My peep, Joyce Shor Johnson did the driving that I didn't dare do....I did well to get to her house 4 hours away. Well anyway, what's that old saying, don't let fear stand in your way? Oh yes I will...I still can't "throw back my shoulders" and drive there but...
I can sit back and take the pictures!
First thing, after checking into the Sheraton, I called one of my dear online critique buddies who's from Georgia. We immediately recognized each other from online pictures.
Okay, so she's cute and I look like I just got out of the car from a 9 hour drive!!!! What fun it is to meet up with someone you only ever "talk" to on here. Didn't see her after the conference so now we must do some more of the email kind of chitter chatting.
Speaking of meeting the ghosts of the internet, here's another person I've only "spoken" to with my keyboard...I almost covered up my glo bracelet that Tara gave us. We had a "glow" all day!
Everyone listened intently as Tara spoke from her heart and took us on her writing journey. She was inspirational. I will think of Tara more than she will know, as I strive for more in my own (longer) journey. wait up...I just got permission to 'borrow' this...
Then there were a five! Five on five roundtable discussions. Mine was full of energy and fact. Our group of professionals- Vivian Gray, founder of the conference, Marietta Zacker, Nancy Gault Agency, Marc Aronson, professor, editor, author, Jim Murphy, Author, and Lyn Sirota, author. Now that I'm typing their names, I'm feeling the power, all over again, of their knowledge and interest in education, children's authors and everything children...wow!!!! They really feel that the non-fiction market is on the upswing.
Later, there was one on one sessions. My personal mentor was the well published, non fiction author, Lyn Sirota, also member of the RUCCL council. Sorry, I didn't get her photo, but click on her link.
and...panel discussion keeping with the theme of the day-"Keeping it Creative in the Digital Age. Eve Adler moderated the panelists, Janet Wong, author, Mallory Kass, Editor, Scholastic, Samantha Streger, Assistant Editor, Open Road Media, each having their own ideas and examples concerning digital publishing.
Closing children's author and speaker of the day was Bruce Coville . What a fun and funny man he is. Gave us sound advice...and not a boring word was spoken!!!! Butt joke and all. A wonderful way to end a successful event. I need to stop right here and publicly thank the council members and all mentors and who made this such a successful event. And kudos to us, the mentees too! Yay! Yay!
Would I apply again? Most definitely (if Joyce will drive!). Now I must look over "the list" and do a bit of polishing, editing and sending.
Happy traveling to you this week.
Mona! I'm so glad you had a productive time. I can't wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeletexo You know it!!!
DeleteOh, yay! I'm so glad you went! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy...when I grow up I want to be just like you. I know how sweet and thoughtful you are, but I heard it from a few mothers with children that have read Rules! How you replied to them and their classes. xo
DeleteMona, it was great seeing you. I am glad we had some time to spend together!
ReplyDeleteMe too!
Delete'There is no divide!'
Sounds like an amazing time, and congrats to you for getting a spot. I haven't had the opportunity to hear Tara speak (I'm sure she's great!) but I've heard Bruce Coville and he is amazing!
ReplyDeleteIt was an amazing time.
DeleteBoth amazing and both funny!
Hi Mona!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad we got to meet in person! You are just as I imagined -- fun, friendly, and full of energy! :) I'm so glad you had a great conference!
And you are almost just as I imagined. I was looking for a beautiful, sweet person, and I immediately knew you. The almost...for some reason I pictured you as taller. Can't wait to talk to RUCCL with you!
DeleteHa! That's so funny that you thought I'd be tall. I told my family, and they got a good laugh out of that! ;)
DeleteMona:
ReplyDeleteGlad your experience was great! The power of that conference sends you away on a cloud of enthusiasm and determination. I hope to share that in your next critique submission. :)
Gayle, It was a powerful experience...I am on the cloud!
ReplyDeleteWow!! Sounds wonderful! I'm thrilled you had this experience. I heard Bruce Coville at a conference last fall. He was great!
ReplyDeleteA huge congratulations on being accepted! Sounds like a wonderful conference!
ReplyDelete