Picture me playing Big Sean’s “Blessings” right now, singing: “Waaaay up, I feel blessed” as I type this post.
Why?
My book signing for Famous! How to Be the Star of Your Show: A Teen Girl’s Guide to Embracing Her Fabulous Self at Amarchi Prime in Brooklyn was amaz-zing (yes, that’s with two Zs) and it isn’t just because Achievement First Crown Heights Charter School (AFCH) purchased a few BOXES of books for their library.
No, but that was pretty dope and humbling. Three years in a row, AFCH selected me to be their graduation speaker and buying a ton of books means they trust me and support my #bethestarofyourshow message.
I felt the love in the room, from teen girls, family, friends (high school and college), Delta Sigma Theta sorority sisters and publishing colleagues, and people, including strangers, stood in a long line for me to sign their books. 
Seeing that line made me feel like a writing rock star and I refused to sign everybody’s book with the same ol’ note. Some people came from New Jersey and Connecticut to spend $15 to support me, and I wanted each of them to feel special.
Writing Famous! was a lonely process. I stared into my computer every morning recalling stories, like the time I decided to switch schools, when Wendy Williams scared the crap out of me and when a popular R&B singer stood me up for a cover story.
I used those moments to:
- encourage girls to be confident
- choose a squad (a.k.a. the Fave Five) that could support their goals
- offer specific tips to help them choose their own adventure
I wondered if my stories would connect, especially when we live in such a visual world and people are flocking to read young adult (YA) fiction, which by the way is my fave stuff to read.
Honestly, coming out of the gate with a non-fiction book wasn’t the plan. I always thought I’d write a super popular YA book that’d be turned into a blockbuster move or hit TV show, but I digress. (Spoiler alert: The next book will probably be fiction.)
At first, the best way to give people a taste of the book was via my book trailer and second, a fun conversation with my soul friend and editor-in-chief of Juicy magazine, Paula T. Renfroe. She asked questions that allowed me to tell colorful stories and make people laugh. I especially enjoyed taking questions from the audience and calling girls to the microphone so they could shine too.
The signing may be over, but it’s never too late to chime in about the book.
Don’t be shy! Ask a question in the comments below.
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