This weekend I attended Prairie Writer’s and Illustrator’s Day.  This was my third year in attendance. Every year I glean new and interesting tips for writing and meet  fascinating agents, publishers, writers, and editors.

Here is a picture of Susan Hawk, Sarah Aronson, and Alex Arnold in the amphitheater. They answered questions on how to hear when opportunity knocks.

Susan Hawk of Upstart Crow Literary said, “Focus in on small moments, where something particular is happening. The reader can feel it.”

Yes. Isn’t that what all of life is about? Not just in our writing, but in our day to day lives.

Our lives are made of the moments of each precious day.

A fabulous moment for me was winning these books below! It was especially wonderful because they were from Caitlyn M. Dlouhy from Simon & Schuster/ Atheneum.

In her workshop, Caitlyn spoke about the voice of authors she works with, giving examples of a diverse array. 

I was so intrigued with Caitlyn’s passion and enthusiasm that I could not wait to talk with her after the workshop.

Caitlyn said, “A good voice demands you participate. It makes a kid feel at home living inside your story.”

The next SCBWI event in our area will be Spring Thaw in April. Mark you calendars because it sells out faster than a rabbit running from a hound dog!https://www.scbwi.org/