Writing Conferences - Just Do It!

I have been writing for at least 20 years and publishing for 10. People often ask how I got started. I usually just say I got lucky and caught an editor's eye.

However, I've come to realize that it was more that that. It was about being in the right "frame of mind" at the right time. After years of being told I was a good writer by teachers, friends, relatives, and church administrators, it took a college children's writing course and a couple of SCBWI conferences to make me realize that I didn't want to be good. I wanted to be outstanding! 

So...I took a hard look at what I didn't know or hadn't bothered to try. I discovered I had a lot to learn. I'm still learning and attending SCBWI conferences. Don't be afraid of not knowing people at a conference. They are afraid of not knowing you! Check out scbwi.org for upcoming conferences. Who knows? You might get lucky!

Australia is Cool!

Several years ago, I got the chance to visit Melborne and southern Australia for 2 weeks. I saw so many cool things and even learned new words, like "chockers" which means completely full. The trolley was often chockers.


One of my favorite books is Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst. Alexander is sure bad days never happen in Australia.


I just read Over in Australia: Amazing Animals Down Under by Florida author Marianne Berkes. This rhyming, fun, and fact-filled picture book is great for everyone, but especially teachers. It's part of a series that includes books on the Arctic, Jungle, and Ocean. Check it out!