Q: What gave you the inspiration for the Paw Prints on the couch?
The idea of creating a book about dogs and pets had been on my mind for several years. For about six years, I created conversations between my dog Digger and myself. With Digger being the mor e mature and wise one of course. I began sharing those conversations on Facebook.
Folks loved the little stories and often asked me what Digger would be up to next or what Digger would teach us, mere humans, next. It was fun and took on a life of its own. I’ve kept those conversations and told myself I would organize them and put them all in a book one day.
As happens with all pets, I had to say goodbye to my Digger, and to be honest, it’s pretty hard to go back into that project without feeling some of the loss all over again. I’ve started and stopped many times over the past few years. But each time I work on it, it is getting better, so it WILL get finished sooner rather than later!
In the meantime, I had a strong urge to create a book around pets, so I contacted a few folks and asked if they would like to share a story about their pet in a book project I was putting together. The responses were excited Yes’s. And so, Paw Prints on the Couch was born, with an Introduction from my current dog, Dexter, and a special story of my dog Digger.
And I am excited to say that a second book, Paw Prints on the Kitchen Floor, will be published soon. So, the journey continues!
Q: When did you start writing Paw Prints on the Couch?
The idea of creating a book about pets had been with me for quite some time, but the idea of creating an anthology of pet stories came to me two years ago. I had several stories floating around in my head, with many already written, languishing in a folder on my laptop.
I needed to do something with them. Stories sitting in a folder aren’t doing you any good, so I began sorting through them and reaching out to others who may want to participate in the book, sharing a story about their beloved pet(s).
Q: What topics will readers find in this book?
Each story is unique and provides a small glimpse into the life of pets. Most are stories are of rescues or strays. Throughout each story is a running theme: love for animals and how animals have a positive and meaningful impact on our lives.
Q: How would you describe your writing style?
I typically write non-fiction, so my writing is more emotional, heartfelt, and a work in progress. I write from the heart and from what I know or have experienced. When writing, I use my five senses and try to weave words together so the reader can feel, hear, or smell what I am sharing with them.
Q: Are you a panster or plotter?
Oh goodness, I am a panster. An idea comes to me, and I get to writing. I’ve tried to create a storyboard or detailed outlines of how I’d like a book to go, but I never stick to it. It feels too regimented to me and eventually stresses me out.
Once I realized that writing was more cathartic for me, I didn’t want anything creeping in that would turn that fun and peaceful feeling into stress.
Q: Where can readers find you and your work online?
The best place to find me is on my website at:
http://www.kimlenglingauthor.com
My books can be found on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/author/kimlengling/
I’m also on other platforms:
Let Fear Bounce-Nuggets of Hope Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMMuWOwtoos1jK48Anf6svQ
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/let-fear-bounce/id1541906455
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/letfearbouncepodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlylengling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenglingauthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KimLengling
The AR Critique 