Not blogging the conference was really tough, but I still collected a bunch of helpful quotes and moments in my journal. Here are a few:

Malinda Lo’s helpful question when revising: “What emotional impact do I want readers to have when reading my book?” (And apply to each scene.)

Leah Henderson’s advice on writing – “Get emotional. If you don’t feel, neither will your reader.” And also, “Adjust emotional volume accordingly.”

Tiffany D. Jackson on the difference between story and plot: “A story is a series of events recorded in their chronological order. A plot is a series of events deliberately arranged so as to reveal their dramatic, thematic, and emotional significance.”

Christina Soontornvat’s advice on writing – especially when writing nonfiction: “Every life is a high stakes life… don’t neglect internal stakes.”

Allyn Johnston on writing picture books – “You’re writing a theater script.”

Alex Borballa, Editor at Atheneum, advice to writers during the “How To Get Me To Say Yes to Your Manuscript” Editors Panel:  “Ultimately, you have to say yes, too.”

A question Kandace Coston, associate editor at Lee & Low Books, asks when considering a submitted project: “How will adding your project balance (or unbalance” my list?”

Daniel Nayeri’s advice to each of us to keep going in our creative journey: “The road is made by walking on it.”

Grateful for the creative focus and community,
Lee