From Idea to Bookshelf: Bringing a Children's Story to Life with Maureen Juma

Part of Deer Writers & Readers Fest. For more information, visit rdpl.org/culture-days. Registration for author presentations is encouraged and appreciated! Session A2: From Idea to Bookshelf: Bringing a Children's Story to Life with Maureen Juma As an award-winning children's author, Maureen will share her journey of turning ideas, family experience, culture, and imagination into published children's books. A self-published author and recipient of the Best Self-Published Author Award at the Sankofa's Pen Peer Choice Awards for Adventures of Mama: Gardening in the City, Maureen will walk participants through developing a story, working with illustrators, publishing, marketing, and connecting with readers, plus an interactive story-building activity to help attendees discover their own stories. Biography Maureen Juma is an award-winning children's author and recipient of the Best Self-Published Author Award at the Sankofa's Pen Peer Choice Awards, with nominations for Favourite Picture Book and Favourite Self-Published Book. She is the author of the Adventures of Mama series, including Gardening in the City, Cooking with Friends, and Christmas in Kenya, celebrating culture, family, diversity, nature, and learning through everyday moments. As a self-published author, Maureen brings hands-on experience in writing, publishing, marketing, and promoting her books through bookstores, libraries, and community events across Alberta, connecting with children, families, and educators through the joy of storytelling together. Website: junninemedia.ca Instagram: instagram.com/junninemedia Facebook: facebook.com/junninemedia