I Blinked and Missed It

Ack! This summer seems to have flown by--I blinked and seemed to have missed it.

Anyway, the best part about fall/winter is that this when I do most of my writing. Speaking of writing, this weekend I attended a Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators conference in Lakewood, Colorado. Thanks, to Kara for buying my ticket as my B-day/Xmas gift! *hearts*

Saturday had my first agent pitch and learned that I was freaking out for nothing. I came prepared with a three sentence summary of my YA and the agent took care of the rest with questions. Terri Clark offered me excellent advice--an agent pitch is the opportunity to get to know the agent as well. So, it's OK to ask question about what the agent represents, how involved in editing are they, how they prefer to communicate, and how involved in career building they are. Thanks, Terri!

Though the focus of this conference was geared more toward children's book than young adult, I actually learned quite a bit. Here's a summary of the more important points: 1) It's OK to contact your editor--they're working for you after all; 2) Agents and publishers are still accepting paranormal fiction--as long as it's unique and well written; 3) Be subtle in your writing--your readers are smart enough to ask questions and figure out key points; and 4) Write what you like--even if's not "cool" or popular." 

What's next on my agenda? Updating the look of this place.