Nina,
You're funny. Well, thanks so much for the positive kick-in-the-ass!.
I've often thought of trying to self publish a series of books, or a collection of short stories with illustrations featuring the "throw aways" of the animal world. (Ah, but alas...if I wanted to get the money together...I'd have to stop picking up animals in order to save enough to publish.)
I have one started called "Too Old To Learn" that's a combination of true stories about older animals, rescues and pound critters that stresses that not only puppies & kittens can be taught, but older "used" animals can learn to break bad habits and be wonderful companion animals. The chapters include: "Frankendog"- about an ancient, (horribly unattractive-God bless her), mange-ridden beagle, Mabel, who finally gets a real home for the first time in her life - we think she was a breeder dog who lived in a crate her whole life...the SPCA estimated her age at 14..., "The Original Poodle" - about a dog, K.C., I found wandering on North Avenue in the early 90's...once we had her shaved you -Honest to God- could see EVERY bone and tendon in her body. The vet who shaved her actually walked out into the waiting room to prepare the other clients for her appearance before we carried her through. "Puddles" - the story of a dog, Schatzi, who was
submissive to start with but was turned into the pound because her owner was afraid her husband would "dicipline her to death"...she would urinate & duck everytime someone looked her in the eye or reached for her. "Broken"- a three legged white lab/terrier mix, Max, who not only charmed his way out of the pound but won over an entire elementary school & its administration. "Demolition Dog", -Moose, a huge brindle mastiff/great dane mix who was surrendered to the pound because he was "impossible" to train...and he was, until Taz, an older great perinese (sp?) who had been trained as a helper dog for the deaf was surrendered too. Taz did what no human could do...teach Moose to be civil and obedient. "Jezebell" - a skinny, old, mangy long-haired cat that shredded every volunteer in the shelter, but eventually learned not only to enjoy, but ask for grooming. "Cats are Friends, NOT Food" -story of a rescued-neglected
standard poodle, Basha, approx.5-6 years old and Jerrycat, (7 or 8 yrs. old), an 100% outdoor cat that chose instead to live at the house up the street (Basha's house), BUT had to train Basha to accept that cats were not fast food first- something that her humans could not manage to do. It took two years but he finally wore her and her people (really NOT cat people to begin with) down...and now not only does he have control of the house....but he and his brother use Basha as an afghan in the winter.
As you can tell, I've had more experience with dog rescue than cat rescue...Quintapus was my first cat. I came to this website after I rescued a Felv+ cat, Simms, and found his person on this list.
(Since I've had so many bad experiences with "charities" I figured if I ever managed to get them published, I'd use part of the money to help fund vet bills for families that adopt special need animals - to encourage them to do so. That way I KNOW where the money is going and that its being used wisely and NOT going to fund the non-profit shelter owner's mistress' boob job...but that's another story.)
If I ever do manage to get published Nina, I'll let you know. Of course, I'll have to...I'll need more stories... :-)
Thanks again.
T
Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Oh honey, you have all the inspiration and creative tools to really pull
this off! Please don't let yourself be discouraged by rejections! I
was floored when I read Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was
turned down by an absolutely ridiculous number of publishers. I can't
remember exactly how many, but it was such a lesson to me in tenacity!
Have you ever looked into the smaller publishers? My husband had a
novel published by a small regional publisher because of the special
interest the local in the story held for them. Perhaps you could get
just enough of a story line and a few pictures to "pitch" the idea to
smaller publishing houses. You could also think about approaching
rescue groups or animal activist groups with the idea of paying for
publishing and a portion of the proceeds could go to their charities.
Have you ever looked into how much it costs to publish on your own? I'm
telling you girl, I think you should chomp down on the bit with this
one, the powers that be will be with you on this!
I'm sorry I mistakenly thought Quintapus was positive, you spoke so much
about him I thought he was positive too. If you want a cheering section
on creating the book, I would love to be involved in any way you'd
like. (I'm going to be quietly cheering you on anyway!).
Let me know where and when I can get a copy of his book!
Nina
tamara stickler wrote:
> Actually Nina, I AM an illustrator/sculptor. The major problem with
> getting a book published these days...all the publishing houses want
> are celeberty authors, and they all prefer to use their own
> illustrators. I get good feed back, but the answer is always the
> same....without representation (agent) or a celeb. author or
> illustrator, they just aren't interested, even tho I've been told they
> did like the stories and illustrations.
>
> But its a nice thought. (While I agree that Felv cats shouldn't be
> put down because of their health issues....Quintapus wasn't an Felv
> cat....he had heart, asthma and CRF problems instead.)
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