After 29 hours of travelling, most of it flying in a steel bird but with a deal of it spent sitting in airline lounges, we are here in Miami Florida – where I am the closing speaker for SCBWI Florida’s Regional Conference. Linda Bernfield, the super RA, has been trying for quite a few years now to get me here. Finally we have pulled this off. And besides …. how could I say NO to Linda, especially when this year’s theme has a dragon with glowing nostrils and eyes in the illustration?
So, 6 hours after we checked into the hotel I was down with the crew, presenting at the pre conference Picture Book Intensive with Stacey Barney (Penguin), Heather Alexander (Pippin Agency) and Verla Key (SCBWI Blueboards). Now I have just one question … where does 60 minutes go? That was my allocated session and before I knew it no sooner had I begun my session on narrative non-fiction than my computer clock was showing that my time was nearly up. Of course throughout the intensive we were all adding our comments to what was being presented and the activities that were happening. Friday night – how exciting to arrive at the local bookstore Book and Books. What a beautiful building that is, filled with books.
And then we stumbled across:
Saturday was a full day of presentations. The opening speaker was the wonderfully entertaining Chris Grabenstein with his insights and reflections on his life that have led All The Way To Mr. Lemoncello’s Library (his most recent award winning title). Interestingly, mine had a similar flavour on surviving as a children’s book author. It was an immense thrill and pleasure to be the closing speaker for this conference. My presentation, the A-Z of children’s publishing, or how I have survived for 25 years as a kids book author, was filled with anecdotes too, about – ME.
Lotsafun and excitement for the folks BUT again, one question, where does 45 minutes go?
Lots more speakers and presenters including my fellow SCBWI board member Laurent Linn. Additional joy for me was the opportunity to present the regional Crystal Kite award to Shannon Hitchcock. How thrilling.
Then tonight … dinner and the ball – HEROES -vs- VILLAINS MASQUERADE: where, in a world of good and evil…one man…or woman…will win the costume battle. And what an exotic array of costumed creations filled the ballroom. Just have a look at some of these characters …
More snaps from Friday and Saturday:
Day 1 and 2 … done. And we are sooooo tired!
More on the Carolinas later but Pam Vaughan (official photographer for the New England conference last weekend) has just sent me oodles and poodles of photos … so if you don’t want to see piccies of me in action – then look away now! There are photos of me with friends, of me panelling, photos […]
It was so great to meet you and an honor to have introduced you before your presentation on Saturday. Thank you so much for making the trip and for your presentations. But most of all thank you for all you do for SCBWI and for readers with your amazing books. Hope to see you again at another conference soon.
My book came out in your bookstore pic! And my Ursula costume made the cut too. So honored! Thanks, Chris!
It was so wonderful having you at the conference! I’m so happy you were able to present the Crystal Kite!
So great meeting you Chris!