You Don't Need a Writing Degree to be an Author

On the last day of my book tour back in May, I walked into the room full of second graders and started hearing whispers.

“Is that the author?” “I think that’s her!” “Excuse me, miss? Are you the author?” 
“Yes, I am! Good morning!”
Their wide eyes made me feel like a TOTAL rockstar. 🤩💃

After I read Addy Wants to Fit In and gave my presentation about the illustration process (a la Eddie Martinez) and my writing process, I opened the floor for questions.

“Did you always want to be an author?” one student asked.
“No.” I replied. “But as I got older, I realized I had a story I wanted to share. And publishing my book so that I could come here today and read to you was the best way to share it. I didn’t go to college for writing or get any fancy degrees. Each of you can be authors, too.”

Again with the whispers. They were inspired and excited about writing (!!!) How amazing is that?! I want to use my experience to inspire others. Anyone who never thought they could check off that bucket-list item of “publish a book.” Seriously, you can! 🙌📖

Check out Self-Publishing 101 to see how we can work together on getting your book across the finish line.

University of Hartford Alumni Spotlight

Addy On the Road: First Stop, Austin, TX

On Monday, April 22nd, illustrator Eddie Martinez and I visited two Austin, TX elementary schools to read and share about Addy Wants to Fit In. It was a full day of reading, sharing, answering questions and students giving hugs and high fives to Addy!

At one point, while I was reading to a group of over 200 students, I realized how quiet the auditorium was. Absolute silence while they listened intently to the story. I was amazed.

After reading, Eddie showed a slideshow similar to this blog post about the evolution of his illustrations. All the students were interested in how the shape of Addy’s head changed over time, how she got her pink bow, and the progression of the beloved ladybug sidekick.

To finish the presentation, we asked the students if they had any questions. Hands shot up, asking how long the process took (and were amazed that it took 2 whole years!), if we were nervous to publish it, how we named Addy, why she wouldn’t eat a blueberry for $10, and how they can get their own copy. We had fun fielding questions and wove in a very strong message about not giving up and setting challenging goals. We have a feeling they left even just a little bit inspired.

We’re grateful to have communities that support us so much. Read what Harmony School of Innovation wrote about our visit:

It was such a wonderful opportunity for our students at HSI to meet first-time author Jacky Lamenzo and first-time illustrator Eduardo Martinez! Ms. Lamenzo and Mr. Martinez came to our campus to read-aloud their new book, Addy Wants to Fit In for our PreK-5th grade students. Each grade level learned about Addy, the friendly ant who struggles to fit in with her ant colony because of her picky eating habits, and the journey she takes to discover a new food that she likes. Students were also treated to a Behind-the-Scenes look at the illustration process by Mr. Martinez, who, apart from being an illustrator, is also our amazing Art teacher here on campus!

HSI-Austin so so #HarmonyProud to be a stop on your book tour, Ms. Lamenzo and Mr. Martinez! Thank you for visiting us and for teaching our students the importance of setting a goal and sticking to it. Our students loved it!

Plush Addy!

I recently heard about an Etsy Shop that creates custom hand-made stuffed animals based on drawings. Naturally, I knew we needed a plush Addy for our author’s visits!

I set a goal for sales, and as soon as I hit that goal, I ordered an Addy.

Since the artist is in the Ukraine, it will take a few weeks to make and ship. Stay tuned!!!