This is so not writerly or artsy or even bloggy, but . . . I’m admitting who I am here . . . a bad photographer who claims to be a writer.
Going Green
If you’re a returning visitor you’ll notice my new look. I’m still working on my “outside blogging” and while I’m putting all of that in order I’ve decided to “go green.” Think grass and trees and all those things that grow up from the ground in that amazing reach for the sun.
Do you like it, my green look? I’m still in the experimental stage, so comments are appreciated.
Working Working Working
The title sums it up. I’m working.
Here’s what I’m doing: harvesting one hundred-pound squash and carrying them up a hill in a wheelbarrow. You think I’m kidding. Not!
I’m writing my great American blockbuster novel. This time I am kidding.
I’m querying agents–well, I’ve queried one, but she did ask for a full. That’s good, right?
I’m looking at other options for ways to spend my life. I’m always doing that.
I’m trying to think of something really pithy to say next week at Book Passage when I’m suppose to talk about my writing journey and sign books.
The Peripatetic Novel
First I get this Tweet from author, Nan Marino that takes me on a tour of Massapequa, NY. I’ve never been to Massapequa. I can barely say it and spelling it is out of the question. I had to copy and paste the name here.
Yeah!
You got it! The last “mystery” photo (see the previous post) was Sherman Alexie. He gave a heart-wrenching, yet humorous keynote at the conference. What a deep well the Res kid developed. There will be many more stories to reveal Sherman Alexie’s talent and give a voice to many who still have none.
Ready for another famous image? This is the last. Give it your best shot.
Nobody Got the Answer
The picture in the post below is Ed Masessa. He’s the Senior Manager of Product Development at Scholastic Book Fairs and the author of successful children’s books.
Want to try another one?
The Best Part of SCBWI09
Meeting writers and reviewers I’d only connected with online was the absolute best.
In the picture is Malindo Lo and J.E. MacLeod. We’d just had a fab dinner and were enjoying some conversation time.
Here was part of the evening line up. J.E. MacLeod, Waiting to Score; Cindy Pon, Silver Phoenix; Cheryl Herbsman, Breathing; L.K. Madigan, Flash Burnout; Cynthea Liu, Paris Pan Takes the Dare; Malinda Lo, Ash.
All great people and all with super books to offer young readers. How much better can it get?
Well, there’s more and it does get better, but I have to organize my head or my heart before I put it all down. Maybe my closet should come into this organizing bit.
Also no one’s identified that guy in the previous post. He’s super famous you guys, isn’t he?
Who Is This?
SCBWI ’09 Rocks
I started each morning looking out at this. Not bad, right? The new millennium fountain put me in the mood for the California room and the speakers that were non-stop funny, inspirational, and informative.
Lin Oliver set the tone each morning just as she always does with her natural comedic talent and welcoming warmth.
Here she holds forth on some of the best jokes. The theme for jokes was the economic hard times and how they might affect children’s stories.
” Geppetto uses Pinocchio for fire wood.”
“Snow White lays off three of the seven dwarves.”
You get the idea. More pics and comments later. Gotta unpack.
The Not-so-Hot August Nights in LA
It’s not hot down here in the south land. I can’t even say “balmy” applies. I may have to fly north to get warm. My goodness.
However, the SCBWI conference has been warm and welcoming and totally fabulous. As the week goes on I’ll be posting what I can about this event.
On the social side it’s been great. Tonight I was lucky enough to share dinner with J.E. MacLeod, Cindy Pon, Kathleen Duey, Kami Garci, Malindo Lo and Holly Black. Between Holly and Michelle Zinc I may be converted to reading more fantasy. They are very convincing.
Now it’s definitely time for bed. One more day of non-stop learning and sharing; then it’s bye to L.A. and I’m back to the bay area.