Wisconsin Children's Writers: World's Nicest People?

I spent this weekend in Racine for the SCBWI Wisconsin's annual retreat (really more of a whirlwind conference/sleepover). It was my first big writer-type event and totally worth it. Highlights:

• The usual assortment of inspiration, information, and encouragement you would expect from the presenters. OK, also some nausea-inducing assessments of the "toughness" of the market these days, especially now what with "economic downturn." And a nothing-to-fear manuscript critique from the gracious and funny Holly Black.
• Meeting my agent Steven Chudney and his Wisconsin clients Julie Bowe and Deborah Lynn Jacobs in person for the first time.
• Meeting many other (mostly Wisconsin) writers and illustrators, all of whom were incredibly friendly and supportive and reassuring and welcoming to this Illinois interloper. A special shout-out to Pat Schmatz and Jennifer Motl, who, in addition to the above folks, were my main buddies for the weekend.
• Getting only one hour of sleep the first night because I was so keyed up. Silver linings: finishing The Hunger Games (so now I know why everyone's talking about it), raiding the abundant snack table at 3 AM, and being up in plenty of time for...
• Walking the labyrinth as the stars faded and then going down to the beach to watch the sun rise and skip rocks. I got a few five-skippers! (i.e., Really good for me.)

  (Aside: it was funny, being as close to Lake Michigan as we were, because my apartment is only slightly farther from the shore. I could have dog-paddled 75 miles up the coast to get there if I'd wanted. It made me feel cozily at home. Of course, how often do I go to the beach to watch the sun rise? Um...never? Accursed writing time!)

• Cafeteria food that reminded me of (a) summer camp and (b) being a vegetarian at summer camp. No, I'm afraid there were no vegan biscuits and gravy waiting for me this morning, nor veggie and tofu stir-fry last night. I'm looking forward to ingesting protein that doesn't come in the form of cottage cheese!
• Not thinking about the presidential election for nearly 48 hours.

  (Aside: You know you're not in Chicago when you see as many McCain as Obama signs on people's lawns. I mean, my building's on the edge of an historic neighborhood of freakin' multi-million dollar homes, and they've all got Obama signs! Come on, Wisconsin... Gobama!)

Again, all in all, a really terrific time. Some people asked me, will I go again next year? If I had to decide right this second, I'd say yes! I'll just have see how life and finances stand when registration rolls around next summer...