We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Me Time Book Club a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Me Time , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Behind the Ink: A Leap into the Literary Unknown

The Genesis of an Idea

Back in the summer of 2019, I found myself at a bit of a crossroads. I was working a stable marketing job that was comfortable enough, but there was this itch I couldn’t shake—a real desire to dive into something that spoke to my love of books. One day, while chatting with some members of our book club, the idea of starting a book festival popped up. It was a simple but bold idea: a one-day event celebrating writers, readers, and the stories that connect us all. That’s how “Behind the Ink” started to form in my mind.

The Risk Factor
Taking the plunge into organizing a book festival was a big risk, both financially and personally. I had hardly any experience with event planning, and there were already plenty of established festivals out there. I had so many questions swirling: Would people actually be interested? How would I find the money or get authors and publishers on board? But despite all these doubts, the possibility of creating a space to inspire and nurture literary talents kept pushing me forward.

Laying the Foundation
The first steps were all about planning. I spent countless hours checking out other festivals, trying to find gaps and opportunities. I reached out to local authors, publishers, and fellow book lovers to form a steering committee. Their excitement and support were incredible and really kept me motivated.
Finding the funds was another big challenge. I ended up putting my savings into the initial stages, which led to a lot of sleepless nights. I hustled for grants and sponsorships, and slowly but surely, the funding started to come together.

The Setback
Then 2020 threw us a curveball. We had to cancel our meticulously planned festival due to the pandemic. It was a real bummer, but it reminded us of life’s unpredictability and the resilience we need to adapt.

The First Festival
In April 2021, we kicked off the first Behind the Ink festival. The venue was this charming historic theater right in the heart of our city, buzzing with anticipation. Watching people fill the seats, eyes shining with curiosity and excitement, was amazing. Throughout the day, we had panels, workshops, and readings that brought together authors and readers from all walks of life. It wasn’t perfect, but the feedback was super positive, with attendees loving the inspiring and inclusive vibe.

Growth and Success
Fast forward five years, and Behind the Ink is now a beloved part of our city’s cultural scene. Each year, it’s grown, drawing in big-name authors and a more international crowd. It’s become a launchpad for new voices and a space to chat about literary trends, diversity, and the future of storytelling.

Behind the Ink’s success is all about the power of community and taking a well-thought-out risk. It’s enriched my life in so many ways, fostering connections and sparking bigger conversations about the role of stories in shaping our world.

Reflection
Looking back, starting Behind the Ink was one of the most rewarding choices I’ve made. It taught me resilience, the power of teamwork, and the profound impact of chasing your passion. This journey showed me that while risks come with uncertainty, they also open the door to transformation and opportunity.

Me Time , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As a book club founder, K. Reshay Williams achieved widespread success by evolving a small, informal gathering into one of Alabama’s most prominent literary and community service non-profits.
Her success as the founder of the Me Time Book Club can be measured across four major areas:

1. Scaling a Grassroots MovementFrom a Duo to Hundreds: What started in the summer of 2011 as a casual gathering of just associates discussing books grew into a major structured community network.

Official Non-Profit Status: In 2023, Williams successfully transitioned the organization into a formal 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, allowing her to expand fundraising and community-wide literacy initiatives.

2. Creating the “Behind the Ink” FestivalMassive Audience Scale: Williams utilized the book club framework to launch the Behind the Ink Author Festival in Birmingham, Alabama. By September 2025, the festival achieved massive success, pulling in over 1,700 registered attendees and filling all three levels of the Harbert Center.Attracting Top National Talent: Under her leadership, the festival transitioned from showcasing local indie creators to hosting elite, New York Times bestselling authors, including Zane, Kennedy Ryan, and Kimberla Lawson Roby.

3. Industry RecognitionNational Accolades: During the 20th Anniversary of the National Book Club Conference (NBCC) in Atlanta, Georgia, Williams and her organization were honored with the 2024 Community Service Award.A Platform for Marginalized Voices: She transformed the club into a vehicle for the “Black Writers Matter” movement, creating a platform that specifically amplifies and supports underrepresented minority and indie authors.

4. Direct Community & Literacy ImpactLittle Free Libraries: The club built and continually restocks a “Little Free Library” in a local Birmingham park to provide free community access to books.Philanthropy: Beyond reading, Williams integrated community service directly into the club’s mission, organizing major resource drives and donations for organizations like the Salvation Army and Grace House Ministries (a home for foster girls).

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The Resilient Book Club: A Journey of Ups and Downs
In the summer of 2011, beneath the warm glow of the long summer days, I embarked on a venture that would become a testament to resilience: the founding of a book club. This club was more than just a gathering of bibliophiles; it was a beacon of community and intellectual exchange. However, like any journey, it was not without its challenges.
The Beginning: A Spark of Inspiration
It all began with a simple desire to share my love for books with others. I envisioned a space where people could come together to discuss literature, share perspectives, and connect on a deeper level. With high hopes and a list of potential members, the first meeting was set in my living room, surrounded by stacks of my favorite novels.
The Initial Challenges
The early days were filled with enthusiasm but also unexpected hurdles. Attendance was inconsistent, and finding a common schedule that suited everyone’s availability proved difficult. There were moments when postponements seemed inevitable, and I questioned whether the club would survive its infancy.
Building a Community
Determined not to let these challenges deter me, I focused on building a sense of community. I reached out to members individually, encouraging them to share their thoughts and suggestions. We diversified our book selections to include a variety of genres, ensuring there was something for everyone.
Slowly but surely, the club began to grow. Members started bringing friends, and our discussions became more lively and engaging. The club transformed from a small circle into a vibrant community where everyone felt heard and valued.
Weathering the Storms
Over the years, life threw various challenges our way. Personal commitments, relocations, and even differing opinions threatened to pull us apart. Yet, these challenges only strengthened our resolve. We adapted by introducing virtual meetings, allowing members to join from anywhere, and made an effort to accommodate diverse viewpoints, turning disagreements into enlightening discussions.
A Testament to Resilience
Now, over a decade later, the book club stands strong, a testament to resilience and the power of community. We’ve read countless books, delved into myriad worlds, and forged bonds that transcend the pages. Each meeting is a reminder of the journey’s ups and downs, and how perseverance and adaptability can turn hurdles into stepping stones.
Lessons Learned
This journey taught me invaluable lessons about resilience:
Adaptability: Embracing change and finding creative solutions is key to overcoming obstacles.
Community: Building a supportive network makes the journey more enriching and sustainable.

Perseverance: Staying committed to your vision, even when times are tough, leads to growth and success.

The book club is more than just a hobby; it’s a testament to the enduring human spirit. Through every challenge, we’ve learned, grown, and thrived together, proving that resilience is not just about enduring but also about embracing and transforming.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Our mission is to spark and influence our community one literary work at a time.

Our goal is to promote literacy within our community.

This goal shall be reached by doing the following:
– Reading Books
– Hosting Authors
-Participating in community service
-Participating in book related events

Contact Info:

• Website: https://metimebookclub1.weebly.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/metimebook?igsh=MTNzMHlnYWxjNm4wNw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: Me Time Book Club

Image Credits

Emily Dean photography