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.
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Wow that is so wonderful! I am so thrilled for you! You are right when somebody says you cannot do this or that because your blind is really a blessing per say because that makes us more determine to push even harder. I was told I couldn’t train SD’s because of my disabilities including partial. I’ve trained way over 25 years and have had 4 of my own dogs.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful news and cannot wait for the book to come out so I could tell everybody about it.
Yes, I totally agree with you about put downs becoming great fuel for striving for goals. At the time, though, it doesn’t feel like an opportunity presenting itself; rather it feels like a door being slammed in your face. I often talk to groups about how the slammed doors in my life became opportunities in the hope that others won’t give up when they face a slammed door. Great to hear about your perseverance in training seeing eye dogs. I will keep you informed about the book’s progress through this blog.
Congratulations Janet, fantastic news.
Janet, You are right at the time it feels just like it sounds, a door slamming in the face. I think we all feel that when it happens. The thing is to not let it distroy your believes and dreams. I think it’s great that you talk to groups about that. This way people realize that others have had the same thing and feelings too. I am ask several times how can I teach guides when I myself am a blind person. Sometimes I like to be silly and just say One Careful Step at a time!! Cannot wait to here more about your books progress.
Many, many congratulations on the publication of your book “Seeing Dogs” and on overcoming so many obstacles.
I, too, have just published my first book “Tales My Ghanaian Grandmother Told Me”.http://www.strategicbookpublishing.com/TalesMyGhanaianGrandmotherToldMe.html
I also am looking for a publisher for a book of short stories. One is about a puppy who decides he wants to be a guide dog after rescuing the boy next door who is blind and has limited hearing.
Formerly I was a Dance and Movement Therapist and most of my work was with children who had physical and/or learning difficulties and challenging behavior. So for me it is entirely natural to include these children, who gave me such enormous pleasure, in my stories.
Best of luck in the future