Every year, curling, yellowed leaves litter the sidewalk, telling me it’s time. Traveling on I-29, I look up and see Canadian geese in their V-formations moving in the opposite direction, and I know that for at least one weekend, the hassles of everyday life will dissipate, and I will experience a brief but beautiful utopia.
When I first began dreaming about becoming an author, I didn’t know of the rich resource I’ve since discovered. I didn’t know that every fall, children’s writers in the region gather together, caught up in the energy of their fellow aspiring and veteran writers who share a common vision. I didn’t know of the anticipation of the critique sessions with editors from NYC, or the announcing of the Emily Award. Now that I know, I can’t imagine what would keep me from returning each year. I’ve rarely seen UND except when clothed in its autumn attire, and it’s an exhilarating feeling when I arrive at the Memorial Union annually for the writers conference in children’s literature. The UND Department of English and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators join forces to offer the conference. This year, my friend Mary will be one of the speakers. In just a few hours she will arrive from her Minnesota home and we’ll begin our adventure. I look forward to supporting her as she has done for me during presentations I’ve given in the past couple years. It’s her turn to shine, and my turn to just enjoy the ride.
If any of you are interested in writing for children, I would love to talk with you about this conference. Shoot me an email: rbsalonen@cableone.net.
In the meantime, more about my writing work for children can be found on my website.
I’ll report back in a few days…
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