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Illustrated figure with text on bookshelf background
An illustration of a person with a prosthetic leg holding an open book with a red heart on its page is superimposed over a blurred background of bookshelves filled with books. White text that reads "Thank You for being You!" is also superimposed on the image.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Stylized Bird with Moon Illustration
An illustration of a bird with red and orange plumage, long tail feathers, and outstretched wings, set against a light blue circular shape resembling a moon. The drawing has a black outline.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Colorful Bird Illustration on White Paper
A colored pencil illustration of a bird with red, orange, and yellow plumage, featuring a long, flowing tail. The bird is depicted in flight against a light blue circular background on a white sheet of paper.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Woman on floor with cards
A woman with short gray hair, wearing a blue and white patterned tank top and blue shorts, sits cross-legged on a carpeted floor. Several illustrated cards are laid out in front of her, and an open book is visible to her left.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Woman with glasses holding a book
A woman with gray hair and glasses is shown from the chest up, holding a book titled "Sightings" with an owl illustration. She is wearing a light purple and white patterned top, and a brown wall with white decorative elements is visible in the background.
The Zanna Smith Archive · August 20, 2026
Why does everyone get really surprised when they find out that I wrote a book? And they start to treat me different, Is it special to write a book?
Many people don’t realize how many of us write books. Is it special? Certainly. But the distinction is that you fulfilled a project and that in itself might be admirable in others’ eyes. Treating you differently? That would depend on what age range you’re in. At my age (elder) no one would be surprised or treat me differently if they knew I’d written a book.
Zanna Smith · August 17, 2026 · Quora