I just got back from Wik’13, the SCBWI conference in Birmingham, and as always had such a delightful time. But I’m sort of kicking myself for not signing up for Matt de la Peña’s intensive on dialogue. I know it would’ve been swell.
He was the keynote speaker–I laughed, I cried, I learned. (I might not have actually cried, unless it was from laughing. But seriously, he’s an engaging speaker. If he’s ever in your area, go see him. And take your boy readers.)
So I bought one of his books,
and it’s a great read. But more than that, it’s a good template for wanna-be published authors like me (and maybe you, too). It’s a well-crafted story, with layered characters and terrific pacing and plotting. And I’m not just saying that because Matt very graciously agreed to have his picture taken with Cathy-on-a-Stick.
Or wrote such a sweet note when he signed his book.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
I hope that if you ever meet Johnny Depp you do NOT give the spotlight to Cathy-on-a-Stick. You need to stand next to him so he can put his arm around you. 🙂 Let COAS work the camera.
If I meet Johnny Depp, Lisa, the LAST thing on my mind will be a pic on a stick. 🙂
How fun to meet an author you admire and get his signature. That’s always exciting. Sounds like a great conference.
It was a swell conference, Julie. I’ll share some more tips later!
I’m bummed I missed his intensive too! I had one of his workshops and he was great.
Also, we need more young men at WIK. You know…for their insight and whatnot… 🙂
My thoughts exactly, Tanya. More whatnot. 🙂
It takes an all-around swell author to know one. 🙂
Glad you had a great time, can’t wait to hear all about it!
And P.S…very cool inscription!
I know, Deb! And I didn’t read it till I got in the car, on the way home! SUCH a sweet guy.
What a good sport he was. He looks a little bit like he doesn’t know whether he should smile or run away screaming. heh heh
Matt is one talented young man. He’s going far.
And Cathy on a stick? She’s going far, also. I can’t wait to see her collect a Newbery one of these days. I’ll say, I knew her when…
I tried to get him to smile–I even told him my name story (the L-A one, not Chinesegirl Thumbelina)–but he was rather stoic. A very stoic good sport, indeed. And yep, that would be just like Cathy-on-a-Stick, getting a Newbery. Pfffft.
You and Cathy on a stick meet such interesting characters. Matt’s book sounds like one I could learn from.
I like him a lot. I’ve never met him, but I know his editor, Krista Marino, who is also awesome. They are both coming to the MO SCBWI conference in a couple weeks, so I’m excited! Thanks for the “preview.”