Doing it Afraid: From WI to TX

April 6, 2026

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to be a featured author at the Black Girls Who Read Summit in Dallas, Texas.

Now let’s be clear…even though I was a featured author, that did not cancel out the nerves that come with showing up in spaces like this and I am not a “shy” woman per se.

Because whether you call it being a vendor, a featured author, or simply “having a table,” it still requires you to put yourself out there. To be seen. To be approached. To be received.

And that part? Still makes me nervous.

Let me be real with you.

There’s this pressure that creeps in. Will people stop at my table? Will they connect with my book? Will I even belong in this space? And this time, I took it a step further. I traveled to a whole different state, Dallas, Texas, where I don’t have a built-in circle of friends and family pulling up to support me.

I had to do it afraid.

And that’s the part we don’t talk about enough. You cannot grow as an author or in anything you are called to do if you don’t put yourself out there. Not when it’s convenient. Not when it feels safe. But when it feels uncomfortable, when it feels uncertain, when your nerves are talking louder than your confidence.

That’s where the growth is.

Walking Into the Room

From the moment I walked into the Black Girls Who Read Summit, I felt something shift.

The energy? Warm. Welcoming. Organized. Intentional.

The team was on it! Helpful, kind, and keeping everything moving. And listen, there was one woman in an orthopedic walking boot who said multiple times she was supposed to be sitting down. Ma’am…did she ever sit down? Not that I saw! Sis was committed. And I respect that kind of dedication because it showed. The whole team set the tone for the entire event.

Let’s Talk About the “Almost Didn’t Make It” Moment

Now, I simply cannot act like everything went perfectly. I was a bit late arriving and setting up. Not intentional at all. I value people’s time and I am big on following the rules, especially when I want to be invited back or welcomed back upon showing interest. Thankfully, I still had my table.

But then…my banner.

Y’all.

My banner, the one I paid extra to fly with, decided it was not going to cooperate. It detached almost in its entirety – I will be reaching out to Canva! I was so close to going the whole event without it, and I could feel my mood shifting in real time.

Because let’s be honest…that banner mattered to me. I was proud of it.

So instead of sitting in that frustration, I asked my friend, who showed up for me in the best way, if she could run and grab some duct tape.

And when I tell you…that duct tape came through like a real one. Fixed. Secured. Standing tall.

At that point, I had to laugh because baby, if that’s not a turn lemons into lemonade moment, I don’t know what is. And honestly, that tape at the top? People still stopped by my table, had small talk, learned about my book. Some bought, some followed me, and honey, I needed that because yes, I am trying to grow my followers. I was geeked about that part. Some even said they would be back and actually came back and purchased the book!

Now that right there? That meant something.

What Really Mattered

Yes, I made sales.

And yes, I’m grateful because I poured a lot into The Many Faces of Friendship: Sis, Which One Are You?

But what mattered most to me?

Connection.

Before I even got there, I told my friend, that my goal was not just sales. I wanted to connect. I wanted to be in the room. I wanted to be seen and to see others.

And that’s exactly what happened.

I met incredible women. Fellow authors. Readers. Supporters. Even though I didn’t get around the room as much as I wanted to, I saw them. I admired them. I was inspired by their table setups, their presence, their energy. It pushed me to elevate, to pour just a little more into how I show up next time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something powerful about a room full of women who love to read, who show up, who support. To everyone who purchased a book, thank you. I truly hope you enjoy every single word. I hope you enjoy every book you purchased at the summit.

And to anyone sitting on the edge, afraid to step into something new…

Do it anyway.

Do it nervous.

Do it unsure.

Do it figuring it out as you go. There’s always space for improvement.

Like Nike…Just do it.

Because on the other side of that fear are growth, connection, and moments like this one.

And trust me…they’re worth it.

Author Eva Vernaé