I just returned from the annual Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI) conference in New York City. Brrrr… It was cold. But the cold did not dampen the enthusiasm and spirit of the attendees. There were over 1,000 attendees from 47 states and 16 other countries. This was indeed a global conference. Here’s a link to the SCBWI conference blog.

Me and Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander

The keynote speakers were so inspirational and the editor and agent panels brought us up to speed on the latest publishing trends. There is so much that was covered that I need a few days to decipher my notes and digest the information. One of the highlights of the conference was meeting 2015 Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander. The line to have his book, The Crossover, autographed was sooooo long. But I waited patiently. He graciously autographed my copy and allowed for a picture together.

Grand Central Station

Attendees mingling in hotel lobby

My flight coming home was cancelled because of the bad weather in that part of the country, but I still made it home, although much, much later than I had anticipated. The SCBWI staff and personnel who put the conference together are to be commended for their awesome work behind the scenes.

New York City

Synopsis: A brief summary of a story, novel, or play. As part of a book proposal, it is a comprehensive summary condensed n a page or page and a half, single-spaced.—Writer’s Digest Weekly Planner