Social Networking

I was finally "out and about" this week!  Actually, I was just 20 minutes from home to see our own Esther Hershenhorn speak at our spring MD/DE/WV SCBWI event.  While I have "known" Esther for years, in fact I actually only met her face to face once, for about five seconds, over a decade ago.

This past weekend she spoke for three (!) hours and, while I am sure she was utterly exhausted, she provided the spark and inspiration I needed to come home energized.  She is, as she says, a 'silver lining person,' and I asked her to rub my head in the hopes that some of that optimism would rub off on me. 

While the blogosphere provides a wonderfully supportive writing community, I really needed and appreciated the opportunity to connect in person with editors, agents, and especially fellow writers.  "Filling the well," as they say.

I bought a book from Amie Rose Rotruck about vampires and monsters for my formerly scaredy-cat just-turned-7-year-old who came home from school last week reporting that she'd spent recess 'practicing her vampire skills.'  [I can only hope that this did not involve biting people.]  Kate was so mesmerized by this book that she slept with it and had to be talked out of taking it to church.   

I met a fellow TV writer -- in Maryland!

I met about sixteen people who knew people whom I knew.  And I hardly know anybody! 

It was an excellent day.  Thank you presenters, thank you participants, and most especially, thank you, Esther! Come back soon!
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And speaking of inspiring writer/teachers, make sure to check out this terrific interview with Janet Wong and enter our latest book giveaway contest!  --Jeanne Marie