2nd day, Big Sur Children’s Writers Workshops held not in Big Sur–Hwy 1 such a mess this time of year–but in Monterey, 4.5 hrs from home.

I arrived in Monterey with my husband the day before the conference started. Mini-break for parents. We explored Cannery Row, Pacific Grove: Otters, surf explosions, constant in-your-face beauty.

All of which helped settle my nerves when my husband and I parted and I joined the conference. I’m no stranger to critique, but I still get nervous when it’s my turn to read my own work to writers I’ve only just met. You, too?

2nd day: Listening to editors answer questions about their world, panels of authors describing writing processes, connecting with middle grade writers, enjoying meals at a venue curving around an Ireland-green golf course lined in cypress trees.

A woman in one of my critique groups traveled to Monterey from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She arrived late to the group, jet-lagged, exhausted–and read the most profound prologue to her YA work-in-progress.

Magic.

Yours in expanding your entire writing life,

PB.

PS. PB does not stand for picture book or peanut butter. It’s my nickname and my pen name. Have I not mentioned this? Sorry.