The knowledge, it fills me. It is neat!

Hey folks. Abby here.

I went to a lit convention today, so I've decided to drop some literary knowledge up in here.

I was lucky enough to get loads of author signed shwag and listen to presentations by Nick Bruel, Shannon Hale, and Phillip Hoose.  My favorite part of the whole day was getting to listen to 4 of our amazing local authors;  Saundra Mitchell, Christine Johnson, Mike Mullin, and Julia Karr.  Saundra's success story is the kind of future I hope for all my young patrons.  She is just the inspiration I needed to cheer right up.

It's not a secret that Sephy is a writer, so I asked the rockin' authors for some resources and advice to aid her on her way to the NY Times bestseller list.
On Writing by Stephen King and Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott were both recommended as excellent books about the writing process.
I was informed that most books on the topic of getting published aren't very helpful, but critique groups are fabulous.  The following is a list of critique group, support, and networking websites recommended by my new friends the really awesome authors who I wish were my friends.

Websites for all authors:  Absolute Write, Figment, and Critique Circle.
Just for teens:  Inkpop and Pulse It.
Specifically for authors of children's books:  Verla Kay and The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
Once you're ready to send out those query letters, Query Tracker is an excellent database of literary agents and publishers.

I leave you with a ridonkulus image* from Shannon Hale's presentation.  It was right after lunch and she felt we were a bit too sleepy.  She convinced over 100 librarians, media specialists, and educators to stand up and sing "the Princess Pat."

Awesomesauce

*An image that I forgot to attach and now realize it doesn't live up to the story as I told it.  The video does, though.  No, you can't see it.