You're invited: My book signing at Barnes & Noble Friday

I know from experience that there is nothing like holding a book in your hands that you have written. Two months ago, I was able to do just that for the first time. After a project that began more than two years ago and a writing endeavor that started more than a year ago, I held “#AuntAlma: Raisin’ a Little Hell Heaven on Earth” in my hands. It is my first book, a hilarious book of quotations delivered by #AuntAlma in that southern dialect of hers, and I will be selling and signing copies of it from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Barnes & Noble in Cape Girardeau’s West Park Mall.

This book captures not only her words, but her spirit. The colorful illustrations paint a picture of this sassy 79-year-old. The stories interspersed throughout tell tales that provide a deeper look into her. The book as a whole leaves readers laughing and feeling good.

As a motivational speaker, I find #AuntAlma to be just what we need. The world is full of heaviness these days, and in the midst of dealing with the junk in our lives, it’s easy to forget how to laugh. #AuntAlma reminds us. Even as the nation endures heated political rhetoric, as politicians promise to Make America Great Again, #AuntAlma has a campaign of her own. Let’s call it #AuntAlma 2016: Make America Laugh Again!

While tackling serious issues like aging, social media, young people and faith, my aunt says things that leave people going, “Did she really just say that?!” — as they break out in laughter. As my friend Carthette Burnett said many years ago, “[Tyler Perry’s] Madea ain’t got nothing on Aunt Alma!” Many have dubbed her the Black Maxine, or the Black Max, alluding to the famous Maxine fictional character, but real #AuntAlma surpasses Maxine in both class and sass, and I capture it in my book — a book filled with common sense, comedy — and a little bit of crazy!

So how was the book born? A few years ago, I innocently began sharing things on Facebook that my aunt said. I had no plans to write a book or make her famous or any such thing. I simply shared because she is just so funny. My aunt can barely keep up with pen and paper, so she certainly isn’t on social media. She, therefore, had no idea I was sharing her words. But people fell in love with her and asked me to put her words on mugs and T-shirts. I listened and hired an illustrator. “You need to write a book,” many said. I eventually hired a different illustrator, John Morgan. We collaborated for many months to make sure those words and illustrations were just right. That, combined with my own stories, are what readers find in this book.

I still remember unveiling the mugs and T-shirts to her. She was blown away and, through uproarious laughter, said, “You panhandlin’ your auntie!” And even after that, as we spoke on the phone — she in New York and I in Missouri — she was unaware I was taking notes as we spoke, gathering quotes and writing down the “little bit of crazy” she could always be counted on to deliver. I didn’t tell her because I didn’t want a scripted #AuntAlma. I wanted authenticity. I got just that.

“Ain’t nobody in Heaven raisin’ hell,” she once said. Truth is, she raises enough right here on earth, but she’s in denial! The title and book cover reflect that.

As www.auntalma.com highlights in its Reviews section, many are delighted with the book. One of my favorite reviews is from Nicki Scroggin, who wrote, “I got my #AuntAlma book! Adrienne Ross, one of my favorite writers, is now a published author! How cool is that??! I had to read it from cover to cover, the day that it arrived, and I can’t remember a time when I have ever laughed so hard for so long! I had tears rolling down both cheeks. I’m sure that soon #AuntAlma will be America’s favorite Aunt!!”

Consider this a personal invitation to the Barnes & Noble book signing this Friday. Come to the signing table anytime between 5 and 8 p.m., grab a copy to take to the register, purchase it, and bring it to me to sign. Help yourself to a goody or two while at the table also. I’d be glad to take a picture with you, shake your hand and simply thank you for your support.

Read Lindsay Jones’ article about the book at www.semissourian.com/story/2320121.html.

Adrienne Ross is an editor, writer, public speaker, online radio show host, former teacher and coach, Southeast Missourian editorial board member, and owner of Adrienne Ross Communications. Reach her at aross@semissourian.com.