A Photo Essay by the World's Worst Photographer and Even Worse Essayist -Christy

The SCBWI national conference in LA was quite a spectacle. When you cram 900 writers and illustrators for children into one hotel, hi jinx will ensue.

I met some really great people, reconnected with some others I'd met earlier, and had a chance to catch up with my agent at a lovely little cocktail party she threw for her clients. Had many awkward moments in my Editor one-on-one meeting, as my manuscript was critiqued by my all-time dream Editor, Julie Strauss-Gabel of Dutton. She is smart and acerbic and gets right o the meat of the matter. Love her, and had to keep myself from stalking her.

And now, for the photos.

It began and ended as any gathering of children’s book writers and illustrators should – with a frosty Gin and Tonic. Here Davis Wakefield sips his from one of the 100 cups he “borrowed” from the lobby Starbucks late the first night.

Below is a photo of my "new favorite” Graeme Stone, who came to children’s books by way of modeling. You can tell by his circa 1990s pose that he’s watched a bit too much Elsa Klensch. Graeme knows more about Serbian culture than anyone I’ve ever met. I envy his name, which will make any book jacket seem a little more highbrow.

And then there were the Mermaids. One was working:

Two were working it:

The Disco Mermaids are the most fun people in children’s publishing and are so generous with their time and vast knowledge. Smart and beautiful – you want to hate them but just can’t.

Then there were Katie and Sarah Frances, the Y’all contingent from Mississippi. Gorgeous and elegant and very, very funny. Fabulous accents that make you hang on their every word, wondering what they’ll say next. When I die I want to come back as a southern woman.

I loved hanging out with Lee Wind. Smart, funny and damn attractive. Wears jeans made of Chosen Cotton. Lee was so articulate and passionate about gay teen lit that he’s been asked to moderate a panel at the NYC SCBWI conference with some very heavy hitters from publishing. Congrats to you Lee! Well deserved.

Another woman in the “I want to hate you for your quick success but can’t because you’re too damn funny” category is Suzanne Young. Sorry Suzanne, had a steal a photo from your website because my only pic of you sucked and you deserve better than that. Oregon is kind of a wild west state anyway, so that’s how we roll: See it, take it.

And last but not least there was Jennifer Grey "No one puts Baby in a corner" Olsen. An AMAZING illustrator and all-around hilarious woman. We connected on a soul level about reality-TV.

All in all a great conference. Thanks everyone!

Oh, yeah, there were also some good speakers. They get enough publicity on their own.