At the end of the four-day weekend I felt elated and exhausted at the same time. There is something to be said for people who create content for children. We do not regard each other as competitors, but rather, as one big, happy family. Illustrators, writers, even agents and editors from the big publishing houses were all there, shaking hands, making new friends, learning from each other.
By far the highlights were:
a) Ashley Bryan leading us all in reciting the poem "Things" by Eloise Greenfield. I still find myself reciting it while doing the dishes. My kids thought it was hysterical. I will never recite a poem the way I have been ever again.
b) Jon Scieszka and Mac Barnett talking about their new project "Spaceheadz" and their fresh, smart, way-out-there view of the new shape the publishing industry is taking and our place in it as content providers. Also, their awesome website: http://guysread.com/ aimed at getting BOYS immersed in the world of books.
c) Lin Oliver and Sean Mooser. No matter what they say, it's always funny and sweet. I feel fortunate to have met them. (Lin is coming to Seattle soon! YEAH!)
d) Everyone there: attendees, published authors, wide-eyed wannabes...what an amazing group of people ( there were 1139 of us, from all over the world!)
By the way, next time your DJ asks you to punch the sky with him to the tune of Black-eyed Peas' "Tonight" just make sure there's nobody standing behind you. Especially if they happen to be the famous YA author M.T. Anderson and happen to tower a whole head above you. Their nose might get in the way of your fist. Just sayin'.
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