If you’d told me years ago that I’d have a book event someday, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve...

If you’d told me years ago that I’d have a book event someday, I wouldn’t have believed you. I’ve never fully believed in my art or in my writing. I always thought it would be some personal hobby, kept to myself. And I was actually content with that, really.

But looking back on yesterday, on all the friends and family who came to support me, and on all the complete strangers who took an interest…maybe I can share it all with the world. Maybe it’s worth doing. I met many interesting and kind people, some who expressed wanting to write themselves.

-An eighth grader wanting to get into reading more because she already writes and shares her stories.

-A girl who had heard good things about my book on Goodreads and came to check it out.

-Parents or grandparents who want to encourage their teens to read and got the book for them (one asked me to write happy birthday… my book will be a birthday present!)

-Random kind individuals who read the back of my book and liked the premise and wanted to support a local author.

-Other writers, like a poet who showed me his work on his phone, a girl that went to my high school that I had a long conversation with about her own novel she’s writing.

It was terrifying, anxiety-inducing to walk around and talk to people that I didn’t know. But it was still amazing. I want to do more and get better at showing everyone my work and who I am.

Big, big thank yous again go out to the family and friends who came out to get their books signed and to support me. It was way less scary with you all by my side. And of course, thank you to those who got my book and took a chance on me yesterday. There will be more to come!