Austin Dreaming for Kidlit Con

So, I will not be in Austin, Texas this weekend which is a shame because a lot of folks I would love to spend a weekend talking about books with will be there and I'm missing out. The 7th Annual KidLit Con is in Austin and there will be a keynote speaker and sessions on blogging and reviewing and not losing your mind (key to this whole thing we do) and mostly, if it is like the previous six conferences, there will be a TON of discussion on books.

This doesn't sound nearly as exciting as it should.

I co-hosted the 5th con in Seattle with the indomitable Jackie Parker and we had a blast. There was so much good important talk about literacy and the importance of reading and how to get more kids and teens excited about reading. These are all things worth thinking about and talking about and in ways both big and small they are world changing topics.

But also, and just as importantly, we talked about the sometimes insane nature of the blogosphere and endless emails from authors who don't seem to understand the best way to approach a potential reviewer and publishers who push certain books really hard while ignoring requests for others (which is really odd when the books pushed hard are often by famous authors and the ignored ones are not and thus could better appreciate the extra help of blog exposure).

In other words, the whole weekend was equal parts serious professional discussion and nonstop venting. Can you imagine a better way to regroup, recharge and reassess how you feel about books and blogging?

I really really wish I could be in Austin this weekend. I will be avidly reading the posts next week from all those who attend. In the meantime, see how excited Sarah is about going, and if you are local you can still register. All details on the con are here, check it out and if you can, be there and have a blast and make the rest of us jealous!