So I went to my first writers’ conference on Saturday!

I have been excited and nervous about it for months. I’ve only been a part of SCBWI since January, but I’ve been attending all the gatherings faithfully. I wanted to make sure I knew people before going to my conference. I’m so glad I did!

This year’s conference was in Tulsa, but I couldn’t spend the night there because of $$ concerns. The eldest daughter also had a dance competition all weekend, so I was at that with her on Friday until late. I ended up getting about four hours of sleep, and then I met with some writer friends and we drove to Tulsa together. (I’ve only been to Tulsa a handful of times, so I was thankful for my mom’s GPS.)

The conference was absolutely perfect. I cannot think of a way it could have gone any better. Of course, we’re not supposed to discuss specifics from the speakers, but they were all great. Here’s a little overview.

First we heard from Maria Middleton, Associate Art Director at Abrams Books for Young Readers. Since my focus is on YA, I didn’t think that I would get much from this speaker, but it was really enjoyable. I had no idea how many steps were needed to tie art into a manuscript. Her step-by-step discussion allowed us to learn about the fascinating process. I particularly enjoyed seeing early sketches and polished artwork compared via Powerpoint.

Next was Katie Carella, an editor at Scholastic. She was so cute, funny, and just a joy to listen to! She focused on Scholastic’s newest line, Branches, which will launch on May 1. These books are aimed at ages 5-8 will bridge the gap between picture books and chapter books. I took a lot of notes for this one – I may attempt to write something in this vein after I’ve gotten caught up with my current ideas.

Claire Evans was next. She is assistant editor for Dial Books for Young Readers and Kathy Dawson Books. She talked about some facets of the publishing world that writers might not consider, like money management, sales force, and marketing. She also had us do several exercises with our own writing…and she gave prizes. I did not raise my hand and share my work because it wasn’t particularly fantastic, but I thought the exercise was a great way to get the audience involved.

Then came lunch, hooray! We had sandwiches and some kind of chocolate caramel pie dessert. I also grabbed one of the most delicious chocolate chip cookies I have ever eaten. We moved to assigned tables at that point, and each table had a published author, editor, or agent at it. I was at table six, and was giddy when I realized Claire would be at our table! I read some info about her before the conference, and it looked like she might be interested in manuscripts like Pairs. We each got to take a turn talking to her about our work. My hands started shaking when the person just to my right was speaking, but when it was my turn, I was able to get through it. I think I probably talked very loud and fast, but it went all right.

After we all introduced ourselves, we talked a little more, and then she excused herself to look at the portfolios on display by our group’s illustrators. I got a second cookie, ate half and wrapped the rest in a napkin and put it in my pocket, and headed to the art room. (No food allowed in the art room!)

There were too many portfolios to really give them the time they deserved, and it was crowded in the room, so I browsed through a few. I’ve enjoyed visiting with SCBWI Oklahoma’s Illustrator Coordinator, Jerry Bennett, so I made a point of looking through his entire portfolio. Wow. Just wow. I thought he mainly focused on comic book art, but his gift was apparent in his selected pages. He had some comic art, and some whimsical pieces that I think of as picture book art – and then there was this pencil sketch that was absolutely beautiful. What caught my attention the most was two young boys sitting on a couch. Their legs and feet were bare, and I am still awed at the beauty of their legs and feet. It seriously was like a photograph – but with a pencil. I’d really like a chance to look at it again, because I felt like I needed to hurry back to the conference room. It was really just a work of art…and that doesn’t really describe it. It just…it moved me.

With Jerry’s art still on my mind, I headed back to the conference room. Part two of the to-die-for cookie was gone before I got back to my seat.

Our first speaker after lunch was Katie Bignell, Assistant Editor at Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books. We didn’t have to take a lot of notes for Katie, because she thoughtfully provided us with an outline of her talk. Good thing, since everyone was in a sort of post-lunch stupor! I was especially thankful for the outline, because halfway through her presentation, my phone started vibrating. My eldest daughter, who was continuing the dance competition with my mom as her chaperone, could not find her hip hop shoes. I ended up taking four frantic calls out in the hall from various family members regarding the shoes. (They ended up being in the back of Mom’s car.) Back to Katie, who was concentrating on picture books! She also spent some time taking about rhythm and rhyming books, which was of particular interest to me, since I’ve always loved writing verse. She had several good tips that I’m planning to use when I revise some of my poetry.

The last guest speaker was Karen Grencik, an agent with Red Fox Literary. Karen went over many of the reasons that books are rejected, and what to do about it. She told us her history in publishing; how she got started and the challenges she faced along the way. It was very interesting to hear her journey from court reporter to agent. She also provided a thick handout of 101 + Reasons for Rejection! I’ve been going over it, and it’s helpful to see what to avoid.

After Karen’s presentation, there was a speakers’ panel with pitch critiques and Q & A. I didn’t submit anything for the pitch critique; they had to be typed and I don’t have a printer right now, and I never found time to run by the copy shop. It was great listening to other pitches though, gathering ideas and hearing what the professionals liked best.

Finally came announcements. Jerry announced the Best of Show from the Portfolio Critiques, and our regional advisor, Anna Myers, named the winners in the Nita Buckley Scholarship Contest. I was interested in this, because I had participated in the contest, which required writing 250 words from a prompt. The winner would receive a paid trip to California for the SCBWI conference there. Well, I didn’t win first, but I did win second! It was very exciting. I got a copy of the book “The Fault in Our Stars,” (which I read yesterday – wow) and free tuition for next year’s SCBWI Oklahoma conference! It was the perfect prize for me. I mean, I would have liked to win first, but I was honestly a little nervous about going to California and attending the big conference. I think I’d like a little more time to pass before I dive into that pool!

After the conference, we were welcome to go to sort of an after-party at a local restaurant, where we could visit with the speakers. I really wanted to go and speak to Karen Grencik. She had critiqued the beginning of Pairs and the synopsis, and she was very complimentary of it. She mentioned during the conference that anyone with one of her critiques was welcome to come talk to her about it. The ladies I drove with were very gracious about going to the restaurant, even though we still had to get back to Oklahoma City.

I’m so glad we went. I was able to talk to Karen, and she went over the critique with me. She was very gracious and kind, and I left the restaurant feeling very encouraged!

I swear I have hardly stopped smiling since Saturday!

Like I said – perfect, perfect day.

Thank you to all the people who made this day possible. I’m not sure who wants their name published on my blog, so I’ll just express my appreciation to everyone at SCBWI Oklahoma who helped to make this conference a reality. I also need to thank my family for taking care of my children’s needs so I could be a part of such a special day. I am so lucky!

I’m still smiling!