Meet VCFA grad Wilmoth Foreman from Tennessee and the talented Emma Virjan of Austin, Texas.

 Check it out! Two incredible Brazos Valley writers! VCFA current student Janet Fox and the famed Kathi Appelt.

Four glowing VCFA-ers: fellow Cliffhanging classmate Mari Jorgenson, myself, VCFA grad and photographer extraordinaire Jill Sayre, and former faculty chair and celebrated speaker Sharon Darrow.

Here are four astounding Austin writers who happen to be in a critique group together. Don Tate, Donna Bratton, Carmen Oliver, and Shana Burg...oh, to be a fly on the wall during one of their sessions.

Three of my favorite people are featured here: Austin author Jo Whittemore, VCFA grad Katie Mather, and Austin author Julie Lake.

 Here's pretty Lindsey Lane, one of my best buddies in Austin. Lindsey's a current VCFA student and had just won a the opportunity to choose a new book from a stack of the lastest YA novels.

Just a few more.

Such wisdom surrounding that round table. Faculty members Uma Krishnaswami, Sharon Darrow, and Kathi Appelt discuss the writing life, staying true to the story buried in the folds of your heart, and being prepared to rewrite that baby twenty times before you get it right.

VCFA grad Ann Parr, who had come all the way from Kansas, is being a good sport during a introduction game.

I'll stop here, though the memories of the lovely weekend will live on forever!

John and I were honored to serve as hosts for the first ever Vermont College of Fine Arts, Writing for Children and Young Adults regional event. I wonder when and where the next one will be held. Don't you?

Not only will Newbery Honor winning faculty member Kathi Appelt and former faculty chair Sharon Darrow wow the group with their wisdom, there will be much sharing and caring on a level like no other. That being said, alas, I am sad to say that I will not be submitting a Simple Saturday activity this weekend.

However, next Saturday get your armor polished. Sharpen your swords. Caulk the catapults! Get ready to declare war on fractions. We're going to show those devilish denominators and nasty numerators who is the BOSS!!!!!

Until we meet again...write on!

Seventy serious writers for children from all over the nation are making their way to Round Rock...folks from California, Tennessee, New Mexico, Colorado and, yes, even TEXAS! They're coming to get a first hand flavor of the distinctive VCFA experience, to share ideas, eat some great food, reunite with old friends, meet amazing new ones, and have a simple down-home good time!

Events like these don't just happen automatically...oh, no. Our crew is proving the saying, "Many hands make light work," to be true. There have been some super helpers working alongside me to make certain this event goes off hiccup-less.  I'm getting by with a lot of help from my friends, let me tell you. I'd like to acknowledge the supporting cast of this soon-to-be-fabulous event: the lovely and always generous Cynthia Leitich Smith, Lindsey Lane, Meredith Davis, Ann Bustard, Katie Mather, Jo Whittmore, Mari Jorgenson, Erik Talkin, Shannon Lamm, Alisha Gabriel, Brandi Lyons, Jill Sayer, Katie Gustafson, my hubby John, and Megan from Mesa Rosa. 

From the tips of my toe nails to the top of my curly, red-haired head, I thank you, all!!!

Varian's Saving Maddie is coming out in March. I was honored to get to hear a juicy piece of it during his graduate reading this summer. It is good...believe me. Really good.

Jennifer and I shared many a marvelous moment deep in discussion regarding her critical thesis. You see, Jen was hurricaned from her Galveston home at precisely the time she was about to begin the tough stuff needed to complete that monster. Undaunted and determined, Jen finished that masterpiece on time! No whining. No crying. (Oh, maybe just a tear or two...) Witnessing Jennifer's diligent resolve formed a soft spot in the folds of my heart just for her.

I am so proud of these two brilliant writers and am proud to call them my friends.

Announcing VCFA day in the Lone Star State, October 2 & 3 at Round Rock's Teravista, where we'll be taking the craft of writing to the next level, y'all.

Mark your calendars! Sharpen those pencils! Go ahead and buy a nifty new notebook (I do love new office supplies)! The highly esteemed Vermont College of Fine Arts, Writing for Children and Young Adults is coming to the Austin area for the first-ever-of-its-kind regional event.

Serious writers for children from all over the nation, especially you Texans, now is your opportunity to get a first hand flavor of the distinctive VCFA experience. Newbery Honor winner and faculty member, Kathi Appelt and former faculty chair, Sharon Darrow will be presenters. I cannot express how absolutely brilliant these two women are! And to have the opportunity to pick their brains in an intimate setting for two days is my idea of heaven...that's why I am part of the team hosting this event.

As of this moment, there are less than 15 registration spaces left. I have linked a Cynsation's post right HERE filled with more information and a link to register on-line (No need to re-event the microwave. I linked to Cyn's website because she is the the blog-master!).

Come one! Come all! This is an event that you will not want to miss!