My 1st Author Event At The PSLA Conference!

April 16th was a very special day for me. Why, you ask? Because it was the day I went to the 2026 Pennsylvania School Librarians Association (PSLA) Conference in Altoona, PA!

In the hours leading up to the conference, I have to admit that I was a little nervous. As someone who's from a deeply rural area of PA, I had never been to any sort of conference before. And on top of that, I had never done a book signing event either. My traditional publishing debut, My Life as an Asthmanaut, had only been released a few days earlier, and promoting the book live was something quite new to me. Would I be good at it? Terrible? Or just a bit boring?

Once I arrived at the conference, I quickly felt at ease. The PSLA organizers were so warm and welcoming.

And as soon as I saw the signing table and, across the aisle, my book available for purchase alongside the works of brilliant writers I knew, I was on the verge of crying in happiness. I had finally made it as an author. And I just wanted to soak it all in.

Over the course of the short two hours that I was at the conference as a Feature Author, I met tons of awesome librarians from all over Pennsylvania and had some great conversations. It was an honor to share not only my book with educators, but also the rest of the released titles in the Disability Books for Kids series. I was over the moon that each of the books I had on display received strong interest.

I had so much fun signing books for the first time! Thankfully, my sister Maggie Ann was there to help record these precious moments, among others, throughout my stay.

Before the event, I had practiced quite a bit on how I would sign a book, which really helped me write a little quicker and with a firmer hand during the signing.

And in the blink of an eye, it was over. Just like that. As I walked out of the convention, tired but excited, I instantly wanted to come back and do it all again!

What a magical experience and a successful event! I got to do many author firsts, make new friends, and show some wonderful people an empowering book series that will help kids feel understood and seen. But I have one regret... I didn't bring enough bookmarks!!!!!

It's a lesson I'll take with me to my book launch on May 5th, World Asthma Day. See you at the Penn State University Bookstore in State College, Pennsylvania!

Until then, stay stellar!