Conference Week Prep

I'm gearing up for the 21st Annual SCBWI Western Washington this coming weekend. For the first time, I signed up for the fiction intensive Friday afternoon. This year Matt de la Pena is the speaker and I'm really looking forward to it. One thing you can count on year after year at the SCBWI is inspiration and encouragement. Even when I haven't received positive feedback on my manuscript consultations, there's always a great takeaway to file for future use.

As a pre-published writer, the conference atmosphere can provide great opportunity to learn from experienced writers, agents and editors. The faculty is top notch and this year is no exception. The editors and agents on hand for workshops and manuscript consultations include:

- Jenny Bent, The Bent Agency
- Susan Chang, Senior Editor, Tor Books
- Nancy Conescu, Executive Editor, Dial Books for Young Readers
- Andrew Karre, Editorial Director, Lerner Publishing Group
- Tricia Lawrence, Associate Agent, Erin Murphy Literary Agency
- Rubin Pfeffer, Agent, East West Literary Agency
- Eddie Gamarra, Agent, The Gotham Group
- Chris Richman, Agent, Upstart Crow Literary
- Andrea Welch, Senior Editor, Beach Lane Books

And the talented writers on-hand include the aforementioned Matt de la Pena and:

- Bonnie Becker
- Jolie Stekly
- Rachel Vail
- Martha Brockenbrough
- Helen Landalf
- Bruce Hale
- Deb Lund
- Tammi Sauer
- J. Elizabeth Mills

Some highlights include a query workshop with Jenny Bent and first pages sessions for picture books, young adult and scifi/fantasy. First pages are always a treat. It's intriguing to hear experts in the industry offering solid feedback that can help your story reach the next stage.

I have every intention of live blogging from the conference this weekend and hope you'll stop by the blog to check in on the latest!