Advance Copy

 I received a special package today, from Utah State University Press. I waited till my husband got home so he could join me in opening it (and take some photos for me!). This is something I've waited years and years to receive.

 The package was a little tricky to open! Fortunately my husband had his knife handy.

 It's a book! But not just any book...

 It's my book! Welcome Great Basin National Park: A Guide to the Park and Surrounding Area!

 This was the first time I've seen it all put together. I've reviewed and edited so many versions of the manuscript, but this is the first time to flip through the pages in book form (6" x 9"), feel the heft (it weighs over three pounds!), and see the entire layout. The color photos look awesome!

 I can't remember the exact number of photos, but it's over one hundred.

We still have to wait a few weeks for the rest of the copies to arrive. They're literally on a slow boat from China, then a fast train to Chicago (to the University of Chicago Press Distribution Center), and then on trucks to various places that order them. You can see more about the book at the Utah State University Press website, my author page, or by clicking on the link to the right.

I have to admit it all feels a little overwhelming, sort of like giving birth. Thank goodness giving birth doesn't take as long as publishing a book!