GENRE(S): Children’s book for ages 3-8
What has been your most rewarding moment as an author?
It’s been such a humbling honor to have this special book published so there have been so many rewarding moments. If I have to pick, I’d say stopping by a friend’s house who asked me to sign my book for her granddaughter. What I loved about our visit is that her saying she’s so proud of me for publishing it but what she really focused on was how it can hopefully help and encourage so many. That is my dream. Yes, I love that I published a book, but I’d really love it to change lives.
If you could offer one piece of writing advice to a novice author, what would it be?
Just like Puddles the Duck does in my book, I’d simply say “Believe in yourself!”
Have you ever based characters on real people? Give us a couple of examples.
Yes. My book is based on our daughter who was born with a slight disability and her beloved stuffed duck she named Puddles.
How do you find your ideas for a book?
As previously mentioned, my book is based on our daughter so finding ideas for it was easy. I’ve wanted to write this book for a long time and started doing so a few years ago. At first, I thought about creating it myself on an online site because what I really wanted to do, was give one to our daughter. Then it hit me this year that why not actually publish it?
What kind of books do you enjoy reading and how often do you read?
I love books and I’m always reading at least two at a time…usually a fiction or non-fiction book, some kind of self-help book, and also a spiritual book.
Did your formal education or upbringing/background prepare you in any way to write?
Yes. I’m a former journalist and publicist with a BA in Journalism. I worked in TV news and in publicity and promotions for many years. All of that involved writing and editing. I’m a rare writer who also loves to edit!
BIOGRAPHY: Carla Luna Smith is a freelance writer and former journalist and publicist who took on the challenging job of teaching three-year-olds while taking her young daughter to doctors and physical therapists. She fell in love with that age group’s curious minds and read to them daily. Puddles the Duck Learns to Believe is a combination of her love of reading and writing as well as encouraging and inspiring young minds. Carla lives in Georgetown with her husband of 40 years and their beloved dogs. In her free time, she enjoys reading, golf, football, home décor, travel, cross-stitch, yoga, fashion, and being a happy home body!
San Gabriel Writers' League 