Aweek ago, I attended the Kentucky Book Fair. After months of isolation, I was a 

bird finding my wings. This was a day of sharing on so many levels.

          Talking with other authors gave me the chance to learn whatthey’d been writing and discuss my upcoming books. Forging professionalrelationships with authors is instrumental in developing a career. Fun, too. Viewingtheir extensive collection of books juiced up my creative flow. Now I’m readyto tackle my next manuscript with vigor. How’s that for a win-win!

          I met friends I hadn’t seen in a couple of years, longerfor some, and filled the time chatting, laughing, reminiscing. How’s that for atreat!

          Making new friends and meeting fans is another opportunityoffered by a book fair. We instantly connect through a common bond: the love ofbooks. How’s that for a slice of happiness!

          Here’s a win-win writing treat that’ll make your wordshappy.

Each student will write one“What if” question on a strip of paper.

Examples: What if my catcould talk? What if people could read my mind?

Students will fold eachquestion and place it in a bowl.

Each student picks a question out of the hat and writes about thetopic.         

Note: I’m using theword “student” loosely in this context. Students of writing come in all agegroups. This activity works equally well in a writer’s group.

Nancy Kelly Allen haswritten 50 children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY. Check out herblog at www.nancykellyallen.com

BUGS ON THE JOB, Nancy’s latest picture book will be available inJanuary 2022.