I had an amazing time at Ake. I got to have a book signing and talk about my book. It was so lovely to meet readers and authors I’ve only seen online. And my books sold out on the second day!
To be honest, one year ago me wouldn’t have been able to go to Ake as a guest and speak about my work. I was so nervous to the point I thought maybe I should cancel. And I was going to be speaking with a New York’s time bestselling autbor. I’m not one and my imposter syndrome kicked into hyper drive. I felt like I didn’t have anything to offer.
But I kept repeating Ms. Rachel’s mantra ‘I can do hard things.’
I actually kept practicing what I was going to say, asking myself potential questions and answering them and that made me a feel a little less nervous.
I was a bit nervous the day of the chat. I kept telling myself it was just a chat. A chat about my book which I wrote and know about. I know about writing and books. I’m sort of an expert on both. I can talk about books all day. And when I was called up, my nervousness disappeared. I actually enjoyed the book chat. And after, when I got to sign my books foe readers, I was so happy and emotional. People actaully liked the book chat and they bought my book.
2023 me wouldnt believe me if I told her I did all that. I know 2024 me is going to be blown away by what 2025 me is going to do.
ErhuKome 