On Labor Day weekend, thanks to the folks at SCBWI, I had an opportunity to participate at the Decatur Book Festival. I won’t lie, I was a big bundle of nerves in the days leading up to the event. I worried that nobody would show up. Simultaneously, I worried that people would show up. What if I had to read my picture book to a crowd of stone-faced adults? What if I had to contend with a bunch of rambunctious kids? And how on earth was I going to turn the pages of my picture book while holding a microphone!?!
Despite my fears, I had a wonderful experience! The tent was full of kids and grown-ups alike, with enough familiar faces in the crowd to make me smile and calm my nerves. The audience played along, even when I made them shout out Bob’s name over and over and over.
As it turns out, it is impossible to turn pages with a microphone in hand, but luckily someone from the audience (who also happens to be my mom) volunteered to help me.
The self-promotion part of the book launch has always made me anxious, but I’m so glad I opted to participate in DBF this year. It felt good to stand up in front of friends and family and complete strangers and showcase something I created. So, to everyone who came out to cheer me on, thanks for making my first writing event a success!
