October 27, 2026 - Yesterday was an education. I spent some time with Mr. Licciardi, Events Director, at PIER 39. This very kind man took time from his day to enlighen me on the wildlife that circles the pier. Naturally, I wanted to know more about the sea lions, but he spoke about the other visitors you might see when you spend a day at the pier. He explained the migration of the stellar sea lions, of which Chonkers is a member.. Although stellar sea lions are native to colder waters, in recent history they have been visiting California. And yes, there are seals; I'd forgotten that fact. In my books I write about sea gulls that transmit notes to the characters, but there are also cormorants that are ubiquitous there too. These are dark, large sea birds that are exceptional divers. Hmmm...maybe another character?
The activities were engaging and I didn't have time to do everything I'd planned. You've got to ride the double decker carousel! I chose the white rabbit, but next time I'd like to ride the seal. If you plan a trip to PIER 39 I highly recommend the Blue and Gold Ferry, sixty minute cruise of the bay...you'll actually sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge! The best views of Alcatraz can also be seen, just verging yards from the island. Choose a day that is clear because I'm told that fog can hamper much of what I saw. Get your fill of sea food and sweets and shopping here, then you're done for the day. I was so busy that I missed the aquarium and rides, but I'll be back. Oh, by the way, you can get a water massage there too! Next time, I'll be brave enough. I want to thank Mr. Licciardi and Ms. von Reitzenstein for treating me like a VIP on my travels at the pier. I'd like to go back soon, but next time I'll bring friends. Oh and yes, I was alone for my experience. It can be a contemplative experience if you walk to the end of the pier, and watch the sea lions, and hear their barks, and feel the sunset. I sat, with many others, for some time just to watch and wonder. I hope Chonkers is OK out there, wherever he is.
October 23,2026 - So many thank you's to Suzi Devlin. From Australia, she mailed me the original illustrations of the first three books. How can I frame and hang them! The launch day was tough because my website was sending readers to another site. Speaking with my domain provider cured the ailment. I am excited to mention that Lola of San Francisco has shown interest and would like to carry my books! I'm so excited to hear this and they sound like really lovely people to work with. I'll keep you updated. I'm waiting for books to arrive.
October 16, 2026 - Book launched, but it was a rough day. There was such a confusing situation with the website. I'm exhausted tonight, but was able to get a frozen yogurt with good, good friends. Good night.....
October 11, 2026 - Still anxious about Peanut the Cat and Chonkers at Sea: Book 1. It launches this week. Book two has been written, illustrated, and is at the formatter's office. I hope to release book two in November. Book four has been written, but is just going to the illustrator this week. I've written the books out of order. I'm having writer's block with book three and it's taking me awhile to write. By the way, I mentioned music. I do listen to Christmas music, with the addition of "Moon River" while I write. If you look at the cover of book 1, I designed it while listening to "Moon River". They are two drifter off to see the world.
October 7, 2026 - I'm so excited to announce the launch of my first children's book, Peanut the Cat and Chonkers at Sea: Book 1, on October 16th. It's a mere nine days away! This is scary and I don't know if anyone will read it, but I've given out a few free books so, free eyes. I really didn't have the idea for the Peanut and Chonkers books. The first children's book that I wrote was Peanut the Cat: Christmas Party, but I'm just not releasing it until the holiday season. You can tell it was my first because it was a lot rougher. I wrote that book on December 5, 2025.
I was speaking with my illustrator, Suzi Devlin, and she mentioned that Chonkers the sea lion was in the news. Mind you, she lives in Australia, so I was shocked to hear that his news made it all the way over to the other side of the Pacific Ocean. She then suggested, "You could write a story about Chonkers." Well, at first I couldn't think of how a cat that lives in a forest could hang out with a sea lion. I sat on my ottoman, while I was doing laundry, and I developed the story from there. I remember it well. It was May 5th, Cinco de Mayo. That night I settled in and thought about the words that Suzi, the illustrator, mentioned. It took me one load of laundry to write the book, about an hour and a half.
In tomorrow's blog I'm going to tell you what music I listen to while I write. Join me!