IRA 2012 and a word on conferences

For those of you who know me, my confession of being a conference junkie is no surprise.  So, OF COURSE I wish I were in Chicago this week for the International Reading Association's 2012 Convention.  I'd have gotten books signed by Neal Shusterman and Kendare Blake, listened to lunchtime words of wisdome from the amazing Jacqueline Woodson, attended Jennifer Wells' presentation on "The Successful High School Writing Center" to improve my writing workshops, and generally spent too much time squealing at the sight of favorite authors in the exhibit halls.

Luckily, they IRA folks are a friendly bunch, so I've been able to follow along via their COMMUNITIES
listings on their website, and by following #IRA2012 on Twitter.

While I missed IRA 2012, you can be sure I'll get there sometime. Meeting educators, authors, bloggers and book lovers of all kinds; learning so much about your craft, your market and your community; and just spending time in spaces filled with so many books, is always worthwhile. IF you possible can, try to get to a national or large state reading, education, or library conference sometime.  Even if you just drive there for the day and buy an inexpensive exhibit hall pass.  I guarantee you will not regret it.