11-29-09 Signing books at SE IRA Conference in New Orleans
Friends:
This past Sunday and Monday, I signed books for Pelican Publishing at the South East Regional International Reading Association Conference. It was a great conference and I met so many wonderful people and made new friends. It was also nice seeing my old friends too! I was excited to finally meet Brod Bagert, Rick Anderson, Chuck Galey, and Michael Shoulders. I had corresponded with Rick, Chuck, and Michael over Facebook but had not met them in person. Wonderful guys! They were so warm and friendly.
11-29-09 Chuck Galey, Rick Anderson, Dianne de Las Casas & Michael Shoulders
On the first day, I signed by myself and did very well, moving a lot of books. I shared the table with other Pelican authors including Cecilia Dartez and Sheila Hebert Collins.
11-30-09 Pelican Authors - Dianne de Las Casas, Cecilia Dartez & Sheila Collins Hebert
On the second day in the morning, Marita Gentry, the illustrator for The Cajun Cornbread Boy and Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach, joined me.
11-29-09 Dianne de Las Casas and Marita Gentry sign books
We did a live demonstration with me telling the story of Madame Poulet and Monsieur Roach and Marita illustrating on a large pad. It was so much fun and afterwards, we signed books. Books flew off the table as people lined up. We had a marvelous crowd. Thank you so much to the teachers and librarians who came to see us! We love you!
11-29-09 Joyous fans wait for autographs from Dianne and Marita
I took Marita to meet my friends, Rick Anderson (Illustrator) and Michael Shoulders (author). Lo and behold, Brod Bagert was at the table. So we all took a moment to pose for the camera… I really enjoyed meeting Brod, who is a children’s poet from New Orleans. He was charming and effervescent and always had women flocked around his booth. Of course, it can’t hurt that Brod serenaded me with song and poetry performed in Spanish!!
11-30-09 Brod Bagert, Dianne de Las Casas, Rick Anderson, Marita Gentry & Michael Shoulders
Back at the Pelican booth on Monday afternoon, New Orleans Saints fever was high. But chicken and roach fever was higher! 
11-30-09 Dianne & John Scheid pose as Madame Poulet & Monsieur Roach
Thank you very much to the fabulous Pelican sales team who did a phenomenal job: Caitlin Smith, Scott Campbell, and John Scheid. I look forward to being with you at the next conference! TLA, here we come!
11-30-09 Caitlin Smith & John Scheid, part of the dynamic sales team at Pelican Publishing
Until next time…
Warmly, Dianne
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