I volunteered at TLA (Texas Library Association) this morning, then explored the exhibit hall. I would highly recommend it for writers. There were tons of authors doing book signings (I blundered into Candlewick’s booth, just before Cynthia Leitich Smith started signing her newest book, Eternal – I now have an autographed copy). Many of the publishers there have ARCs (advanced reader copy) that they give away for free and I picked up If I Stay by Gayle Forman and After by Amy Efaw. I also learned that Libba Bray has a new book coming out this fall, Going Bovine. Have to see if I can pre-order on Amazon. Most of the Big Houses (Scholastic, Candlewick, HarperCollins) don’t have any editors there, just sales people. But a lot of the small presses/regional publishers do. It is a great place to do some networking, with publishers, librarians and other writers. Even though I didn’t register for the conference and attend any of the programs, I would love to go back tomorrow morning (it’s only ½ day Fri.). But my daughter has her spring program. Over spring break, her class had to write biographies. She chose Dr. Seuss, so she has some lines about him to recite. I finally got her red Cat in the Hat bowtie finished. Can’t miss my little ham on stage!