Our Trip to Nashville

Last weekend, SF and I hit Nash-Vegas for the SCBWI Mid South conference and WHOA, was it good! So good, that we both wanted to talk about it, so that's what we've decided to do.

KATIE: SF, what was your favorite part of the weekend?

SF: You mean, besides my daily spinach-mushroom-made-to-order-omelette?

KATIE: Yeah. And not the cupcakes or that cool coffee shop, either.

SF: Easy. That would have to be Cheryl Klein's workshops. She is incredible! I especially loved her talk on plotting--you can go to her website read her entire speech here. Actually, go and read all of them. She is a master. Plus, she is coming out with a book of all of her conference talks that you can preorder.

KATIE: I agree with you. Cheryl Klein! My ultra fave was her talk on plot, followed by her talk on character. But, I also LOVED Caroline Cooney. She literally made writing a new book, or revising an old one *cough cough* seem totally doable, if not easy. And she adored my sporadic, made-up story during her workshop! (which also gave me confidence :-)

SF: Yes! Caroline Cooney was amazing. I especially loved her emphasis on writing anywhere, any time. "You can do anything for fifteen minutes." So, no more complaining about not having time to write, SF!

Also, one of the biggest highlights of the trip was getting to be with our Atlanta friends Shelli and Jessica. It was like a giant slumber party.

KATIE: And it was so fun to reconnect with Marietta Zacker, whom we met in LA. Love her!

SF: Marietta is fabulous. She is so full of infectuous energy and passion.

Hey, don't forget dinner with Jo and Heather.

KATIE: Oh! And I bought a cool book, too! Your Screenplay Sucks! I might have bought it simply because of the title, but it's really, really good. And funny. And helpful :-)

A big thank you to all of the Mid-South Conference organizers! Now, it's time to get to work.