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Happy 5 Year Bookiversary

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Personal log of writer, writing facilitator, and curious human, B.A. Burgess.
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Happy 5 Year Bookiversary

"Fernando Learns About Asking"

B.A. Burgess
Dec 5, 2021
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Happy 5 Year Bookiversary

www.hellothisisbarbara.com
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I’ve only ever wanted to be a writer.

My first book was written when I was five years old. I had a stay-at-home mom and three older siblings, so I was talking and writing pretty clearly by five.

The book was written and illustrated by me, and bound by staples and a stapler that I was permitted to use by my editor, my mother.

It was a colorful tale of a unicorn farmer and his unicorns.

I cannot remember the full details of the plot, but I assure you, it was riveting.

Between my first indie publication about the unicorn farmer and his unicorns, I went to high school where I won awards for writing and painting. I had a poem published my senior year, and was aggravated by the missing comma in my piece.

In my twenties, I collected a few wellness and fitness certifications. I taught yoga, meditation, and did some personal training. I also wrote on health and wellness blogs.

It wasn’t until 2016 that I attempted to write and publish fiction. I wanted to prove to myself that I had it in me. So, I decided to start small with a children’s book.

Fernando Learns About Asking

This was one of four books that I would write and publish with my talented friend Duncan. With her help, our little project landed on TV a few times on shows and in some commercials.

A screenshot of Fernando Learns About Asking on Nashville.

Years after the book was published, my dream of having a reader cosplay as one of my characters came true! A friend of mine came to yoga classes with a picture of her nephew dressed up as Fernando for his elementary school’s book parade.

Now, I have a small press and a number of books in several genres under my belt. I owe it all to that little, curious cat.

Happy Birthday, Fernando. You’re a good kitty.


You can learn more about Duncan’s work as an illustrator, set designer, and more by clicking here.

You can find all of Fernando’s adventures by clicking here.

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Happy 5 Year Bookiversary

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