in a contest where we made “ wedding gowns ” and I was also able to hang out with my friends , The Victorious Ladies Reading Club . With members , Michelle Chavis and Shavonna Futrell , we came in second place . In another session , we made scripture bracelets that were so wonderful I kept the instructions so I can make others . Then we had a cake decorating session where participants were able to sample the most delicious , moist carrot cake . Now tell me , who doesn ’ t like cake ? Renee Spivey ’ s Woman of Worth Workshop encouraged us to experience the freedom of letting go of the to become the women God intended for us to be ). Next , the classic hat party where the most interesting wide brims were showcased , followed by a pajama party where none other than Grandma BB ( A Pat Simmons Character ) showed up in a onesie . What a sight . These were just some of the sessions offered .
After Praise and Worship on Saturday morning , we were treated with a word and ministry in dance by none other than Blessed-Selling Author , EN Joy . Now I know she is a woman of many talents , but that praise dance blew me away , and I saw her in another light . We then came up to another event I always enjoy , though I ’ m usually horrible at paint parties , but they are so much fun , I can ’ t resist them . The Book Fair — one of the best parts of a conference on this level , is a book lover ’ s dream . Books as far as the eye can see . So those who know me are already aware that I travel with any empty rolling suitcase . Trust me , by the time I was finished , it was almost overflowing . Not only did I greet other authors I have known for years , like Tyora Moody , Kendra Norman Holmes , Vanessa Davis Griggs , Rhonda McKnight and several others , but I was able to meet several new authors like Andre Ray , Erica Cureton , Nicole Smith and Pastor Michael Holmes .
After we rested for a bit , it was time for The Saturday night main event , the Reader ’ s Appreciation Dinner . The keynote speaker was none other than Kimberla Lawson Roby , and she talked about how even when God had her change some things in her writing , she lost a few readers , but she didn ’ t lack for anything . Then everyone who was part of a book club was asked to come up and briefly speak about their club . I ’ m not a person who likes to talk
in public , but Rhonda McKnight kept encouraging me to go up and speak . So I relented and nervously but quickly gave a spiel about my book club and headed back to my seat .
As I left the podium , the speech shifted to the Stellar Awards they were about to present . As they were listing the qualities that used to select the person for the award , my tablemate and friend Ceisha , said they were talking about me . I looked at her like she was crazy and said , “ No they ’ re not .” Color me surprised when Rhonda said , “ They just called your name . You need to go up there .” I looked up , and all the authors were standing , clapping and looking at me . While walking up to the front , I heard from several of the authors who said , “ I voted for you .” As I grabbed the mic , I could only say “ I was spent from my spiel earlier , so I thank you ”. Apparently , that was not enough because the next thing I heard was “ Oh , no , Oh , no ” from somewhere in the audience . E . N . Joy came to the front , and did a “ Kanye ” by taking the mic from me , and tells the audience how much I mean to authors and I was given the Stellar Reader Award . Then Shavonna Futrell was called up and she received the Stellar Reviewer Award .
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