Saturday, the sixth of May, was a gorgeous day. It was a little on the cool side-just the right temperature for bull work in the garden-and the sun was ablaze. When I opened the garage door to back the car out and strike out for Appleton and the WRWA Writers' Conference I heard birds at my feeder discussing the buffet. Why in the name of Tsiehta, the Prince of Reason, am I going to a hotel to sit inside, out of the sunlight, when I have this beautiful spring day?

Well, as it turned out there were several reasons, not least of which was Judith Logan Lehne. Judith, an award-winning writer who has written over 70 articles and stories, five plays, and wrote or collaborated on at least seven books of interest to children-The Busy Mom's Book of Quick Crafts for Kids; When the Ragman Sings; The Never-Be-Bored Book: Quick Things to Make When There's Nothing to Do; Kangaroos for Kids; Kangaroos: Kangaroo Magic for Kids; The Wonder of Kangaroos; and Coyote Girl-brought meaning to being inside on a beautiful day.

She woke us up with “attitude food”-candy and gum, a little sugar buzz to keep us awake after lunch-and talked to us about “rekindling curiosity.” If you want to write for children and not to them, Judith says:

Become the child. Get down to his level and look up into adult noses. Know the child's world from the child's perspective. Live in the child's skin, and feel the child's emotions.

Create child characters that are believable to children; you can't fool them. Borrow somebody's children if you don't have any of your own.

Yes, I'd say that was reason enough to come in out of the sun.

John Mutter has been writing for 25 years. He has published many articles and essays in several periodicals and has written two books.

He gave us an interesting view into the many jobs and experiences that have formed his background and that frequently provided the insights for his articles.

John dedicated his writing to his mother who passed earlier this year and was his biggest fan.

Though he was introduced as a writer with a file of 285 rejection letters, he reminded us the number has expanded with his submissions to this year's Lindeman and Nelson competitions.

Mr. Mutter assured the audience that he would provide information and experiences that would inspire and motivate. But in case someone should think of falling asleep, he shared with us his enormous slingshot loaded with black walnuts. He assured all that he was not afraid to use it when he exclaimed, "Make my day.”

Acquiring a copy of The Wisconsin Blue Book was another suggestion of his. It is available free from your state representatives and is loaded with useful and interesting information.

One habit he encouraged everyone to practice, was to keep a file of interesting ideas and experiences as they may someday provide information and inspiration. He encouraged us to “write what you know,” but also to get out and experience and learn things that will bring ideas into ones realm of experience.

He told us we should always remember that we had been given a gift, to investigate anything that appears curious or unusual, and to persevere and remain determined as he said, "The world needs us."

Kris Radish, self-proclaimed “recovering journalist,” gave a rollicking presentation of ten tips for creating real characters in fiction. In addition to countless feature articles and two non-fiction books, Radish has published a slew of novels in rapid succession, most recently Searching for Paradise in Parker, PA. Her latest book, The Sunday Lists of Dreams, is scheduled to appear in 2007.

Radish urged writers to take time to get to know characters before letting them “airbrush themselves into reality.” They should “breathe into your ear” and have distinct voices.

Audience members had the opportunity to jot down their own character sketches, and get up and read what they'd written. What WRWA members came up with in a matter of minutes was amazing and amusing. The questions and answer period included useful words of support:

Radish's entertaining and highly educational presentation left me inspired and motivated.