I made my first Texas Book Festival appearance as a vendor in 2018 and vowed during my last vendor appearance in 2022 to return as a featured author. This year, I made my dream come true with my debut picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK.
I loved sharing my book with young readers in the Read Me as Story tent and also taking in plenty of other amazing book talks and panels during my two days in Austin. The weather was beautiful, and the energy was electric. Being amongst so many book lovers was great. Shortly after I arrived a grabbed some yummy tacos from a festival food truck and sat with some attendees who later bought my book.
In the author’s green room and at author after hours events I ran into celebrated writers like Attica Locke, Nicola Yoon, David Bowles (who mentored me on my book’s manuscript at a Highlights conference years ago), and Raul the Third.
The only downside of this well-organized event was when it ended. There was so much to see and so many wonderful people to meet that time zoomed by. Participating in the Texas Book Festival was a highlight of my year and author career. I hope I’ll be invited to attend at future events!
Author Tonya Duncan Ellis
Tonya Duncan Ellis is author of the Publishers Weekly and School Library Journal starred reviewed picture book, THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM: THE STORY OF JUNETEENTH AND HOUSTON’S EMANCIPATION PARK, and the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter book series. She is based in Houston, Texas.
www.tonyaduncanellis.com
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