TLA 2012
TLA.
We don’t say the whole name. We’re too excited, for one thing, and we’re too breathless. But all the kidlit community knows instantly what we’re talking about: the Texas Library Conference.
This year it was in Houston, and it was… amazing. It was THE PLACE to be to meet famous and not-so-famous authors, librarians, teachers, booksellers, book buyers, publishers, editors, bloggers, and book lovers of all ages.
I think every Texas writer who can go, should. If not to meet and mingle, then to be surrounded by so many people who are deeply passionate about books. It does the heart good.
Here are some of my favorite pictures, with some of my favorite people from this year’s TLA!

The YaHous! Awesome Houston Authors Lynne Kelly, Mary Lindsey, Jenny Moss, Joy Preble, Christina Mandelski, and Crystal Allen.

Probably not cool to snap iphone pics at the publisher's cocktail party but OMG JOHN GREEN, right? With my friends Salima and Samantha.

The Texas Sweethearts (No Scoundrels here): Jo Whittemore, Jessica Lee Anderson, Kari Anne Holt, and Jeanette Larson. Look at those awesome books!

Austin Authors take TLA by storm! Also by tennis shoes. What NOT to wear to TLA? Pinchy shoes. Ouch!
Seriously, I could post pics all day. But I won’t. I’ll just say, be there next year!