Sunday, May 17, 2026

Mujeres del Génesis: lo que aprendí en el club de lectura y café con mujeres

Coffee & Chat 2026
Inicié el 2026 con un proyecto que llevaba años esperando su momento: el estudio de las mujeres del Génesis. Mi plan original era lanzarlo para el Día Internacional de la Mujer, pero la vida y mi salud debilitada en ese momento me llevaron a adelantar el proceso. 

Y hoy puedo decirlo con claridad: fue una de las decisiones más importantes que he tomado.
Cómo un estudio bíblico guardado por años se convirtió en conversaciones profundas, reflexión y comunidad.

Publicar “Mujeres del pasado: Agentes del presente” no solo fue cerrar un ciclo creativo. Fue abrir una nueva etapa en mi forma de enseñar, de compartir y de escuchar. El libro nació de un estudio que había permanecido guardado durante años en un cajón… hasta que dejó de ser archivo y se convirtió en voz.

Descubrí algo que no esperaba: trabajar con adultos es un mundo completamente distinto al de los niños. Con los niños, la verdad es inmediata, sin filtros. Te dicen lo que sienten, lo que les gusta y lo que no. Con los adultos, en cambio, aprendí a leer lo invisible: los silencios, las miradas, los gestos de sorpresa que dicen más que cualquier palabra.

He presentado este libro en distintos espacios: encuentros virtuales vía Zoom, conferencias de mujeres y conversaciones íntimas en cafés, en lugares públicos que se transformaron en pequeños refugios de reflexión bíblica y conexión humana.

Lo que este camino me enseñó

Me preguntan lo que he aprendido entre un club de lectura y un café con “Mujeres del Génesis”.
En cada espacio, la experiencia ha sido distinta… pero el aprendizaje, constante.

Primero, entendí que era necesario escribir un libro que no solo mire al pasado, sino que lo conecte con el presente. Un libro que nos invite a regresar a los orígenes para comprender mejor quiénes somos hoy y cómo hemos atravesado nuestras propias historias.

Segundo, confirmé algo profundo: estamos interconectados. No importan los países, las culturas, las costumbres, ni siquiera las diferencias de creencias. Hay hilos invisibles que nos unen en la experiencia humana.

Y tercero, algo que me ha acompañado con fuerza: muchas mujeres han aprendido a callar. A sufrir en silencio. No por falta de voz, sino por miedo a ser juzgadas.

Este proyecto no solo me ha permitido enseñar. Me ha obligado a escuchar más profundamente, a mirar más allá de lo evidente y a seguir aprendiendo de cada conversación, de cada encuentro y de cada mujer que ha compartido su historia.

Seguiré en este camino, no como quien tiene todas las respuestas, sino como quien sigue aprendiendo para poder dar lo mejor de sí.

¿Y tú qué opinas?… ¿Qué mujer bíblica ha impactado más tu vida y por qué?


Las "Mujeres del pasado: Agentes del presente" tendrán un curso en (inglés y español) con la Universidad de Catholic International en este verano de 2026.

Gracias por caminar conmigo en “Mujeres del pasado: Agentes del presente”.

      Maritza Martínez Mejía

Mother, Theologian, Author, Educator, and Translator

Read your World Board of Trustees, Read to Me, Day Ambassador 
ANLMI & Gremio Poético Colombiano 

FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com
Received Crystal Apple 2006, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio


What Children Had Taught Me

I began 2026 with a calendar filled with three important events from January to May. As I looked at my schedule, I asked myself: How can I prepare well for each one?

I made a list of important things to have ready for every event. Over time, it became my personal Event Alignment Checklist — a way to show up with intention and respect for my audience and my books.

Here is my checklist:

Which book am I presenting at Barnes & Noble, the Authors for Authors Conference, or the Young Authors’ Celebration?

 Select an outfit that matches the theme of the book and event.

Order book copies in advance (January planning is key!) and choose a tablecloth that complements the book colors.

Prepare dresses, earrings, accessories, nail color, and even hair color appointments. (Also, check previous event photos to avoid repeating the same dress — SUPER important! 😄)

Create an Eco Kit display for The Purple Shell with the Beach Guarding Certificate, a bookmark, popsicle sticks featuring the main characters, and a basket with Lifesavers or mints.

Plan photos for my archive and future blog posts.

How do you like the ECO KIT with The Purple Shell?

It may sound like a lot, but I truly care about my audience, find joy in the interaction, and treat my books with respect. For me, an event is about more than selling a product — it is about creating an experience through literature.

At each event, I have noticed something beautiful. Girls often come to my table and say:

“I love your earrings!”
“Your dress is pretty!”
“I like your shoes!”

At first, I thought these were simple compliments. But over time, I realized they were something more — an opening for connection. Children are looking for a real author, someone approachable, someone who inspires them. I listen carefully because these small moments matter.

And the boys? Well, they notice something different.

“I love your nails!”

Which, of course, became another reason to carefully choose bright nail colors for each event.

Children taught me that connection often begins in the smallest details: a colorful earring, a kind smile, bright nails, or simply the excitement of meeting an author. 

These interactions reminded me that showing up as an author means more than bringing books to a table. It means bringing presence, care, joy, and authenticity. Perhaps the greatest lesson children taught me is this:

When you respect your books, you also respect the readers waiting to discover them.

Tell me, what has been your experience when visiting an author’s table? What makes you stop,

      Maritza Martínez Mejía

Mother, Theologian, Author, Educator, and Translator

Read your World Board of Trustees, Read to Me, Day Ambassador 
ANLMI & Gremio Poético Colombiano 

FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com
Received Crystal Apple 2006, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio


Saturday, May 16, 2026

SLPS Young Authors’ Celebration 2026

St. Lucie Public Schools (SLPS) celebrates young authors annually by encouraging students to write and illustrate their own books, culminating in special showcases of creativity.

We are invited to the Celebration 2026  St. Lucie Public Schools Annual Young Authors’ Celebration on Saturday, May 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 pm


             Meet you soon, young authors ✍️ 

2025-2026


Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the Young Authors’ Celebration 2026. It was inspiring to see students excited about storytelling and creativity. I truly appreciated being part of an event that nurtures young voices. I would love to stay connected for future literacy initiatives or author visits.
 

Previous Presentations  


2024-2025 


2023-2024



This celebration honors their creativity, effort, and growth as writers. We look forward to recognizing and celebrating the hard work of our young authors.

                        Maritza Martínez Mejía

Mother, Theologian, Author, Educator, and Translator

Read your World Board of Trustees, Read to Me, Day Ambassador 
ANLMI & Gremio Poético Colombiano 

FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com
Received Crystal Apple 2006, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Maritza Mejía at the 17th Annual Writers’ Conference: Write Publish Sell!

Author Maritza M. Mejia will attend the 17th Annual Writers Conference: Write, Publish, Sell! along with other talented authors and speakers on May 3rd, 2026, at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place

Maritza Mejia presents: “How to Use a Beta Reader.”

📅 May 3rd
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

About the Session
Learn how to work effectively with beta readers to strengthen your manuscript before publication. This session will cover practical strategies for receiving meaningful feedback, refining your story, and preparing your work for the next stage.

About the Speaker
Maritza Mejia is a Colombian poet, translator, speaker, theologian, and publisher. She has self-published twelve books and is the founder of Proyecto de Escritura LuzDelMes, an initiative dedicated to building bridges of communication and collaboration among authors worldwide.



May 3er, 2026 Presentation 



Meet the organizers Holly Fox Vellekoop, Marshall Frank, and Valerie Allen 
For more information: www.AuthorsforAuthors.

Mejia's Previouus Presentations         
Presenting Social Media 101


Interview with Hangin Show TV
Table - Vendor
Speaker - 10 Net-Etiquettes for Every Day
Amazing Organizer-Speakers-KeyNotes

Mejia's 2020 Presentation: Marketing Plan Ideas

Awesome interview with HWWS Web T.V.Thank you for your great job and opportunity to present Bilingual Poetry #LuzDelMes 🌠

Mejia's 2019 Presentation: Social Media Visibility
Awesome interview with B Uneke Magazine.Thank you for your great job and opportunity to read one of my environmental poems.🌎 #LuzDelMes 🌠
Bilingual Author's Interview 2019

2018 Mejia's Participation:
Do you know the THREE Cs for Marketing promotion? 
Author Maritza M. Mejia discussed it at the Writer's Conference 2018 in Melbourne,Fl 
Thank you for your participation and support!
Author Maritza M. Mejia's Interview with Gene & Kathryn from Breward Authors Society at Spring Writer's Conference in Melbourne, FL. 2018. Thank you! #LuzDelMes.

Thank you for your support!🌷 #LuzDelMes 🌠

ACTIVIDADES GRATIS EN: www.luzdelmes.com

Maritza Martínez Mejía

Mother, Author, Educator, Translator and Publisher
Member: Read Your World Board of Trustee and International Read to Me! Day Ambassador.
Received Crystal Apple Award, VCB Poetry Award, Latino Book Awards 2016 & Author’s Talk

Friday, May 1, 2026

Welcome May - Bienvenido Mayo

 Reflections by Maritza Martínez Mejía 

How do I celebrate Mother’s Day?

 b In May, we remember our mothers and appreciate the value of motherhood. It is not necessary to be a mother, but it is important to embrace parenthood with love, responsibility, and respect.  Let's  honor our mothers! Maritza Martínez Mejía

Years had passed,

Without a doubt,

She is always near.

-Mejia, 2008-

REFLEXIONES  LUZDELMES

En el mes de mayo recordamos a las madres y apreciamos el valor de la maternidad. No es necesario ser madre, pero es importante acoger la paternidad con amor, responsabilidad y respeto. ¡Honremos a nuestras madres! 

Dia de la Madre

Pasan los años,

Sin una llamada,

Ni cartas para escribir,

o flores que enviar.

La madre es una,

La mía se ha ido,

Pero en mi corazón,

Siempre presente.

¡Tengan un Feliz Mayo! 

 Thank you for your support!🌷 Gracias #LuzDelMes 🌠

ACTIVIDADES GRATIS EN: www.luzdelmes.com


Maritza Martínez Mejía
Mother, Theologian, Author, Educator and Translator

Read your World Board of Trustees, Read to Me, Day Ambassador 
ANLMI & Gremio Poético Colombiano 

FREE Reading Activities visit: www.luzdelmes.com
Received Crystal Apple 2006, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio Verso Dorado 2022