Faculty members Jane Yolen, Emma Dryden and Ellen Hopkins spoke and answered attendee questions as we travelled around the circle and people shared what they were working on.
Emma shared some great market and story advice, and each of our faculty were encouraging - a true safe space. Some highlights and moments from our wonderful session:
Jane Yolen: "There's nothing off the table when you're writing a novel… if you do it well. And then you set a new benchmark."
Ellen Hopkins: "Books don't create queers. The just offer empathy and understanding to that space."
And Ellen's call to action for us all to write the stories we need to write are still resonating:
"Be fearless!"
Lee, once again, thank you for holding this very important social event. I am so glad I decided to come to this, in fact, I must have walked by the door twice before making up my mind. It was great to meet you as well, and I did write on my evaluation form about keeping this social event alive as well as a call for more diverse panels/lectures. Thank you, Jennifer
ReplyDeleteThese comments, although short, are potent. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteLee, thank you again for a terrific event. As I said, it was at the LGBTQ session at SCBWI LA in 2012 that I drummed up the courage to finish and submit my intersex novel. I can't wait to share it with the world, and to read YOUR novel, as well as the incredible projects that the other attendees talked about.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post!
ReplyDelete