Don't Hide It Under A Bushel

I returned from a conference for the Iowa branch of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators this past weekend.  Beyond getting to meet and work with the faculty,  rub shoulders with Iowa authors, and learn, learn, learn--I loved just listening to other people's stories.  There's SO much hidden talent out there, and I'm not sure there's much more thrilling than getting to witness a hidden talent being uncovered.  It happened this weekend.  Writers who were working their day jobs, raising kids, doing life, etc, but still writing, hoping, learning and pressing on.  Then they invested in a conference, got very brave and shared what they've kept under wraps, and voila-- the room almost sparkled with their new take, their new voice, their new idea!  How awesome it that?

So, three cheers for new BOOKS to come!