SCBWI Schmooze

Big thanks to Irene for arranging the schmooze.

This past Friday, I drove to Birmingham for a Southern-Breeze schmooze hosted by the lovely and talented Irene Latham. I really enjoyed talking to the group of children's authors who stopped by. We ended the book talk and signing with a manuscript swap.

Green eggs...not dyed!

At Irene's, Patricia Weaver showed me the green eggs she'd brought from her chickens in her home near Florence, Alabama. And, yes, she swears they came out that color!

That evening, Irene hosted her book club, which had read Cleopatra's Moon. Everybody brought the most delicious Greek/book-themed food--even an almond cake/pastry in honor of Ptolly's favorite snack. We had a great conversation about mother's and daughters and history.

As the evening wound down, Irene absolutely gobsmacked me with the loveliest present--a shadow-box filled with Cleopatra Selene-themed mementos. The quote! The peacock feather! The golden rope! I was so amazed and touched I couldn't speak for a few moments.  Look at it. Isn't it beautiful?

The whole evening left me with such a deep sense of gratitude for friends like Irene and the awesome support from the SCBWI community.

And the tireless Irene is holding yet ANOTHER schmooze this Friday with author-illustrator Sarah Frances Hardy, featuring her delightful new picture book, Puzzled by Pink. So, if you're anywhere near Birmingham, make sure to visit Little Professor Books on Friday at 3:30.

SCBWI Schmooze

 Kara and her turtle; me and DQC; and Sally and her knit-doll after the panel.

A big thank you to Cathy C. Hall and Debra Tiefel Mayhew for hosting me at the SCBWI Southern Breeze schmooze.

I explained my somewhat convoluted path to publication and shared what I learned working with editors at AAL/Scholastic and Boyds Mill Press.

The coolest part was being part of a "First Pages Panel" with Kara Levy Beitz and Sally Apokedak.  The talent was impressive and analyzing what worked and what didn't was incredibly helpful.  Thanks again, Southern Breeze!