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.
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.

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.
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!

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!
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!
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.
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!
I am one happy girl!