I have gone to several types of book events over the past few years, and a couple of them are a part of my yearly rotation, but this one was by far the best one.
Thursday Night, we had an informal reception with Jacqueline Thomas, who is one of the pioneers in this genre. Authors there were also given a chance to talk a little about their books. We had get to know you games, and the event started out with a bang.
Friday Morning started out with breakfast and for those that chose to, a first time attendee session. Even though it was my first time at that specific event, I've been going to book events like this to the point where I know I just pick out the sessions I want to attend. That afternoon, we had a lunch that was hosted by Vanessa Miller, Renee Spivey, Vanessa Riley and Sandra Barnes. Our speaker was the phenomenal Kim Cash Tate. It was an honor to finally meet her in person. I've read her books for a while, but this was the first time we got a chance to connect face to face. And let me tell you, the Word she gave us that day was spiritually fulfilling. I was able to meet and each lunch with some of my favorites, Pat Simmons, Michelle Lindo Rice, Unoma Nwankwor and Casandra McLaughlin
(From Left to Right, Me, Pat Simmons, Kim Cash Tate and Unoma Nwankwor)
I then went to a session hosted by Vanessa Riley, Who writes clean Historical Regency stories. I was their with my other book sisters, Victorious Ladies Reading Book Club. We all had a ball making toliet tissue wedding gowns (and our group came in second place)
Up next for me was the Scripture Bracelet Making Class, Which was another fun time. We also received the instructions on how to make them once we get home.
The Day was far from over. Next up, a session with a cake artist, and we actually got to taste the cake. Now who doesn't like eating, lol. And that cake was delish. So tasty and moist. The session was led by Desiree of Desiree's Delightful Treats.
Up next was Renee Spivey and Tamika Edison with the Women of Worth Workshop, a session that empowered us to not let our past hold us back from our future.
Friday is almost done. next up was a hat party hosted by Pat Simmons, Unoma Nwankwor and Jacqueline Thomas. For the hat party, those that participated in the contest also had to dress the part. The had had to match the costume.. Their was also a know the author contest, where a question was asked, and you had to pick which author fit the question. The winner of the Hat costume party was the southern bell.
Last event for Friday Night was the Pajama Party hosted by Stacy Hawkins Adams, Rhonda McKnight, Tyora Moody, Peyton Woodson Cooper and Michelle Lindo Rice. We played movie song lyric/ guess the line, a step dance show and there was a special Appearance By Grandma BB
Saturday Morning started off with Praise and Worship followed by Morning Glory, exortation and praise in dance by Joylynn M. Ross, AKA Blessed Selling Author EN Joy. Let me tell you, That was a word and worship experience I'll Never Forget
After the group photo, Up next one of my favorite events, the Paint Party. I always have fun at a paint party. The best thing about it is that you can make it your own
Finally we come to the part I've been waiting for. The Book Fair. Authors and books as far as the eye can see. I was the crazy lady with the medium sized suit case luggage rolling around the room. I had a chance to meet some people I've been reading their books since the beginning like Kendra Norman Holmes, Tyora Moody, Rhonda McKnight, Vanessa Davis Griggs,Michelle Stimpson. Casandra McLaughlin, Teresa B. Howell, as well as some new authors, like Andre Ray, Nicole Smith, Erica Cureton, Valerie Lewis Comeman, Pastor Michael Holmes, Linda Leigh Hargrove and many others.
The final two events of the night. One of which was the reader's appreciation Banquet. It was for all the readers, and the authors that appreciate us for supporting them. One big surprise of the night, was that I received the Stellar reader award. That came at such a complete surprise. The table I was at had my FB friend Ceisha, as well as Rhonda McKnight. Rhonda kept asking me about my book club and finally got me up there to talk about it. (I'm not a big talker in front of crowds). So I went up there, hurriedly gave a little spiel, and went back to my seat. Then Angela starts talking about the Stellar reader award, Ceisha says they're talking about me. I look at her and say, girl, please no they're not, not realizing they had called my name and everyone is looking at me. I am sitting there stunned, then Rhonda proceeds to tell me they called my name and to go up to the stage. I walk in total shock, and they give me the mike to make a speech. All I can say is I was spent from my speal earlier and to say Thank You. Of course that wasn't enough, especially for Joylynn, who comes up there and do a Kanye, takes the mic and say how what I do helps authors. My friend, Shavonna also received an award, for Stellar Reviewer. We also received a spiritual speech by the Keynote Speaker Kimberla Lawson Roby.
The final event of the evening was a Christian Comedian. I was surprised that Nuff Ced was actually funny. Usually the comedian is either funny but not a Christian, or a Christian, but not funny. Even though he talked about us ladies, we had a great time. A tragedy struck by the end of the Night, but God still sits high on the throne.
The final day consisted of Praise and Worship with a resounding, inspirational message from Cheryl Polote Williamson
I had such a great time as well as such a high, This event will definitely have to be a part of my yearly rotation.
Vanessa Miller Pierce. Thank you so much for listening to the Spirit and giving us this phenomenal event.
2018 will be in Myrtle Beach, SC. Hope to see you there. Here's the link to register
