SCBWI Networks Day

On Saturday I hosted one of the Michigan area "Networks Days." This is an outreach for SCBWI (Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators) and the guests were a diverse mix of backgrounds and interests along with people from my own critique group. They seemed so happy to come, and happy people make me happy. Here are some more pictures of happy people.
From left to right: Amy Huntley (In the background) Melissa Shanker, Beth McBride, Maryann Gamel and Ruth McNally Barshaw. You can also see some of Ann's head but there's a better pic of her further down.
From left to right this is Tim Bogar, Ruth Barshaw and Debbie Diesen, my critique group buddies. Debbie's book, The Pout Pout Fish is coming out this month. Ruth's new Ellie McDoodle book is out in July.
This is Ann Finkelstein talking with April, our critique group member who now lives in Iowa. We're thinking of video conferencing her in next time. :o)
Ann started our group about ten years ago. The current mix of seven (except for our new lovely, Amy) has been consistently together for the last eight years. There have been four books published from our members in that time. . . alas, I've not made a contribution as yet :o)
From left to right it's Karen O'Connor, (a former critique group buddy we're happy to be back in touch with) and new friends Charla Yingling and Gay Anderson.
Kay, Ruth, Tim and me (who is trying not to block Ruth's face for the camera), as the last guests depart. Everyone brought so much creative energy and genuine excitement for what we do. What could be better than that? I am blessed to be a part of such a warm, supportive artistic community. When pursuing a living in the Arts, it sure is nice to get together with people who appreciate the joys and challenges, and who agree it's worth the struggle in the end.