If there's one thing I've learned about myself over the past two weeks, it's that I'm a random hugger. When I'm in a group of people, it's the natural thing to do. When someone comes up to me and says something nice, I get all grateful inside. And what better way to say "Thank you" than hugging?
Um, there isn't a better way. Just sayin'.
So I thought I'd throw this warning out there. I know some of you have moved "Meet Elana" to the bottom of your list now.
I also wanted to give you a couple of highlights from the ANWA conference I just attended. I'm not really sure they're highlights, but maybe some facts and some tips? Yeah, sure, let's go with that.
1. Think before you speak. Not only did I make a fool of myself several times, I'm still thinking of the lame things I said.
2. Agents, editors, and authors are all people. True fact.
3. Barnes & Noble is "drastically changing" how they do business. I sat in on a class by one of their community relations managers and it was fascinating.
4. Writing dialog is really hard.
5. We should be writing what we love, no matter what the current trend is.
6. Common mistake children's authors make: trying to preach/teach a lesson with their books. Also, the whole mustache-twirling villain? Another mistake.
7. Imperfect rhyme in picture books is, well, imperfect. Fix it.
8. You can take what you know emotionally and translate it into your novel.
9. No matter how you get published, you'll have to do some of your own publicity and marketing.
10. I am a random hugger.
What have you learned about yourself recently?
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