Why This Nonfiction Author Decided to Write a Novel

How To Know If Your Dog Has a Headache? In Honor of National Puppy Mill Aware...

Why This Nonfiction Author Decided to Write a Novel

Between my books and my blogs, I’ve been writing nonfiction for a long time. Now, after several years spent learning the craft of fiction writing—drum roll please—I’m proud to announce the publication of my !

Learning to write fiction

Becoming adept at writing fiction was quite an endeavor. When I began, I truly had no idea how much I didn’t know! I took classes, read books on plot, character development, and self-editing, worked with editors, and read fiction galore. I was lucky to land in two fabulous writing critique groups with people who skillfully supported me through multiple revisions of my novel. I am deeply grateful to them.

Why I wrote this

Having witnessed first-hand the nightmare of puppy mills, I’m adamant about doing whatever I can to eradicate them. My main purpose in writing was to expose middle-grade kids to this animal welfare issue. At this age, kids are just beginning to develop awareness of the world around them. In the realm of teaching kids about puppy mills, they are what I fondly refer to as low-hanging fruit!

I tried to write a middle-grade nonfiction book about puppy mills. In fact, I came up with three or four iterations, but after each one I thought, “If I were a middle-grader, no way would I want to read this book!”

So, I dove headfirst into fiction. Multiple revisions later, I present you with , a middle-grade adventure story. Thus far, book reviewers have given it rave reviews.

Of the 12 middle-grade beta readers who provided me with feedback for A Dog Named 647, only five had ever heard of puppy mills. In my book (pun intended), this is a win because seven more kids now know about puppy mills and can share their information with others. My ultimate goal is that as many kids as possible learn about puppy mills by reading A Dog Named 647. In the not too distant future, my hope is that these knowledgeable kids will know how and will want to avoid puppy mill purchases. And we know what happens when demand dwindles…so too does supply.

Where you can find this book

A Dog Named 647 is now available from online book retailers and independent book sellers. If your indie bookstore doesn’t carry it, I’d love if you would ask them to order it for you.

Now, here’s the big favor. Assuming you like my book, please, post five-star review on and .

Book launch celebration!

If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, please come to my official book launch celebration on September 20th, which happens to be National Puppy Mill Awareness Day. I’d love to see you there!