’t want to miss the many fab agents attending and critiquing, like Ginger Clark.

From her conference bio: Ginger Clark has been a literary agent with Curtis Brown LTD since 2005. She represents science fiction, fantasy, paranormal romance, literary horror, and young adult and middle grade fiction. In addition to representing her own clients, she also represents British rights for the agency’s children’s list. She attends the Bologna and Frankfurt Book Fairs every year. Previously, she worked at Writers House for six years as an assistant literary agent. Her first job in publishing was as an editorial assistant at Tor Books. She is a graduate of Bryn Mawr College and a member of the Contracts Committee of the AAR. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband.

You can follow Ginger on Twitter HERE.

Welcome, Ginger!!!

Jolie: Is this your first time on faculty at the SCBWI summer conference?

Ginger: Yes, first time on the faculty for the LA conference. I'm incredibly excited to be on it. What an amazing group of writers and professionals! I'm honored to be going. This will also be my first trip to California--I know, very late in my life to have never visited our most populous state.

Jolie: Well, we might just have to come up with some sort of Cali initiation for you!

It’s quite different from the New York conference. What are you most looking forward to? And, have you heard all about the poolside gala?

Ginger: I am looking forward to the critique sessions I'm doing with authors--because I've never done this before at a writers conference. I've never come with extensive comments ahead of time for writers, and I like doing something new. I'm also looking forward to having my own private "lanai" outside my hotel room, because the Golden Girls had a lanai, and I've always wanted one. And I know there's a poolside gala, but I don't know w hat to expect--will there be tiki torches? A swim up bar? Will someone get drunk and fall in the pool? Will there be synchronized swimming? Do tell.

Jolie: I hope your lanai overlooks the pool. As far as the poolside gala, just about anything could happen. AND, there has been synchronized swimming. I have pictures to prove it. I can guarantee there will be costumes galore, fun food and drinks, and a whole lot of dancing (so bring your dancing shoes).

Attendees will have several opportunities to hear from you during the conference. One of your sessions is titled How to Approach Agents Without Scaring Them Off (LOVE THAT!). Can you tell us a little bit about it without giving too much away? Perhaps a common offense.

Ginger: A common offense would be probably approaching agents and editors at writers conferences at inappropriate times. Examples that have happened to me and people I know would be approaching an agent while they are on the treadmill in the fitness room; while they are in the pool; while they are soaking wet having come from the pool and wearing sweatpants (that's from my own experience); while they are washing their hands having used the ladies room (also my own experience); and my favorite, the famous "the editor found a query letter waiting on her hotel pillow when she checked into her room" story. That's how you scare an agent off--approach at times we consider "private."

Jolie: Okay, I’ve never heard the query-on-the-pillow story.

This one’s a two-parter: What’s one piece of advice you have for writers who are having consultations? And, have you ever discovered a client at an SCBWI conference?

Ginger: Switch your brain into "business" mode and pretend you are talking about a book that isn't yours. You'll find it a little easier to absorb criticism and commentary. And no, I don't think I have, but I very, very much hope to.

Jolie: Great advice, Ginger. Thank you so much for sharing with us. We can’t wait to see you in LA!

SCBWI Team Blog Exclusive Interview: Arthur Levine

It was such a pleasure for me to interview one of my favorite people in the children's book world: Arthur Levine.

Arthur A. Levine is a Vice President at Scholastic Inc. and the Publisher of Arthur A. Levine Books, a literary, hardcover imprint of Scholastic. He is also an author and has a new book coming out (keep reading to find out more about it) in Spring 2011.

Let's jump right in...

Welcome, Arthur!

*applause!*

You'll be presenting a master class (Strong Emotion on the Page) during this year's summer conference which will take place for one hour each day of the conference. Can you tell us a little about what you have in store for those participating?

I'm still working out the exact details of what will happen. But my plan is to get everyone in the class to examine what elements go into producing writing that is full of emotion. Personally I find that without that I can't get too excited about a book -- of any sort! Fascinating nonfiction? Might be a great subject, but if there's no emotional component I don't care. Hysterical humor? That's great, but truly, if there's no emotional journey then I'm going to lose interest after a few laughs. You get the picture. We're going to do some exercises and talk and see if we can all get some insights into what might bring that emotional life out in each person's work.

You've been an active participant at SCBWI conferences for many years, as well as a member of its Advisory Board. Do you believe it's in a writer and/or illustrator's best interest to attend SCBWI conferences, and if so, why? And when in their career do you feel it's most appropriate?

I think there's a tremendous amount to be gained by coming to an SCBWI conference. There's a wonderful comaraderie about them that I think people who work in an isolated environment (i.e. writers and artists) really appreciate. It's a great opportunity to humanize and demystify the "powers that be" in the publishing world; to realize that editors and art directors are human and not so scary. And it's a great opportunity to learn things -- about craft, first of all. But also about the business.

What it's NOT is a place to audition for publication. I think some authors and artists feel pressure to come to a conference and GET NOTICED because otherwise they have no chance of being published. And nothing could be farther from the truth. You could be the shy person sitting in the back of the room listening carefully and not saying a word, who writes to me later and says, "I heard what you said about the need for non-stereotypical Asian characters, and therefore thought you might be interested in my novel about a Korean-American basketball player whose twin hates sports."

So people could benefit from coming to a conference at any stage of their career -- at the beginning when they want to know how things work, and want to get their bearings. Or in the middle when they want to figure out how to keep their career going. Or as a highly successful person at the top of his or her game when they want to give back and/or find ways to continue to be inspired.

Tell us something you're excited about coming from Arthur A. Levine Books in the near future, perhaps something that exemplifies strong emotion on the page?

I'm very excited about THE MEMORY BANK by Carolyn Coman and Rob Shepperson. To me this takes the vivid prose and dark humor of a Roald Dahl and combines it with the driving emotion of a girl desperately trying to find her lost sister. Unforgettable! But I think all our books have strong emotion of some kind; check 'em out on http://www.arthuralevinebooks.com/

You started blogging yesterday on the first day of summer. Welcome to the blogosphere! What made you decide to dive in and go for it?

I had meant to blog earlier. I mean YEARS earlier; there's even a button on my website that says "Arthur's Blog." But I just couldn't make myself do it. I think what changed was that my book, MONDAY IS ONE DAY got closer and closer to publication and now has an actual pub date in Spring 2011. That kinda revived my internal identity as a writer, which gave me a little confidence to actually try WRITING some more. Of course for years I'd been admiring the blogs of writers like you and Lisa Yee, of librarians like Betsy Bird, and of editors like our own Cheryl Klein. So I thought what the heck, might as well DIVE IN and force myself to go public.


My original idea was to call the blog COUNTDOWN TO MONDAY, and to try posting something every Monday until my book was published. I haven't quite figured out the whole naming-of-the-blog-thing, but I still hope I'll be able to post at least once a week.

You can find Arthur's blog HERE.

Arthur, you'll no doubt have many readers. I look forward to many blogs posts to come, as well as MONDAY IS ONE DAY.

Thank you, Arthur!

Haven't registered for the conference yet? No problem. Here's the place go for it!

SCBWI 39th Annual Summer Conference: Have you registered yet?

Registration for the most awesome conference on the planet has been up and rockin' for 2 hours now. Have you added your name to the list of attendees?

This truly is my favorite conference around for many reasons! Fellow member of Team Blog, Jaime Temairik, listed 5 reasons you should go, I thought I'd throw in 5 more.

1. Have you seen the keynote lineup?

MT Anderson

Marion Dane Bauer

Ashley Bryan

Gennifer Choldenko

Paul Fleishman

Gordon Korman

Gail Carson Levine

EB Lewis

Loren Long

Carolyn Mackler

Rubin Pfeffer

Jon Scieszka

Rachel Vail

Really now!

And you can't BELIEVE how many more. Check out the entire faculty HERE.

2. The Saturday night gala is a blast! This year's theme is "Heart and Soul." It's my favorite party of the year.

3. It's four full days, friends. Four! There is more goodness than even Team Blog can keep up with. It is amazing!

4. The editors and agents are out of the office. So, just like you, it's a great chance for them to get away from home, hang out, and have cocktail with children's book friends.

5. Team Blog wants to meet you. I want to meet you. Or see you to see you again. So, join us. We'll raise a glass together and toast to the many success that will result from a fantastic conference experience.

You know you want to.

Here's the link to register. I'm going there RIGHT NOW!