Welcome to Part 2 of the conference highlights. View Part 1 here.
DAY TWO
There were so many wonderful speakers and panels on Saturday that heads would explode if I covered everything. I’m skipping ahead to my favorite breakout session of the day.
STEPHANIE GARBER SHARES SECRETS TO ENDINGS
Stephanie Garber, author of CARAVAL, the phenomenon of a debut novel that has everyone talking, ran a fabulous breakout session entitled “Five Steps on How to Write Five Star Endings”.
She began by sharing a list of six classic story endings:
- Happy Ending – Disney ending. Hero versus Villain with hero triumphant. The Happy Ever After
- Tragic Ending – Hero gets what he wants, but loses something in the process
- Unhappy Ending – Romeo and Juliet (works because reader is told from the very beginning this is a tale of woe)
- Bittersweet Ending – Main Character makes sacrifice for the better good, i.e., Batman in The Dark Knight lets people believe he’s a villain because it’s what the city needs.
- Vague Ending – open to interpretation, makes people question.
- Series Ending – Cliffhanger or Hero gets what he wants, but Villain gets away.
While twists and surprises are awesome, you don’t want to spring an ending on readers that is unexpected; not in line with their expectations.
The tone of the ending should align with the tone of the book.
Think of the Harry Potter books, which were progressively darker with progressively darker endings. All deaths were earned and endings expected.
Think about whether or not the price for your story ending has been paid. Has the success been earned by the hero or villain? Think about endings not just for your main character, but for all of your characters. Make them all earn their endings. Dolores Umbridge in Harry Potter earned her ending.
One of my favorite tips she gave was about villains. She said you should makes sure to give them screen time. Put them in the path of your main character. A face-off with the villain is a great opportunity to show character development.
Have a kick the cat moment versus a save the cat moment.
Don’t just say they are the villain; show it. Show the villain arc.
She ended with stating you should leave readers with a sense of hope, even if your story is a tragedy.
Think about this: What is the final message you want to leave readers with?
LUNCH BREAK
There were so many fantastic places to eat near the hotel. Some of us had lunch at Katsuya. Great sushi and a lovely atmosphere, including a most fascinating bathroom. Everyone took turns checking out the unconventional sinks. (Yes, just like tourists.)
At some point one afternoon, we had a gathering of all SCBWI Oklahoma members and tried to pose for a group photo. After three attempts, we succeeded in capturing 13 out of 14 of us. So close! Here’s the collective result.
This photo was blatantly stolen from Jerry Bennet’s Instagram feed. Don’t worry, he won’t even notice. 🙂
CONVERSATION WITH KWAME ALEXANDER AND SONYA SONES
Two phenomenal poets having a conversation about poetry. Wow! Was this amazing! I can’t share the live poetry that flew back and forth – beginning with Sonya’s awesome intro – or the chemistry they had, or the humor that filled the room. Just imagine that this experience was unforgettable.
Sonya Sones asked the questions and this was her first one:
SS: Tell me about the moment of your conception.
KA: 1967. Harlem, New York. A dormitory at Columbia University.
(I mean, honestly! They had us rolling.)
SS: When did you first know you were wonderful?
KA: At 12 years old. When I wrote a Mother’s Day poem.
Dear Mommy.
I hate Mother’s Day
In my heart
Every day is
Mother’s Day.
That’s when I first knew words were powerful.
SS: How does the study of poetry help children?
KA: Poetry is a rhythmic, concise, emotional way of sharing view of the world. If a child gets through it and understands, they can crossover and it’s profound.
SS: What’s the first book you ever wrote?
KA: A book of love poems inspired by a woman. I wrote her a poem a day for a year – and it worked. (He married her.)
There was so much more. I wish I could share it all. It was a fantastic conversation.
PORTFOLIO TIME
One of my favorite events is the Portfolio Showcase. I love looking over all the artwork of so many talented illustrators. This year, I had the pleasure of running into our very own Illustrator Coordinator, Jerry Bennett, while I was perusing the portfolios. Always a treat to get an artist’s take. And he’s somewhat amusing company as well. 🙂
SILVER LININGS GALA
Saturday night means party time!
This group knows how to let loose! (All videos I recorded have been deleted to protect your, um, signature dance moves, let’s say – and you’re welcome.)
Hope you enjoyed the Day Two highlights. Stay tuned for Part 3 coming soon!
valerie r lawson 
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