Jessamyn, my nine-year-old granddaughter, handed me a book she had written and illustrated. It was all of 7 pages long and classically bound in staples. I read it and offered praise for her creativity and humor.

Jessamyn looked up at me with enormous brown eyes and an expression of perfect faith.

“Can you find me a publisher, Nana?” she asked.

She knows I have published novels and she was sure that I could find her a publisher with my vast literary connections. It is hard for me to describe what I was feeling at this point. Touched by her belief that I have vast connections in the publishing world (I do not). Also thrilled that she wants to write books and be a published author, like her Nana. And a protective feeling spurred by the innocence of her request.

After a moment of consideration, I told Jessamyn that I could not find a publisher for her book, but I could put it on my blog. Lots of people would see it. Would that be satisfactory?

It was. Presenting the debut novel of Jessamyn Gil, “The First Unicorn.”