Am I Really a 'March is Reading Month' Author? by Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw

You’ve only been on this writing journey for a little over a year.
You’re still tweaking your first nonfiction picture book.
You’re unpublished.
And speaking in front of a crowd is way out of your comfort zone.

But, your principal tells you there’s no money in the budget to hire an author to speak during March is Reading Month and asks, “Will you be the author for our assembly?”

You surreptitiously gulp.
You scream “no” in your head knowing your teacher plate is filled beyond capacity.
You start your yoga breathing.
You smile and say,
“Of course.”

And then you panic!

Fortunately, that night while you’re supposed to be sleeping, inspiration strikes.
You hobble downstairs to your laptop and title your presentation “Am I Really an Author?”

You work feverishly on your PowerPoint.
You take the most recent revision of your WIP and illustrate it with photos and add it to your presentation.
You don’t care anymore that your teacher plate is overflowing.
Somewhere along the way, this has become fun!


You walk into the multipurpose room where you, participated in so many assemblies—as an audience member.
Your hands tremble as you set up.
As a special ed teacher, you’re used to working with small groups of kids.
250 kids and all those adult teacher faces—ACK!

It’s showtime.
You hear your name introduced.
You hear massive cheering.
Your fears diminish.
You enter the room, arms pumping in the air like Rocky!

You stumble here and there, but overall, your presentation goes smoothly.
Students are raising their hands to share.
They laugh at all the right spots.
You’ve avoided looking at any adults in the room the entire time.

You read your manuscript.
The students are mesmerized by your story.
And then, the applause.
You had a blast!

A few days later.
You get emails from three other schools.
They heard about your presentation.
They want to PAY you to speak at their March is Reading Month assemblies!

Yes, you really are a 'March is Reading Month' author!

Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is an elementary special education teacher who is passionate about engaging and motivating struggling readers, developing her students’ higher-level thinking and discussion skills, and providing them with leadership opportunities. When she's not dreaming up new teaching projects, you can find her writing children’s books, presenting at author assemblies and teacher conferences, kayaking, hiking, or practicing yoga. Learn more about Suzanne at SuzanneJacobsLipshaw.com or follow her on Twitter @SuzanneLipshaw and on Facebook @SuzanneJacobsLipshaw-Author/Educator.