What Does this Phrase Mean to You?

By Julie Daines

Since I still have a long ways to go to finish NaNo, I'm going to keep this very short.

When I was in New York last week, I visited the New York Public library--you know, the famous one with the two lions out front.

Anyway, I saw this phrase engraved above one of the doors:

Translation: "A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured up on purpose to a life beyond life."

Rather than give you my interpretation, I'd love to hear what you think this means. Or, more specifically, what does this mean to you? Because I think we all take a different meaning based on our own life's experiences.

So take a break and let your mind go somewhere else besides your NaNo story. Think about why you read. Why you write. And tell me, what does this mean to you?

Writing conferences

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The New York publishing houses have their eye on Utah children’s writers. Elissa Cruz, of the local SCBWI, said that publisher refer to us as the “Mormon Mafia.” Deren Hansen mentioned in his Wednesday post that Utah seems to have a disproportionate number of writers. It could be that we take our craft seriously as evidenced by the number of writing conferences in the state. Three good ones in particular are coming up soon.

Deren mentioned the LTUE next weekend. Years ago the brilliant Douglass Adams penned Life, the Universe and Everything, from which LTUE takes its name. Life, The Universe, and Everything is a three-day symposium that examines the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Their sessions are full of all topics imaginable to writers of these genres. They offer several editors and agents and you can sign up for a pitch session with them. For more information, click on their site: http://ltue.net/

In May the LDStorymakers meet. They, too, have some amazing sessions along with publishers and a pitch session. One of my critique group members is going and encouraging the rest of us to go. I’m having a hard time finding a reason not to attend. More information can be found here: http://storymakersconference.myshopify.com/

My favorite writer’s conference is WIFYR in June. Carol Lynch Williams does such a service to the children’s writing community by providing top-notch authors and a week to sit in their workshops and glean tips of the craft. This is a weeklong event with afternoon sessions offering speakers detailing the multiple aspects of writing. Real writing growth comes from the morning workshops. Guided and pampered by an acclaimed author, participants meet in an intimate setting with other like-minded writers Monday through Friday. The author shares their take on character and story development, trends in the publishing industry, and tips on how to move your manuscript out of the sludge-pile and get it noticed. Agents and editors will be at WIFYR, as well. Registration will open soon. Go here to learn more: http://www.wifyr.com/

Whatever your ability level, you can kick your writing up a notch by attending any of these wonderful Utah offerings.