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
Received Crystal Apple 2006, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio
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Author and Illustrator
Reading Grandma's Treasure - Story Time - April 22, 2017
Received Crystal Apple 2006, VCB Poetry 2015, Latino Book Awards 2016, Premio Verso Dorado 2022
