JambaLAya Kidlit Conference in New Orleans

I just signed up for the New Orleans SCBWI JambaLAya Kidlit Conference! Have you?

Early bird pricing is in effect until the end of January--a great deal for a conference! Diversity scholarships are available, too. AND there are manuscript / portfolio consultations, plus a dinner. It's going to be great! I've gotten to know the folks of my local SCBWI, and I know they're going to throw a great conference. Here's the official rudown:

March 10-11, 2017

So … you have a story and want to get it published? Or, you want to learn how others got their stories and/or illustrations published? Or, you like gathering around in the company of other writers and illustrators to share insights and wisdom into the fascinating publishing world of childrens' books?

Whatever made you click to get here, BIENVENUE! 

Featured speakers include Executive Editor and author Cheryl Klein "The Magic Words", YA debut author Angela Thomas "The Hate U Give," author Whitney Stewart and more. Critique guests also include Editor in Chief Nina Kooij and Art Director Kevin Johnson with Pelican Publishing Co., and freelance editor Catherine Frank.

DETAILS:

Friday, March 10 Icebreaker ~ Kidlit Drink Night Meetup at The Columns Hotel at 5 p.m.

Saturday, March 11 Conference ~ Academy of Sacred Heart Mater Campus beginning at 8:45 a.m.

So register already, and I'll see you there!

Cultivating hygge

Have you heard of hygge? It's the Danish art/practice/culture of coziness and comfort, and apparently it's hot, hot, hot right now. The adjective is hyggelig, as in, "Gee those slippers look hyggelig!"


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Because honestly, who doesn't love candles, and warm socks, and snuggly blankets, and police procedurals about serial killers? (Well, I guess I did love The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.)

It's pretty easy to make fun of, I suppose, but I'm into it. I like the idea of staying home with my family, eating popcorn and watching movies under a supersoft blanket from Grandma Flory. Even on New Year's Eve, my spouse and I watched New Orleans revelers party in the rain--from the comfort of our couch, hot toddies in hand. (We did reminisce about the days when we were in the Quarter, in the rain, on New Year's Eve...been there, did that.)

And I LOVE that it's pronounced HOO-gah. Oh yeah, gimme some of that!

So if there's an awesome-sounding name--indeed an entire culture--for something that feels comfortable and right, I'm on board.

Just call it introvert paradise and hand me my slippers.


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Happy 2017

Can you believe it's 2017? Me neither. But I'm awfully glad. I've grown to love January. Such a clear, blank slate to start fresh.

Well, that's what I'm working toward anyway.

I didn't really make resolutions, exactly, but I have been following Yoga with Adrienne's "Revolution: 31 Days of Yoga."

Today was Day 6, a pretty rigorous core workout, but the episode gives such a great sense of Adrienne's goofy personality, welcoming attitude toward yoga, and easy, soul-enriching sensibility that I recommend checking it out. And then go back and start from Day 1, a very comfortable and relaxing practice!

I've been following Yoga with Adrienne for over a year now, a couple times a week, and I really like her practices. She has tons of videos to choose from, including "pillow yoga" and "yoga for when you're stressed." New videos show up every Wednesday, except during January, when she hosts daily practices. (You can check out the previous years' daily practices, too.)

I'm finding improved strength as well as increased relaxation after practicing at home semi-regularly. I recommend it!