Thursday, March 31, 2011

Good books and a writing conference

random photo from last summer because I've started counting down days till kayak season
Each year around this time I start hearing about amazing writing conferences, and writers getting together and partying and having FUN and I get a little jealous. Well, I've just signed up for the SCBWI Canada East conference in Niagra Falls, Ontario. The price is amazing and I've never been to Niagra Falls. I'm so excited!

Is anyone else going? I'd love to hear from you!

I'm hoping this will inspire me again to do more writing. I have been on a hiatus, but doing lots of READING. I'd like to recommend some fabulous books:


Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. 

Ever read a book that changes you?
This book did for me, and blew my mind with brilliant writing. Such an important story and Ruta tells it beautifully with characters that are so memorable, they feel like family. I was mesmerized from page one. And have I mentioned the WRITING? This author can WRITE! 











Illegal by Bettina Restrepo.

A story of struggle and desperate times, but somehow written with a feeling of hope. I'm left with a deep gratitude for all that I have. Beautifully written.


















How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy by Crystal Allen.

Such a delightful read! Lamar is charming and vulnerable and tough and sensitive and hilarious. Crystal managed to make me laugh, then cry, sometimes on the same page. Loved it.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Enjoy the conference. I want to fly out that way and attend some day!

Have a planned read-a-thon starting tomorrow and going until Sunday. All three of those books look great. Saw a vid for Shades of Grey...oh. my. powerful stuff.

Anita said...

Conferences really do inspire...I think you'll be highly motivated when you get back. I've never been to this conference, but I have been to Niagra Falls...the falls themselves are beautiful!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sounds like a great deal - conference and amazing scenery.

Natalie Aguirre said...

I've heard great things about Shades of Gray. Wish I was going to the conference. And I still regret that I didn't get to meet you at the Michigan one last year.

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm not going to the conference (unfortunately) but I love Niagara Falls - you'll have a terrific time!

those books all sound terrific - and so different too :)

Carolyn V said...

I love conferences! Have a great time. =D

Mindy said...

I was just at Niagara Falls last summer. It's great up there! BTW I don't know if you got my email but I just received your novel in the mail YAY! (Plus thank you for the kind letter you sent with the book I won with your contest) Can't wait to read all this goodness

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

How influence are you by the writing of other YA authors?

Who is/was your inspiration for capturing the very essence, every nuance, of a 12/13 year old girl the way you did in your book?

The conference sounds like a great place to network.

Anonymous said...

I have yet to go to an conference of any kind. I want to go but its so diffivult to pack it up for a weekend and go. Maybe if I tell the fam we're going to Disneyland. Hey, now there's an idea.

Jo Schaffer said...

Great book suggestions!
I went to a writing conf last year-- but this year me and my writing group are putting one on for teens. It's so exciting! We have awesome authors coming out for it!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

The writing conference sounds great! And what a location. I've never been there. Not that I've ever lived anywhere near there, either. Although I understand there's a theme park on the Canadian side...

Amy Holder said...

I just read Illegal & thought it was great. And I can't wait to read Between Shades of Gray! Crystal Allen's book also sounds fantastic!

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I have an ARC of Shades of Gray but haven't read it yet. Sounds like I need to get on it. :-)

Ishta Mercurio said...

These recommendations look great. I especially want to read the last one - it looks like a fun read, and I've been reading a lot of heavy stuff lately. Thanks for the recommendations!

Charmaine Clancy said...

I wish I was going! But I'll have to wait and attend the ones a little closer to home here in Australia. Enjoy! I went to my first writers conference last year and it was amazing :)

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

I WISH I was going to that conference! I've never been to Niagra Falls and SCBWI conferences are such fun. Have a great time! And thanks for the great book recommendations.

Theresa Milstein said...

I'm so happy you're going to a conference. I go the the New England SCBWI each spring. It's always worth it.

I'm gong to look up the books. Thanks for the info!

Ms. Yingling said...

I just read all three of these, and you are correct about the writing! Oh, and my Yorkiepoo is very jealous. She is tired of her suburban existence and wants to come live with your dogs and bring home dead things.