Join the Community?

Sometime last week, I started the process of trying to grow my Author Support Team (aka Author Street Team) by asking friends, family, and followers on social media to sign up for my mailing list.

This is a big step toward releasing a number of titles in the inclusive children’s picture book series I’ve been working on. I’d like to think I’ve given it the care and consideration it deserves, as a crucial part of spreading the word about this project. I did my research, set it up, and reached out to my people. And waited. I reached out some more. And waited. And waited some more. Then I stopped to assess.

Was is growing as quickly as I’d like? Filling up with subscribers? No and no. Was that disappointing? Was it leading me to rethink my next steps? Yes, and most likely.

But then life happened. More life. Again. In the form of civil unrest. Sparked perhaps by one specific act (or two or three, in as many days), but truly the result of witnessing similar issues on repeat for who knows how long at this point?

That reminded me why I do what I do. And it reminded me to share that why – why I’ve been so loud, and going on and on about my seemingly silly little mailing list so much…

Because creating DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE children’s books, and traveling around doing READINGS AND WORKSHOPS is how I personally can impact the way communities view PEOPLE OF COLOR and other minority groups in this country.

This is how I COPE. This is how I HOPE.

So, when YOU add your name to my list, you help ME extend that voice. You may become a resource, or even a champion. You may not. But you DO stay informed about something positive we can share with children, families, and educators that can help them help the next generations grow – grow with A DIFFERENT WORLD VIEW than we had, a more diverse and inclusive world view that VALUES ALL KINDS of different people, and helps us all LIFT EACH OTHER UP.

If you’ve already signed up, thank you from the bottom of my heart! If you haven’t yet, please go ahead, or let me know how I can help. I look forward to seeing just how much good we all can do. TOGETHER.