SCBWI Writer's Conference
I met Ellen Hopkins (New York Times Bestseller) at the 2008 SCBWI Writer's Retreat in Temecula, California.
One of the things I admire about her is how she views her responsibility to readers. Not just to write them a good book to read, but also to provide understanding to the questions they have about life. Readers have written Ellen saying that her books saved their lives...literally.
For more info on Ellen Hopkins and her books click here.