This past weekend was my 10th (or thereabouts) trip to the annual NCTE conference- National Council of Teachers of English. Not only is it filled with my peeps (English teachers!! Fellow kidlit writers!!) but this year was particularly wonderful. Attendance was huge and audiences were enthusiastic.
So, I don’t have much for you except a few little bits.
First a picture of me with fellow authors H.M. Bouwman, Meera Sriram, and Tara Dairman, and their gorgeous books “Gossamer Summer”, “A Garden in My Hands”, and “The Girl From Earth’s End”.
Second, on this trip I discovered that the Department of Transportation has decided that even fanny packs and tiny pocket purses count as one of the two allowed carryons. So definitely make room for that small bag I recommended in my last post, and slip it into one of your other carryons before boarding. Or you will get dinged by the gate agent.
Who knew?
Travel hasn’t gotten any easier but I’m trying to make it more pleasant.
A couple more recommendations from the field: a water bottle you can fill in the airport (that’s my purple bottle on the table - keeps the water fresh and cold); take a power bar or similar because the “free” snacks have become miniscule and the not-free snacks ridiculously expensive; if you need a neck pillow try this one.
And Third…
It’s another starred review for WINTERGARDEN!! The Booklist review will be out in a couple of weeks, but I’m just over the moon. The illustrations by Jasu Hu are spectacular.
That’s it - and to honor the spirit of the week, a hearty “thank you” to all my readers, subscribers, and friends.
Help For Writers
Once again, if you’re looking for community, content, and support, I’m building a mentorship program that opens in early 2024 – but it’s limited enrollment, so please let me know if you’re interested and I’ll send you an application.
I would also love to know what else you’re looking for so contact me! Ask me a question, or two or more.