First Book Signing
First Book Signing
On Saturday, July 5, 2025 I held my first book signing for my new book I Am: Intend Align Manifest at my cousin’s Willa Mae’s bookstore Willa’s Books and Vinyl in Kansas City, Missouri. Willa’s Books and Vinyl is the oldest Black-owned bookstore in the state of Missouri. I am so honored that my book signing was one of the last events in the store prior to my cousin announcing her retirement. This was one of the most memorable days of my life and I am so grateful for every person who showed up to hear more about the book, purchase their copies and pose for photos.
Why Kansas City?
Kansas City is where I spent my life K - 8th grade. It is a place that will always be considered home for me.
Most of my relatives on both my mom and dad’s side reside in Kansas City and it was really important to me that I share this special occasion with them.
My grandmother Mary does not travel out of state anymore, and I really wanted her to be a part of this celebration. She taught me how to read, raised me for a part of my childhood and has always been one of my biggest champions and supporters. We were able to open up the event with a prayer from her, which was very special.
What was the format of the event?
We started with a prayer followed by some words from my Cousin Willa Mae who introduced me.
From there I shared a little bit more about my writing process including how long it took to write. I read a few passages from the book and then opened it up for questions.
Those in attendance were able to purchase a copy of the book to have it signed or they brought their own copies to have it signed.
People were also encouraged to browse and shop for other books from the store. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to purchase a couple of children’s books for my daughter Amelia and an anthology of Black Writers. My cousin has a special collection of rare and historic books and magazines including copies of Ebony.
What’s next?
I am working on a book signing for Chicago which was the place that I called home from the time I was 18 to the time I was 35. Chicago was the backdrop for a lot of the stories I shared in the book since I called the Windy City home for 17 years.
I would like to do a signing in Minneapolis where I currently call home and lived during High School just before moving to Chicago. Minneapolis where always have a special place in my heart because it was my soft place to land after my 2nd divorce and it is the place where I fell in love again and gave birth to my daughter. It is also the best place for this season in my life and will likely be the place I call home for the rest of my life (and certainly for at least the next 20 years).
I would also love to do signings in other cities with New Orleans being high on my wish list and Los Angeles (I did do the two-city living thing for 1 year while I was in Chicago and fell in love with Eso Won Books. I have learned that Eso Won closed in 2022, but I’d love to host a signing at another bookstore in L.A.),
I will host a virtual Vision Board 2026 Event in early December.
I am open to being a guest on podcast or to join bookclubs to have a conversation about the book. I am also open to writing op-eds or other pieces. If you have any suggestions or ideas feel free to email me at donnienicole444@gmail.com or DM me on social media.
If you have not already done so, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter. I will be sending out some helpful resources and other reflections beginning next month. Thanks again to everyone who came out to the Kansas City event. Thanks to my Cousin Mel, my Cousin Sister Nia and my Auntie Kim for capturing the photos! Thanks to my cousin Ros for helping with checkout. Thanks again to my cousins Willa Mae, Mel and Anthony Ray for all of the help with the store and hospitality. I am rich in love, rich in family and rich in support thanks to you all!
