Hi everyone, I'm Jenna! I wanted to introduce myself and say hello! I'm just outside Chicago, a mom to a very energetic 6-year-old, and a lifelong book lover. I spent over 15 years in education, mostly focused on literacy, and I'm also the founder of Love Smiles, a nonprofit that provides books and comfort items to kids going through cancer treatment. I've also been working on a children's book series called Tales from the MakerSpace, so I've been having some fun on the writing side of things, too! Books have always been a huge part of my life, whether I'm reading them, teaching with them, writing them, or finding ways to get them into someone else's hands. I'm excited to be here, connect with other book lovers and writers, and see what everyone is working on! So, what is everyone reading right now? I'm always looking for another book to add to my list!

I just went to FanX Salt Lake last week and sold 244 books!! Biggest success I've ever had at a convention! Here are some tips that will help toward event success. - Have something that draws people's attention. Ideally, something big and tall and curiosity-inciting. My big banner for my book "The Legend of Uh" is bright and colorful and weird enough to bring people in and make them ask questions. - Consider bundles. If you've got books in a series, consider giving people a discount if they buy the whole thing. I've been shocked at how quick people are to buy an entire series or trilogy at a convention (make sure to have bags on hand so they can carry them!). Having something you can point to and say "I'm only offering this discount at this event" is really motivating for customers. - Try to create a sense of "wow" with your booth! I'm still struggling with this, but I've seen other people create beautiful booths with lights, faux ivy, wooden frames, raised platforms, and more. Make it pretty! - When it comes to selling books, sometimes the best decorations are just big stacks of books. Seriously. Pack your booth with books. Put them on stands so the covers are tipped toward the customers. It gives them plenty to look at. - Have a folding wagon or folding dolly cart!! Seriously, these things will save your life. You can't be carrying books and book supplies by hand into a convention center. You'll wear yourself out before the event even begins. - Have calorie-dense rations on hand. Dried mangos, nuts, granola bars, protein bars—preferably things that don't get messy so you don't get anything on your merchandise. Convention food is EXPENSIVE so bringing your own snacks to nom on throughout the day will cut down on costs.

Kathryn Purdie's Q&A is THIS THURSDAY! 🥳 Did you know that Kathryn Purdie was an actor before she was a published author? After winning a prestigious statewide Shakespeare acting award in high school, she went on to study acting at the Oxford School of Drama in England. Now she utilizes the character analysis skills she honed as an actor in crafting her novels. Kathryn says that acting motivated her to "find imperfections in the hero and sympathetic virtues in the villain"—a common theme in her books! Post your questions ahead of time on this pinned post. (You can always ask questions in real time too in the Q&A video chat 🤓) We'll see you at 7 p.m. MDT this Thursday, right here in StoryClub. Add it to your calendar with this link