I’m back from Book Expo America, and yes, I left NYC in a MegaBus weighed down with books and swag (mostly books). The experience was great and I will happily take on the Javits Center again next year.
My favorite quote from the show was said during the Editor Buzz session when referring to a forthcoming novel: “It’s not beastiality, it’s love.” I heard someone behind me chuckle and say, “Well, there’s your sound byte.”
But the highlight for me was the SheWrites Knowledge Faire. It was a speed-dating format that provided a chance for newbies like me to meet with established agents, editors and other folks in the industry.
Next up: Miriam Peskowitz, co-author of The Daring Book for Girls, interviews me for her new Writer-Entrepreneur column on SheWrites.
Jessica Keenan Smith is a patient advocate and epilepsy community leader with more than 15 years of experience. As Founder and CEO of Living Well With Epilepsy and Executive Director of ASENT she bridges the gap between the scientific and patient communities, with a particular focus on the needs of the epilepsies. Jessica Keenan Smith is Founder and CEO of Living Well With Epilepsy, an award winning online resource for people affected by epilepsy to share stories and access in-depth information on the disease. Since 2009, Living Well With Epilepsy (https://livingwellwithepilepsy.com) has been featured in Forbes, Wired, NBC, NPR and the cover story of Epilepsy Advocate Magazine and has partnered with companies such as UCB, Lundbeck, Sunovion, Eisai, and more. Ms. Smith is also the Executive Director of the American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics (ASENT) (https://asent.org), an organization that brings together leaders from industry, academia, government and advocacy who are engaged in bringing drugs and devices to market across all neurologic disease states. In this role she is responsible for leading a successful scientific journal and annual scientific conference with speakers from all over the world.
Doreen McGettigan
Hi Jessica,
I am so glad decided to check your blog! I too have epilepsy and never ever talk about it. I was traumatized by a nun in 4th grade and it really stuck with me. I look forward to meeting with you where ever and how ever we are doing the birthday thing. If you need any help with that let me know!