Nobody could ever be more critical of my own work than I am. I wrote Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog with a clear purpose. It was the mission that drove me, not the illusion that I was some kind of a writer.
Having gone through all of the health challenges, frustrations, and stumbling stones with our dogs, and seeing others trying to navigate the same labyrinth, it only made sense to me to try to make their journeys easier by sharing ours. Back at the beginning, I would have truly appreciated having somebody else’s experience to fall back on. I had to learn everything the hard way. I didn’t see a reason why others would have to as well.
That was the mission that led me to start a blog and eventually write Symptoms to Watch for in Your Dog.
I worked on the book in my spare time for two years. When I finally decided to go ahead and publish it, it wasn’t because I thought it was perfect but because I figured that if I were to wait to feel it couldn’t use any improvements it would have never got published.
I released it not because I thought it was perfect but because I believed it was ready to fulfill its intended purpose. My plan was, and still is, to see if people would be interested and then, should I cover some of my time, further improve it for a second edition.
Last summer, I watched one of my clients, a novelist, submit his book to every competition he could find. He won an award for both the cover I designed for him, as well as for the story. Inspired by that, and seeing that you cannot win unless you play, I figured I had nothing to lose by entering my book to a competition too. I mean, why not, right? So I did that and forgot all about it.
Imagine my surprise when I was tagged in this Dog Writers Association of America’s Facebook post.
I thought I was not looking at it right. Then I went to check it out only to find that the book won not just this one, but two awards.
- 2017 Maxwell Award from the Dog Writers Association of America for a book on health, behavior, or general care.
- 2017 Morris Animal Foundation Canine Health Award for the best science-based book about canine health issues.
I kept checking, and double-checking, expecting to find out it was either some kind of a mistake or hear the sound of an alarm clock. I’m still waiting for somebody to tell me that I’ve gone deranged somehow.
I’m still trying to figure out how to accept the fact. But it does seem to be a fact.
I did put my heart and soul into writing this book. I wrote it not as a reference book but rather a dialog with the reader. I did my best to make it accessible and easy to understand, from one owner to another. I did verify every fact multiple times and then worked with a veterinarian to be absolutely sure no fact is out of whack. I have seen it fulfill its purpose and even save a couple of dogs’ lives. That is what it’s meant to do. Save lives or suffering.
The impostor syndrome is still weighing on me. But I have gotten over worse things.
OMG that is awesome, Congratulations WOW
Yeah, I know, wow 🙂 Still trying to get over that myself.
This is awesome! Congratulations on your success with the book!
Thank you, Jill. No I have to figure out how to get people buying it 🙂
That is really awesome! Congratulations on your awards!!
Thank you; how crazy is that, hey? Still can’t believe it.
You did the research, you put in the time, you consulted with a veterinarian; you did everything right! Congratulations, you’re a writer – and a very good one!
Thank you so much, Lori.
Congratulations! You did everything right, from researching to consulting with a veterinarian. It’s a valuable resource!
Woot! You’re an award-winning author! As a former English teacher analyzing your statement about somehow maybe being deranged: Meh. Maybe you are. Maybe you aren’t. Authors walk on both sides of that street. 🙂
LOL Still waiting to wake up and find out it was just a dream of sorts. English, btw, is my second language which makes is that much wilder.
Congratulations on your awards! I’ve read part of the book, and it is great. I’m looking forward to reading more of it.
Thank you so much; please do let me know what you think when done.
Congratulations! I don’t think I realized you’d written a book about all these blog posts I’ve read this year! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed reading your posts this year and learning so much.
Thank you. Yeah, I need to find some time to promote the book; was unable to do any of that so far.
Amazing!! Congratulations! Being recognized by the Morris Animal Foundation is huge! Your book looks amazing, I need to order a few copies for myself and my friends!
Thank you, Rachel. So crazy, isn’t it? Yes, please, order copies and maybe write an amazon review? 😉
How exciting! Huge congratulations on your much deserved recognition! Like you said though, the important thing is that the book is serving the purpose for which it was written; to help dogs and prevent suffering. Awesome!!
Thank you, Stephanie. Yes, the purpose is the most important thing.
Amazing. You must be blown away by such high accolades! Well done and conCATulations in creating something of genuine and real value!
HURRAH!!!
I am blown away for sure 🙂
WOW! Congratulations! Writing a book is a huge accomplishment in itself, and then for your book to win TWO awards?! Amazing!
Thank you; it was a lot of work. But getting awards for it indeed is amazing and unbelievable.
Congratulations! This is a huge honor! It’s not easy to put yourself out there, but sometimes when you do it’s so worth it. Thanks for helping others with your book!
You are absolutely right: you can’t win unless you play! And even, you can’t stretch yourself unless you try – and so proud of you for doing that. Super thrilled that your work was recognized – congratulations!