We’re Going on Tour!
The “Love Your Light“ Digital Tour is happening now!
We are sharing the beautiful message of A Light in You, our first picture book, all around the US. We know the power of books to transform the lives of children.
Representation matters.
Every child should be able to see themselves reflecting from the pages of a book. We want to connect to as many readers as possible to share the beautiful images of A Light in You and the message to never lose sight of all of the amazing things that make you special.
Book Auntie Gina to appear at your event or interview on your platform
We'd love to speak at your school, library, church, community event, podcast, or radio show.
Auntie Gina Speaking at the 2015 Blogging While Brown Conference in Austin, TX
An entertaining and humorous speaker, attorney-author Gina McCauley has spoken on topics about the power of writing and storytelling to transform lives, communities, and culture. She has appeared as a keynote, panelist and workshop presenter at some of the largest media conferences in the world. Gina welcomes your invitation to join you on your podcast, conference, book event, bookstore signing, or in-school literacy event.
Suggested Session Topics
Introducing A Light in You
A Light in You: Black Characters and the power of self-care
Representation in Children Books
The Importance of Self-Compassion in Children
The connection between representation and reluctant readers.
Change through creativity: The power of storytelling to change the world.
Adventure and Escapism in Books for Black Children
Beyond the clouds: crafting stories and characters with Black protagonists.
Writing & Self Publishing Books
The Labor of Love: Self-Publishing as a Side Hustle
Launching a self-publishing empire while working.
How to finish your first picture book.
How to find an illustrator.
Internet Marketing for Self-Publishers
From Blogging to Doing
Activist to Artist: Moving from Critiques to Creativity
From Cybercrusading to Children’s Books
Gina’s first children’s book, A Light in You, started shipping on January 27, 2020
About A Light in You
Title: A Light in You / written by Gina Elizabeth McCauley; illustrated by Bright Jungle Studios.
Book Summary
We are all born with a beautiful light inside of us. Sometimes life makes it difficult to see how incredible and gifted we are. The light is that special part of us that is not dimmed by circumstances, criticism, or our mistakes. An inspirational story celebrating diverse characters. A picture book with beautiful illustrations featuring an African American girl as the star. Great self-help read for a child or adult struggling with emotions, self-esteem, trauma, disability or physical impairments, racism, sexism, displacement, war, homelessness, bullying, self-doubt, or fear.
Gina McCauley Bio
In the 5th grade, Gina McCauley organized a boycott of her elementary school cafeteria. She has never accepted the status quo. Her boldness, creativity, and love of storytelling collided with digital innovation in 2007 when she launched her blog, What About Our Daughters. Six months later, she was named to ESSENCE magazine’s list of the 25 Most Influential of 2007. That same year she founded the Blogging While Brown Conference to create a platform for diverse creators. While she became a cyber-crusading warrior princess and event producer, her first love was always writing and truth-telling. Many things changed during her decade of blogging, including the addition of five nieces and four nephews. A total of nine amazing human beings call her “Auntie Gina.”
Latest Venture
In December 2019, she launched Auntie Gina, a publishing company committed to capturing the hearts, minds, and imaginations of Black children and the adults who love them. Auntie Gina franchises built on well-crafted stories, exquisite visuals, and world-class sound. Her books, animation, film, audio drama, merchandise, and experiences are delightful escapism where Black characters are center stage. Her first picture book, A Light in You, carries an empowering message for a young Black girl on a journey of self-discovery and learning the power of knowing her value despite her circumstances.
Auntie Gina on the cover of the 2013 Black Enterprise Technology Issue
Awards
25 Most Influential of 2007, ESSENCE Magazine
“Blog of the Year”, Judges’ Award, Black Weblog Awards, 2007
Sonia Sanchez Keynote Speaker, Kentucky Women Writers’ Conference, 2009
The Root 100, 2010
“Digital Doyenne,” Digital Moving Images Salon at Spelman College and Women in Television- Atlanta, 2011
Annual Technology Issue, Black Enterprise Magazine April 2013
Media Mentions and Interviews
CNN
CNN.com
Entertainment Tonight
CBS Morning Show
PBS
NDTV
NPR
Tom Joyner Morning Show
RTE Radio 1, Ireland
XM Radio
Writing Credits
The Guardian
The Observer
Blackvoices.com
ESSENCE.com
ESSENCE magazine