Being Published~Unexpected Things

I'm often asked what it feels like to have a book published. For me, it has been fun but hard work, full of unexpected things. In 2002, when I finished writing, illustrating, and designing my first picture book, Sister Sara, for Dana Adobe Nipomo Amigos, I was surprised when DANA’s editor, Barbara Watson, wanted me to include my bio and photo in the books, and expected me to do a book signing. After all, photos, bios, and book signings were for celebrities, not me. Besides, when I was a kid, teachers always admonished me to, “Never scribble in books.” And now the kicker was, Barbara wanted me to write my name on the clean white page of a book I had so painstakingly illustrated.
At that first book signing, I was nervous, but after scribbling in a few books with my lousy handwriting, I overcame my reluctance and had a great time visiting with friends. Fast forward to 2012. Now with three picture books published, after Whimsical Publications published my young adult, historical novel, Spurs for José, last November, I've been delighted when historical societies have invited me to read and talk about José’s story, and sign books at their museums. These photos are from my signing for the History Center of San Luis Obispo County at Children's Day on the Plaza. It was a wonderful day!

Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa

My chaps, spade bit, and hackamore on display with mission brands.

Porter Ranch brand and branding iron

History Center of San Luis Obispo County

Inside the History Center's gift shop

Spurs for José can be purchased in California at the History Center of San Luis Obispo County's gift shop, the Dana Adobe's gift shop in Nipomo, the Cooper-Molera Museum Store in Monterey, the Coalesce Book Store in Morro Bay, and the Book Loft in Solvang, as well as online through Whimsical Publications.com and Amazon.com.