At last it’s happened! A writer’s longed for dream: a book publishing contract!

I’ve been sitting on the news for some time, because I didn’t want to jinx it. But it’s time to spill the beans.

Seeing Dogs, a story that means so much to me, is finally going to become a published book. Brinda, Tilly, Pudding and Sam are set to move into the hearts of children who love stories about dogs, and guide dogs in particular.

Tiger Publications is the Publishing House. The book will be available in America and Canada, but will be distributed worldwide.

I’m working with West Australian illustrator Kerry Jordinson on black and white sketches that will appear in the text and a colour cover. And it’s an exciting process to witness my story coming to life.

Tiger is planning some interviews with both Kerry and me, so I’ll keep you posted on this.

What this all means for me as well as other writers out there, is that persistence pays when you believe you have a story to tell.

Seeing Dogs has had a rugged journey. In its most primitive form, it was written off by a manuscript asessor who told me I couldn’t write about animals. In the same breath, I was told that it must be very difficult for me to write because I was blind.

Perhaps that’s what got me fired up. Perhaps that’s why I worked so hard to transform my beloved story from slush to a well-crafted sculpture. (Now I’m geting carried away!)

What I’m trying to say is that I never gave up on Seeing Dogs, despite many rejections from publishers in Australia. I knew one day it would find a home. I just had to keep trying.

So don’t fret about the growing pile of rejection letters. Keep sending your manuscript out. One day, it won’t come back. Instead, you’ll get an offer of a contract.