Julie Bowe

 I attended the Children's Literature Network event last night -- "A Conversation with Allyn Johnston." The event was held at Debra Frasier's beautiful home in Minneapolis. It was my first such event, so I felt a bit shy, but also warmly welcomed into this group of authors, illustrators, librarians, teachers, and other folks associated with children's literature. Here's my one and only photo:


Debra Frasier and Allyn Johnston

Allyn spoke candidly about her transition from Harcourt to her new (and as yet unnamed) imprint with Simon & Schuster. She was funny, engaging, articulate, and welcoming. She called my editor on her cell phone while we were setting up for the evening and joked, "I just signed a three book deal with Julie... do you mind?" :)

I was so pleased to meet Lauren Stringer. It was a bit of an Oops moment for me when I suddenly realized who I was chatting with. The realization came after I asked, "So, are you an illustrator?" 

I also had an especially nice chat with my dinner-mate, Lynn, a second career librarian. It was so fun to discover several "small world" connections we share.

All in all a great night.

I got some really nice book news a few days ago and have been waiting until it's officially "out there" to post about it. I'm still waiting so, in the meantime, here's some other really nice news:

I found out my proposal for a break-out session at the Wisconsin SCBWI Fall Retreat (October 17-19, 2008) has been accepted. This will be my first time presenting a workshop-type session to adult writers (gulp!) So I'm a little nervous, but also excited to have an opportunity to, hopefully, open up a little avenue for conversation about writing for middle grade readers. 

I also received word that my proposal for a presentation at the Northwestern Wisconsin Teachers' Convention (October 9-10, 2008 ) has been accepted. I'll be presenting my school visit program, designed for 3rd-5th grade students, both days. It's shaping up to be a busy October! 

Next Thursday (May 22) I head over to Minneapolis for a conversation/dinner event with Allyn Johnston. The event is sponsored by the Children's Literature Network. I'll be the one doing more listening than conversing. :)

 

Two particular things I'm thankful for today:

1. My Last Best Friend received a lovely review from TeensReadToo. Thank you!

2. The Children's Literature Network is hosting a "Conversation with Allyn Johnston" dinner party in Minneapolis on May 22. The event is limited to 30 CLN members. Just a few hours after announcing the event it sold out, but I made it in (whew!) I'm very much looking forward to meeting Allyn Johnston and having the opportunity to thank her for the role she played in bringing my books (and little ol' me) to Harcourt.

:)