Meeting My Potential Co-Author At NABF 2024

By Lindora Howard-Diawara

Hello villagers. Happy Sunday to you all and Happy Independence Day to Malians all-round the globe. Long live “Le Maliba”. Anyway, I am happy to report that yesterday (Saturday, September 21, 2024) was a success and that my experiment worked at the New Americans Book Fair 2024, held at the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Karl Road branch.

I received and directly interacted with 35 visitors at my table; met and engaged with at least 15 authors and artists- 10 were females and three were kids- the youngest was 9 years old. I got at least 12 writing and publishing recommendations for my writing journey, learned a great deal about the work and journeys of others.

Here’s a fun moment: Kids come over at my table. Unfortunately. I hadn’t factored them into my plan for the day, let alone the guessing game (Mistake #1). So, I had to be creative as the candies I had on the table as well as the colorful post it notes, and balloons seemed to attract them (Lesson #1).

Me: Hi y’all, are you having fun?
Three kids: Yes, we are.
Me: Good. Now that you’ve seen all these authors are you thinking about writing a book? 1 said yes and the other 2 nope!
Me to the one who said yes (A girl): Oh interesting. Do you have a title in mind?
Girl: Yes, I do.
Me: Really? Please, please write it down and post it on the pad.
She wrote her book title, posted the note and we continued.
Me: So, what’s your title?
Girl: My life on the road.
Me: Huh! Could you repeat that? And she did.
Me: What is it about your life on the road that you want to write about?
Girl: That’s because me, my brother and sister are always traveling.
Me: Oh wow! And what has that done for you? Do you feel you’ve been exposed to so many things that could change your life for the better?
Girl: Not just that, it’s given me so many different experiences.

At this point, I needed to breathe as I wasn’t only amazed but, my brain kept telling me that this child had a big story. I thanked the kids, shared more candies and they left. Later on, the girl came back. This time she was alone. She found me explaining my mission and plan to a visitor at my table. She patiently waited and once done, we started again.

Girl: So, what are you planning to write about?
Me: I am planning to write about the story of my life. A story tied to the stories of many others. But I plan on being very creative about it.
Girl: I want to write with you.
Me: What?
Girl: I said, “I want to write with you. I want us to write together.
Me (Speechless for a moment with a smile though): Oh, my goodness!!!! I’ve found a co-author! This is going to be so much fun! Wait, how am I going to get in touch with you? And where could I find you?
Girl: I have an email. And you can find me here at the library every Friday and Saturday. At this point, all that ran through my mind was the Nigerian saying “This one go finish me oh…”
Me: Where’s your mom?
Girl: She’s at work.
Me: OK. We have a deal. I will send you an email, but I would like to meet with your mom. Ok?
Girl: OK. Thank you.
She took more candies and left.

My village people, there are three main reasons why I haven’t yet written a book even though I’ve had folks ask about it as well as committing to supporting me. First, I’ve not been sure of what to write about (My passions? My life? Research questions about women, society and religion).

Secondly, I’ve always wanted to write a book that would not only resonate with kids but help educate them. Should I write for kids first and then adults? Or vice versa. This question has been key. And lastly, will I have the time given my multiple and colorful hats?

When I told myself and everyone else on Friday that I would dare to do the unthinkable, all I thought about was the idea of taking advantage of the space created at the book fair to get inspiration, network with others, learn, share, and gather ideas and support for my project which started a few months ago. Now this experience and story right here tells me that there’s more coming. May God grant us all long life and good health to embrace our future with more resilience and preparedness.

Overall, this journey is going to be so much more interesting than I thought. Stay tuned for the name of my incoming co-author as well as updates on the upcoming books! Again, many thanks to Deba Uwadiae and his team for this opportunity to share, learn and grow. #Liveandletlive# Peace!