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