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As I said yesterday, there were so many good things happening in the chapter, that I knew I would forget some of the news.  Still I know I have not received all the things I was told. 

Beth Ferry met her editor at last year’s conference and this year she showed up with a signed picture book contract. 

Darlene Beck-Jacobson landed an agent for her historical novel and it sold on Friday at the conference. 

Felicia Chernesky met her agent at a NJ SCBWI First Page Session and just signed a contract for her first children’s book – a rhyming picture book. There are more, but I have not heard back from everyone to make sure it makes the list.

Gayle Aanensen:  I loved singing Kathy her “Marching Song” and think we all sounded pretty good doing it–considering the number of introverts (like me)! Then followed Kate DiCamillo, both affirming and challenging.  Loved how Ame and Dan signed their book with such flair. Is he the next Dr. Seuss or what?  Thanks to all editors and agents who were more challenging than affirming, but in a good way. I left with that “thing with feathers” (Emily’s poem) deep in my heart.

Joanne Alburger:  Scott Treimel, the agent panel, Kathy Temean, and Jane Kirkland all said to do social media. Dan Yaccarino said to always say, “Yes!”, so I came home and created a blog. The faith and hope that was showered on all of us has been life changing.

Jeanne Balsam:  I had a terrific, enlightening critique with Stephen Fraser, inspiration from Kitty Griffin and Kate DiCamillo, and much, much more!

Saragail Benjamin:  FANTASTIC experience!  Kathy and her colleagues at NJ SCBWI always put together the most useful, helpful, inspiring conferences and this one may have been the best yet.  I made some good connections with other writers and with agents and editors–we’ll see how those pan out–but I’m grateful to Kathy/NJSCBWI for the setting they create, the culture they’ve established at these NJ conferences, making it so easy to connect with absolutely anyone.  Sessions led by John Cusick were especially thought-provoking, Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen is always informative and helpful.  Keynote speaker Dan Yaccarino was enthusiastic, full of energy, totally inspiring. I was grateful to him for sharing his experiences and positive approach to his career.  And I’ll never forget Kate DiCamillo, reading for 45 minutes in her clear, small voice, mesmerizing us all with tales from her life and career.  Her generosity as a writer and as a person, sharing so deeply, coupled with the magic she weaves with words–I know the experience is destined to become one of those memories I look to repeatedly for sustenance and comfort as I continue my own writing journey.

Susan Brody:  I’m channeling West Side Story: “Could it be? Yes, it could. Something’s comin’, something good…” Or so I’d like to hope!!! It was an awesome conference.

Connie Colon:  Rebecca Frazer gave my writing nice compliments along with some solid suggestions that I plan on trying right away. It was so great to see her — and all the way from London to boot!  I’m so glad I booked a consultation with Eileen Robinson. We ended up talking about several of my projects during our one-on-one time and I also felt like a made a new friend — she even gave me a hug goodbye on Sunday! I was really blown away by two workshops in particular this year: Felicia Chernesky’s Let Poetry Add Punch to Your Novel session and Laurie Calkhoven’s Meditation/Acting Techniques to