Samantha Bonwick introduces new book Sandcastles at Pincher Creek Library

"Sandcastles" Illustrator Kimberly Murfin and author Samantha Bonwick
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

Head Librarian Janice Day gave a glowing introduction to new author Samantha Bonwick on November 2 in the newly revitalised Pincher Creek Municipal Library.  Bonwick worked at the Library previously and said that it was an excellent place to start off her first book reading and author talk on her new children's book 'Sandcastles'.

Head Librarian Janice Day with author Samantha Bonwick

Bonwick read the book to the approximately 30 people who attended the event.  Jennett Jackson of Aurora Design,  the company who published the book, was also on hand, as was illustrator Kimberly Murfin.
"I gave the story to Kimberly, and I told her some brief ideas I had, and she made it exactly how I imagined it," said Bonwick with a tone of wonder.  "It was like she was in my head.  She did an awesome job.  It's everything I expected.  She did an amazing job.  This is exactly what I pictured the book to look like."

The illustrations feature soft warm tones, and the gentle washes of colours complement the story beautifully.

Listening

"We have been friends for a very long time," said Bonwick about illustrator Kimberly Murfin.  "I am very honoured that she agreed to do this for me.  She really brought my story to life."

Over 30 people listened to Bonwick read the book 'Sandcastles'.  Spoiler alert. The story is about Mia, who built sandcastles while her mother worked cleaning the lovely houses along the beach.  She built all the things she saw that she thought would be interesting to have.  At the end, Mia recognizes what is truly important to her.

One of Bonwick's biggest supporters was the one to start off the Question the Author session that followed. Her son Leigh came up and asked 'Why did Mia make sandcastles?'

Bonwick with Leigh during question the author

"Because she wanted to try out all the wonderful things she saw on the beach she saw other people doing.  So she pretended by making her own out of sand," Bonwick told Leigh.  After that the flood gates opened and the questions ranged from what  the process was like to get it to this stage, where did she get her ideas from, will she write more?

Working in childcare Bonwick deals with children of all social and economic classes.  "I wanted to remind the children that even if they do not have all of the physical things they may want they still have something precious in the people they love, and love them back.  It's always an issue with children.  They want what their peers are getting.  That inspired me.  They often don't realize what they have at home:  Loving family and parents the people around them."

"It was natural to me to write a children's book," explained Bonwick.  "I grew up babysitting, and I used to make up tons of stories to help teach things, and put them to sleep.  I've always written stories, I have a lot of them on my computer."

Bonwick wrote the story years ago.  She did not pursue getting it published until she saw a contest for self-published work.  Having a friend in the publishing industry, Bonwick decided that would be a great place to get more information.  "I approached Jennett with one question, one question.  It became this," said Bonwick , holding up the book.  "It was completely eye opening.  You can ask Jennett.  I knew nothing, and I thought I knew more.  I had no idea what I was doing.  She helped me through each step.  Aroura Designs and Jennett treated me really well."

Publisher Jennett Jackson of Aurora Design said that about two years previously Bonwick had contacted her for her opinion, as a friend.  After some discussion about the options an author can take the company that Jackson represents became involved.  "We offered the opportunity to publish it for her," said Jackson, who expressed that her company was delighted to work with Bonwick on this book.

"From a publishing point of view we worked with her to see that she was happy with the design, the layout, that is something that is the size, shape and scope that the author wants it," explained Jackson.  "From our mandate, she had some amazing pictures from Kimberly.  I was privileged to take on the lay out of this particular one (book)."

Bonwick knows that even though she is holding the copy in her hand there is still much to do, including marketing.  "Maybe in the future, I will do more.  It's a dream come true, and dreams don't often come true."

Bonwick recognized that there are people who think of stories, but do not write them.  There are others that write them, and never pursue publishing them.  She encourages anyone that wants to write a book to  "Just keep doing it, because it's worth it."   After the question and answer period there was a book signing with both the author and illustrator.

Husband Michael , Samantha, with sons Joel and Leigh in front.

Related Story:  'Sandcastles' a dream come true for local writer and illustrator duo

Contact Samantha Bonwick directly through her facebook page to order a copy of this book.