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Joy in the Journey: Christopher Cheng Talks Longevity in a Creative Career

May 16, 2025

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, 3421 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37215

Join us for an evening with award-winning author Christopher Cheng as he shares his insights into what it takes to sustain a creative career without losing joy in the journey. In conversation with SCBWI Midsouth Regional Advisor Emeritus Susan Eaddy at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, Cheng will discuss how inspiration drawn from the world around him has informed his writing throughout a career that’s spanned more than three decades. Cheng will also relate how writing about love, friendship and family lends itself to a fulfilling creative process. Fans of picture books and stories for young people will leave this event energized to find their own joy in making books kids love.

Friday May 16th, 6:00 PM CDT

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, 3421 Belmont Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37215, in the Building Bridges Room

Throughout April, tickets include a signed copy of Cheng’s newest picture book, Powerful Like a Dragon (Roaring Brook Press). Can’t make it to the live event in Nashville? We’ll be live-streaming it from the venue and a recording of the event will be made available for ticket-holders for two weeks following the event. Personalization of signed books will only be available for those attending in person. Shipping fees will be added to those who purchase an online ticket so their book can be mailed to them (domestic orders only).

On May 1, event-only tickets will be made available for folks wanting to join in-person and via livestream. You won’t have a signed book waiting for you, but you will have spent an inspirational evening in conversation with Christopher Cheng! 

Ticket Prices:

Premium Members – $32.25 (includes book, picked up at the event)

Preview Users – $42.25 (includes book, picked up at the event)

If you cannot come to the live event and instead watch it online, the book can be sent to you for a shipping fee of $7.50.


Christopher Cheng is a native of Australia who has written dozens upon dozens of books, including nonfiction, fiction and picture books, his self-described favorite. He is the author of the multi-published Bear and Rat (published as Will We Always Hold Hands? in the USA). He is a past co-chair of the International Advisory Board for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), and a recipient of the Lady Cutler Award for Children’s Literature (NSW Australia). He presents in schools, conferences and festivals around the world and he established the international peer voted SCBWI Crystal Kite Awards. Cheng is also an Ambassador for the National Centre for Australian Children’s Literature.