Today's word of the day: Paparazzi

Paparazzi: n.pl. 1. A plural term for photographers who take candid photographs of celebrities, usually by relentlessly shadowing them in public and private activities; 2. The reason why celebrities with flagging careers can often be seen walking topless around Los Angeles with borrowed engagement rings and copies of "Parenting for Dummies."

If you're a film actor or pop star, the paparazzi will find you. No matter how many bodyguards you hire or how dark your sunglasses are, their camera lenses will capture any and every mundane thing you do.

But things are different if you're a children's book author, likely because as a group we're not nearly as photogenic. As a children's book author you probably won't be photographed while innocently eating your lunch--but it's a whole lot more likely that you'll be rendered in colored pencils.

Here in New York City, I had the misfortune of sitting at a table between a children's book illustrator and Francine Pascal, who created the Sweet Valley High series that sold 150 kajillion books in the 1980s and 90s. I'm at the far left of the bottom page with my head in profile and lower face blocked by a conveniently-placed tablemate. You'll notice that I was faithfully wearing my "I MAKE STUFF UP" T-shirt.

Look for this picture in the next issue of the National Enquirer, with the Loch Ness Monster photoshopped into Francine Pascal's place.

The rest of Ruth McNally Barshaw's sketchbook of the SCBWI Midwinter conference can be found at http://ruthexpress.com/sketch/nyc06/001.html

Enjoy!