This September I was blessed to attend the SCBWI -Northern Ohio Conference, ​"Blazing a trail."  It takes a ton of work to put a conference together.
So I'd like to give a shout out to our fab Regional Advisor Mike DeSantis, Assistant R.A. Lisa Amstutz,  I.C. Sophie Cayless, and other amazing Ohio folk who worked to make this event a success.

Mike DeSantis, and co.

      In Linda Sue Park's opening keynote, she encouraged us to "write the story only you can write." 
​ She also reminded us that it takes a team to produce a book. "Try your editor's suggestions, but don't put the kitchen sink in your book to please people. At the end of the day, it's YOUR story."

    Inspiration was bouncing off the walls.  And I can't possibly squeeze it all into this dinky blog. but here are some choice bits to chew on...

     From Viking editor Nancy Brennan's breakout session 
      "The Picture Book Puzzle":

•  It takes roughly six months to get from thumbnail sketches to final art.
• When submitting a picture book, don't come in with the idea that your book is finished.
• Book covers are some of the hardest things to design. They're like little billboards

Portfolio showcase - Northern Ohio SCBWI

     I had the privilege of meeting Debbie in person for a portfolio critique. She was so helpful and kind. Thank you, Debbie:) 

    Author Tricia Springstubb taught us that children's books should be both windows AND mirrors. 
 
     Sterling editor Brett Duquette had the midday address:
     "Acquisitions to Publication"-     

•    In spite of today's politically charged climate, not every children's book NEEDS to be political. Kids need fun books too.
• Everyone in publishing wants everyone else in publishing to succeed.​

Mr. Brett Duquette - at Northern Ohio SCBWI

  In Debbie Ridpath Ohi's breakout session on insider illustrator tips...

• Explore different visual solutions before illustrating a text.
• Show characters in a sequence of illustrations.
• When coming up with a time estimate for illustration, take into consideration outside factors you can't control:(          

The ever enthusiastic Debbie Ohi.

     Author/editor Jill Santopolo had the closing address. 
   She related the heart-crushing story of how her book The Light we Lost came to be. 
  Then she asked us..."Does YOUR book reflect who you are?"

Agent Jennifer Wills, Author Linda Sue Park, and Author/editor Jill Santopolo at Northern Ohio SCBWI

     Moving forward, I'm attempting to put into practice much of what I learned. 
​      I'll close with my favorite quote from the conference...

      "Remember, you'll never love a book the way you loved it as a child."
                                                                                - Linda Sue Park