After months of all work-no play, I dragged myself to the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators LA Conference, Aug 1-4, 2008. I came back feeling renewed, refreshed and rarin’ to go!

Here are some conference notes and impressions, from A to Z:

Aspire. Aspire to reach your goals and dreams in kid lit. In her closing speech, Newbery-winning author, Susan Patron, recalled what it was like to sit in the audience. She attended conferences as a “writer disguised as a librarian.” She had me thinking: What are my true aspirations? We’re served heaps of wisdom during the conference, but certain words and phrases stick with us, help us turn a corner. Susan gave a quote about “the clear-eyed truth”: Writing can be compared to “hanging by a thread sprung out of your own guts.” Wow. To which she added: “If you use your very guts to spit out the very finest book you can, call Sue Patron.” It’s a deal.

Books. Read a lot of Books. Read Books in the genre(s) you write. I steered clear of the SCBWI bookstore until the third day of the conference. When I got there, I was like a chocaholic at a chocolate factory! I ended up shlepping a fair number of books home but that’s okay. I have enough books to keep me happily reading through fall. (I need another book shelf though.)

Craft. Workshops focused on the craft of writing in all genres–humor, mass market, graphic novels and more. From Mac McCool, I learned about France’s long-standing tradition in “Comix Albums.” I also heard that Japanese manga is quickly turned-around because it is produced by whole studios of artists. Graphic novel works by individuals take longer. Maus by Art Speigelman took 10 years to produce. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi took 5 years.

Dig. As in “Dig in.” Best-selling author Margaret Peterson Haddix’s words. Margaret shared her journey as a writer, signifying the importance of focus.

Editors. Editors have similar concerns as writers, according to a panel of editors at the Pro-Track Luncheon. They worry about how their email sounds–whether they’ve offended an author, etc. Sure. Rolling up your sleeves and meeting deadlines is important. But prompt, friendly emails will earn you extra points.

Fresh. Fresh take on topics. Fresh illustration styles. What editors and agents want.

Gala, Golden Kite Awards & Giggles.

Paint-the-Town-Red Gala… What a Blast! SCBWI sure knows how to throw a party! Plenty of food and drink, great DJ, dancing, plus a costume contest! I dressed in red as an “Artist.” (I got carried away with the red make-up!). I ran into fun-loving fellow Blueboarders, Cindy and Christy…

I met my statuesque crit friend, Laura, from the Poet’s Garage.

For my “outfit,” I fashioned a fake bag with two reddish paintings of “LA town.” Each side featured an LA image–the “Hollywood letters” and the palm trees of Sunset Blvd. I included the SCBWI kite, of course.

Golden Kite Awards presentations and luncheon. Enjoyed the conversation and camaraderie. Heard some wonderful speeches by the winners. I loved Bay Area author/illustrator Yuyi Morales‘ animated finale. Here’s a photo snapped with her after she signed her Golden Kite Award-winning picture book, Little Night.

Now about the Giggles… Executive Director of SCBWI, Lin Oliver, is a sharp, funny and cool-headed MC. She co-writes the humorous Hank Zipzer series with Henry Winkler. So, we had no idea Lin had a “problem” with giggling, until she told us (and even better–demonstrated). Lin’s teachers would actually send her out of the classroom for giggling (!)

This happened during the last conference session: A woman interrupts Lin at the podium. The lady has something important to say, so she walks up to Lin, chitchats and returns to her seat. Lin says into the mic: “You want me to announce what?!” Turns out the woman lost a shoe ornament! Lin asks the lady stand. The lady’s face is beet red and I’m thinking: All this for a shoe ornament? Well, I’m not alone. Lin starts to…

Giggle. The crowd giggles. Even Steve Mooser, President of the SCBWI, is wiping his eyes and giggling. It was pure fun watching Lin Oliver’s giggling girl in action. So glad the giggling girl made it to the conference.

Lin Oliver signs a copy of her Hank Zipzer book :-).

Heroes. “Kids need heroes,” said prolific author, Bruce Coville, in his opening talk, “That’s how they create themselves.” Indeed, the writer creates heroes through story. How’s that for noble responsiblity?

Inspiration. This was freely distributed in large doses for four days straight.

Jobs. Aside from performing the self-imposed job of writing, having a “daytime job” and interests beyond writing is a plus, according to editors and agents. Being well-rounded is good. Of course, having a job also helps pay the bills!

Knowledge. Top reason for attending the conference, right? You go for the knowledge, but stay for the motivation. This conference didn’t disappoint.

Love. Beyond the love of writing and love of books. In her Golden Kite acceptance speech, Sara Pennypacker quoted E.B. White: “Each book is a love letter to humanity,” with which she asked, “So, if it’s written in love, then why hold back?”

Marketing & Media. Industry pros shared thoughts and insights on media and market trends that might impact children’s publishing. There was mention of cross-platform publishing, purchase of “properties” as opposed to manuscripts, Kindle and e-books. Note to Self: Learn more about the new media proposals and deals. Keep informed.

Network. The conference offers a chance to meet industry pros and make connections. Meeting fellow writers and illustrators is always a joy. Be it new friends, old friends. Here are Christa, Laura, Stephanie and Cooper–having fun at the Gala.

I also ran into a few folks from the Blueboards, the children’s lit message board at www.VerlaKay.com : Cynthea Liu (with her cute baby girl), Jay (who signed his book!), Linda Joy Singleton, Stephblake24, AngelaF (congrats on winning the costume contest!) and the incomparable Verla Kay, herself!

Open. As in having an Open Mind. Judging from the panel discussions on career and market trends, the value of keeping an open mind while staying true to one’s aspirations cannot be over-emphasized. Learn. Watch trends. Respond to editorial feedback. Agent and editors alike say, “Keep open.”

Plan. Agent, Micheal Bournet of Dystel and Goderich Literary Management, uttered this word to a room full of right-brainers. Michael advises that we create a plan (using our left brain!) and follow that plan to success. His workshop, titled “Building a Career for the Long Haul,” offered a lot of practical gems.

Quirky. Quirky is hot. “Emerging” author & quirky illustrator, Adam Rex, gave an entertaining and informative presentation. Several agents and editors expressed interest in quirky themes or styles. But here’s a caveat: Quirky ought to be your style. (See Voice.) Be yourself. That’s the underlying message. The marketplace caters to a variety of perspectives. Find an agent, editor or house that matches your style.

Remembrance. The 2008 SCBWI Summer Conference is dedicated to the memory of author, Sue Alexander (1934-2008). Her influence, talent and dedication, as the first member helped grow SCBWI into the world-wide organization it is today.

Senses. Bruce Coville, in his opening speech, said: “Bring the reader inside the story through the senses.” He suggested that we note how many senses we’re engaging in our MS.

Today. Today’s stories for today’s kids. What tickles their interest? What worries or concerns them? Today’s market: Brush up on market trends but also look deeper. This message echoed throughout the speeches and talks.

Universal. As in Universal theme. My goal with a certain MS based on a personal story. My conference consultation was just what I wanted: an honest evaluation of my piece. My author consultant gave helpful feedback. I was so pleased to get affirmation of the Universal theme(s) in my story. Yay! Now, on to revision no. 99! (just kidding…I mean no. 98. )

Voice. Veteran editor, Krista Marino moderated a panel of emerging editors and said that every editor has their own Voice. Something to keep in mind. Lin Oliver had this question for the panelists: “Plot or Voice?” All agreed that Voice was the “correct” or “best” answer. Gretchen Hirsch said she wanted “page turners.” However, Nancy Consecu maintained that while she can help a writer improve Plot, she can’t “make” a writer have Voice.

Write. Write up to kids. In her closing speech, Susan Patron quoted E.B. White (he was quoted a lot): “Anyone who writes down to children is simply wasting his [or her] time. You have to write up, not down. Children are demanding…”

Xtras. (This spelling is a stretch but…) “Xtras” can’t be beat! The Century Plaza Hyatt was great and close to a mall with a first-rate food court, grocery store and great selection of restaurants. On Sunday, Brazilian eatery had samba dancing (for everyone) just outside its doors. My writing pal and I couldn’t resist. We danced a bit of samba, working up an appetite for Pan Asian food at the newly opened restaurant, Rock Sugar.

Samba on a Sunday! Photo by Laura Elliott.

YOUth. We were reminded to keep in touch our youthful audience, as well as, listen to our own “inner youth”!

Zest. Zesty! My mind was fed. Now, my heart is aflutter with renewed Zest for kid lit. Happy writing! Happy illustrating!