Author! Author!

Tami and her lovely daughter Nicole came to visit my after school program on Wednesday.

This occurred because one of 'my' kids, Anna*, was reading a book about Indonesia during reading time one day in September. She brought it to me and said, "This is a very interesting book!"

I told her that I knew the writer. She was very impressed. Asked me if I could invite her to come meet us.

I agreed to 'try' but left Tami an out just in case.

When I emailed her I told her that it was totally fine if she didn't want to or was too busy or whatever. Predictably, the return email said, I'd love to.

Then, I had to make sure it was okay with my company.

After I received permission from the company, I had to check with the principal of the school to make sure there was nothing in the district rules and regulations that would stop us.

Got back a prompt email saying it was fine and a great idea... so we were good to go.

Set up a time and date with Tami.

I briefed the office staff Wednesday afternoon and let them know what time Tami would be there and arranged for a cart to be waiting at the door because... get this... Tami donated one of her books to every single kid in my program! I figured that many books would be sort of heavy, hence the cart.

Tami and her lovely assistant Nicole spent about an hour and a half with us. The kids learned a little about the process of writing, how long it takes and what one has to do to write a book (Tami asked the kids for their thoughts about how long it might take her to write a book of about 25,000 words. One of the kids guessed about an hour.  ::snicker::)

Now I happen know she can do a medium length book in a day or two... deadlines looming seem to kick her into overdrive, but she needs chocolate afterward.

They stayed for snack (I brought cookies) and hung out with the kids for a bit. Anna was very pleased to have a copy of one of Tami's books autographed to Tami's #1 fan and made sure to sit with Tami during snack time.

The rest of the kids were pretty excited, too. Every single one could not wait to run to the door and show the book he or she had received to the parent who came to pick them up.



It was a great success.

And who knows? Perhaps Tami inspired one of 'my' kids and he or she will be a writer someday because of this visit.