You Never Know Who Will Be Reading

If you are like me, reading and books have been part of your life since before you could remember. My mom was a career librarian, so I grew up in the library. Instead of rural Nevada, I could live in far away real and imagined places. I only ever met children's authors face-to-face through their writing. Hundreds of authors shaped my mind and values without us ever speaking a word.

Now as a published author, I have the thrill of meeting children and discussing their favorite books and characters. I'm honored to pay-it-forward from those wonderful writers of my childhood.

Whether talking non-fiction and STEM topics or fiction and flying monkeys, the chance to share ideas with readers never gets old. It is one of the main things that keeps me encouraged when the rejections roll in or the day job gets busy and family asks me why I keep at it. 

How about you? What part of writing for children do you enjoy most? - Q

Busy has become my middle name! Work, travel, work, writing, events, and more work have made the past two months a blur. No time to worry about it though, I'm looking forward to attending the Oregon Society of Children's Book Writer's and Illustrators (SCBWI) conference this month. With lots of talented folks attending and presenting, it should be a blast. I can hardly wait. I love the critique input, camaraderie and shared commiseration. SCBWI conferences always leave me charged and ready to write and/or tackle yet another revision.

Have you been to a writing conference this year? It might be just the thing to put the spring back in your writing step! There are plenty still to come. Go for it!
-Q