We're happy to have Deanna K. Klingel with us today talking about her book, Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog. To learn more about Deanna and her book, read on!
1) How did this story come to you?
Telling stories about the therapy dog visits with my dogs, seemed to be of interest to people. When out with my dogs I'm always asked questions. So I decided it was a story that needed to be told.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Every publisher I submitted to sent back encouragement. They loved the book and hoped I could publish it. One even explained why he couldn't publish it: because of the economy they were cutting back to five books (dog) and they were all how-to. This book doesn't fit neatly into any genre, and I'm an unknown author, so it was very difficult to sell. The only publisher who didn't like it said I needed to develop the character and create a plot. I knew he didn't get it. There is no plot and it's not about characters. It's about moments. I finally found a publisher who "got it," and was willing to take the risk of a book outside the box.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) How did this story come to you?
Telling stories about the therapy dog visits with my dogs, seemed to be of interest to people. When out with my dogs I'm always asked questions. So I decided it was a story that needed to be told.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
Every publisher I submitted to sent back encouragement. They loved the book and hoped I could publish it. One even explained why he couldn't publish it: because of the economy they were cutting back to five books (dog) and they were all how-to. This book doesn't fit neatly into any genre, and I'm an unknown author, so it was very difficult to sell. The only publisher who didn't like it said I needed to develop the character and create a plot. I knew he didn't get it. There is no plot and it's not about characters. It's about moments. I finally found a publisher who "got it," and was willing to take the risk of a book outside the box.
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Usually the thing that surprises most people about me is that I have seven children. The other surprising things are probably that I'm OLD and I attend college classes, known as a non traditional student. Otherwise, I'm not a very surprising person.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have three manuscripts that I'm peddling right now. I have an early chapter book, Walker Hound of Park Avenue, a middle grade non-fiction, Bread Upon the Water, and a teen novel, Cracks in the Ice. But, Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog will occupy me this fall with the marketing details and some travel.
5) Parting comments?
I'm enjoying this slippery slope called a steep learning curve. I hope you'll enjoy the results.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have three manuscripts that I'm peddling right now. I have an early chapter book, Walker Hound of Park Avenue, a middle grade non-fiction, Bread Upon the Water, and a teen novel, Cracks in the Ice. But, Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog will occupy me this fall with the marketing details and some travel.
5) Parting comments?
I'm enjoying this slippery slope called a steep learning curve. I hope you'll enjoy the results.
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
In September my book can be found on therapydogstories.com, and I can be found on http://www.booksbydeanna.com/.
Therapy dogs and their people do such wonderful work! I am glad you got your book published...
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com
this sounds like an excellent book. Dogs are such a gift from God--altruistic and unconditionally loving, just like God's nature. I would be thrilled to win this and review it.
ReplyDeletemahereenie@yahoo.com
I would love to read about the gift of therapy dogs. They make the lives of those disabled easier to commute in their daily lives. Please enter me.
ReplyDeleteThanks.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
I Love dogs!! Have 3...two rescues and one back yard breeder.
ReplyDeleteMy husband had a wonderful Parkinson's Service Dog, unfortunately darling Reggie is no longer with us. He was the most amazing dog ever. Where we got Reg the dogs were also trained for Therapy dogs, and some who could not quite make it were also Therapy Dogs.
Please include me!
I am a subscriber!
alekee02[at]yahoo[dot]com
a great subject...and an inspirational story...please count me in...thanks :)
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
So happy you got published! "Moments" are correct :) Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
ReplyDeletehomesteading[at]charter[dot]net
I'm a follower.
Congratulations on finding a publisher who would "think outside the box." I love dogs and am fascinated with how they are used for therapy. I know just having my pup close to me makes me feel better!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Cheri
cheri@cherihardaway.com
Thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeletei'd love to win this
ReplyDeletenakiassgeorge@yahoo.com
This is great that you put all those great stories in a book. I worked for a nonprofit company that made sure people who have diaabilities have the services they needed to stay in their homes. Many times to cheer them up we would call in people to bring in pets for therapy. Its one of the best therapies I have ever seen work. People who don't want to talk to you but you have a puppy with you and the love just pours out of them. I also love the fact when I had to go back the next month they would be still talking about that pet visit. God bless for touching so many hearts out there. I have seen the joy you bring to people and its amazing to see and go through.
ReplyDeleteHeidi
heidijohnjeff@verizon.net
My husband had a service dog before and she was such a wonderful dog. We are definitely animal lovers and we got a 4 year old yellow lab who he wanted to train to be a service dog but she is such a people dog that I think we want to get her trained as a therapy dog. Please enter me in the drawing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com
I'm so happy that you "stuck to your guns" to get "Just for the Moment: The Remarkable Gift of the Therapy Dog" published the way you intended. Therapy dogs, and service dogs, are gifts from God - there is no doubt in my mind as to that fact. Our daughter (now 24) has been involved with dogs since she was 12, starting first with showing, then moving into agility & obedience. She has also researched the training on therapy dogs extensively and works with her own four dogs in all areas mentioned, except showing at this time. I've seen service and therapy dogs in action and what they are able to accomplish is fantastic. I saw both working at the bombing site in OKC while I worked for the sheriff's department & have seen therapy dogs at the Veteran's Hospital with my father-in-law and when my husband was in the hospital.
ReplyDeleteSorry for rambling & thanks for the opportunity to win your book.
Blessings,
Beverly
bgrider2@cox.net
I'm very happy for you that you found a publisher that is compassionate and understanding of the importance of your book. I'm happy for me too because I have an opportunity to read it. In my own life, I'm very close to being immobilized to a wheel chair, and we do have two very well trained dogs, not therapy trained - but I love them anyway. Thank you for the giveaway and for the chance to win this book. I hope I do!
ReplyDeleteSharing God's Love,
Barb Shelton
barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com
I'm making a little drawing box with all your names in it. Your words are all so kind and affirmative, making me glad I put the effort into the book, I couldn't possibly "choose" one. So, instead, I'll draw one. That would be fair, yes?
ReplyDeleteI am so excited for you!!! Can't wait to get my hands on your book
ReplyDeleteLiz
I've received word that the book will be available "Tuesday at the latest." At that time, the therapydogstories.com site will be available to order the book. But, your indie bookseller can also get it for you. Tuesday! YEAH! I apologize if you've tried to access those sites and met with failure. Patience. Tuesday is the day! Deanna
ReplyDelete