Thank you Nashville

As promised, my Nashville Experience...

In early July, I had the pleasure of attending the National Association of Elementary School Principal’s annual conference. It’s an event where a bunch of top-notch elementary school principals and educators get together to expand their knowledge, so that they can take the information back to better their schools and communities.

Now, you’re probably thinking “Why were you there, JaNay? You’re not an elementary principal.”

You’re right. I’m not a principal. But, I was at this conference to do my very first   
Author Signing!  And it was surreal.

Since I am the winner of the NAESP Children’s Book Award in the Picture Book category, I had the opportunity to attend this conference to sign pre-released copies of “Imani’s Moon” that only the attendants of the conference could purchase. 

Everything about the experience was monumental.

First, the actual venue of the conference was mind-blowing. It was held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. Gardens and waterfalls and fountains and a façade of an outdoor environment (the ceiling was covered in windows with the blue sky shining through, which made you feel like you were right outside) without the scorching sting of the Tennessee sun. On top of that, it was perfectly air conditioned. Just beautiful!

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Second, I got to feed the educator in me and listen in on different workshops about the brain, introverts, and even a talk about building summer programs (which I have my own previous experience with thanks to my family over at SCUSD—go SummerQuest). I was most excited to meet Ellen Gallinsky and get an autographed copy of Mind in the Making which is on my “Must read for Early Childhood Education” list. I also got some character inspiration from Susan Cain’s talk. She’s the author of the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. Her descriptions of introversion hit one of my middle grade characters right on the head, so I’m excited to start massaging some of those characteristics right into his personality.

Third, I got a chance to meet so many wonderful people. Educators at their finest, discussing their schools and sharing their passions as well as expanding their knowledge for the best. On top of all that, I had a chance to meet the fabulous Jennifer Wolf Kam, the NAESP Children’s Book Award winner for the Middle Grade category. Her book Devin Rhodes is Dead will be out on October 14th as well!

This was the first time I saw STACKS of "Imani's Moon."

It is quite a feeling to see more than just one of your book, but stacks all ready to be purchased, read, and loved. :)

Which leads into the last major piece of this experience: 


The Book Signing.

Jennifer and I headed over our spot near the bookstore area, and were greeted by a lovely poster created by Charlesbridge. Jennifer’s husband had the bright idea of grabbing a bunch of our books and laying them out right in front of us so the visiting patrons could see them up close and personal. And the signing fun began. 

It’s difficult to put the feeling into words. Standing there while people come up with stacks of YOUR book asking YOU to address the book to them or to a special someone in their lives and then, you finish off by signing YOUR name on it. One of the patrons had a stack of three books and asked me to sign all of them. Just wow. And to receive compliment after compliment over and over again about the beautiful artwork (ode to Hazel Mitchell’s magnificent illustrations). Such a wonderful, wonderful feeling!

Here I am with Principal Pam!

Of course, I had to snap a picture of the fantastic principal who I met in the first workshop I went to. I had mentioned to her that I’d be doing a book signing later on that day, and she said “I’ll be there!” And sure enough, there she was, first in line with a purchased copy of Imani in hand.  She will always hold a special place in my heart since she's the owner of the first book I've ever signed! She's #1!

Thanks Pam for your support! And to NAESP and Charlesbridge, and all the ground-breaking principals and educators who attended the NAESP conference, thank you.



And THANK YOU Nashville for a memorable experience!

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P.S...

Right after my lovely experience in Nashville, I jumped on a plane and flew to Fullerton, CA where I got to celebrate my best friend Lonie’s wedding to her fabulous husband Joe. And yes, I had to get her a signed copy of Imani’s Moon.

This is Lonie Lim, my best friend since first grade. Love you Lon!

Such a wonderful memory, and like I've said a bunch of times before,  it’s only the beginning. Less than 2 months and Imani’s Moon will be available for readers world-wide.

I am one happy girl!