Real Dogs Don’t Whisper – Interview with Author Kelly Preston
Q: Please share about your background (where you were born, where you grew up, siblings/family dynamic, career background , where you live now, etc.)
I was born in a very small town in PA, Brogue, growing up there for my adult years along with my two younger siblings, Colleen and Shawn. My mother was a homemaker and encouraged us to follow our passion, which I did; I loved animals as a child. I grew up riding and showing horses; studied Dressage, foxhunting, trail riding, assisted riding programs, and even did horse judging competition. Upon college years, the horses I had to put aside for studies, and I filled my college years to present with dogs. After college, I went into business for myself, opening an aerobic studio in York, PA; and, I fell in love with an adorable Lhasa Apso, Gizmo.
I solely operated the studio for ten (10) years, sold the business with Gizmo and I moving to DC. There I began a marketing career, which is what I still do today; digital and interactive marketing strategies for a Fortune 500 company located in Silicon Valley. Sadly, Gizmo passed after being diagnosed with a brain tumor. Over the years since her passing, I rescued four special need dogs: Betty Boop, Buffy, Mr MaGoo (my co-author), and Carla Mae. Since leaving DC, I moved out to CA and this is where I currently reside; pursuing both a blessed career and writing to build awareness around rescued pets, especially those with special needs.
Q: What inspired you to begin writing?
Having four special need dogs that were rescued, there were times in my life that people in my life just didn’t understand why I needed to leave a party early; or, why I wasn’t able to travel. I wanted to share my rewarding experience; wanted to raise awareness for rescue pets, especially those with special needs. I felt the need to share my experiences to help, inspire and motivate others.
Q: Please share about your book.
Real Dogs Don’t Whisper (www.realdogsdontwhisper.com) is about four rescue dogs that entered my life and each having special needs. I also have a co-author, Mr. MaGoo; he is my Lhasa Apso that was a rescue from a puppy mill. Both he and I take the reader on a journey of discovery, growth, exploration that we experienced over the course of ten (10) years with Betty Boop, Buffy, and Carla Mae. Together we hope to raise awareness about second chances for those with special needs and try to inspire readers to live in the moment, open your heart; and, what unconditional love truly means.
Q: What is the best writing advice you have received?
The best advice I would like to share is; do not give up, stay true and consistent with your messaging and efforts. Marketing takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight and it does not feed itself. Carve time out of every day to dedicate to marketing yourself and your book; remember, you are now a brand and need to market yourself as such.
Q: What has been your greatest challenge in writing this book?
The greatest challenge I have thus far has been me; I need to remember that this is my first book, to have faith in my work and my goal; and, to believe in my work. I work on this every day; I am more own worse critic.
Q: Most writers are readers. What 3 books are on your “to-read” list?
Very true! The next three books that are my list to read are: “Believing In Horses” by Valerie Ormond; ”Picture This: A Novel (P.S.)” by Jacqueline Sheehan; “On Toby’s Terms” by Charmaine Hammond
Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your book?
Quite a few places; here is where to find us: www.realdogsdontwhisper.com; follow our blog at www.realdogsdontwhisper.com/blog; join Mr. MaGoo’s community on www.facebook.com/realdogsdontwhisper; tweet us @KellynMrMaGoo; or, hang out with us on Google +RealDogsDontWhisper.
Places of purchase are:
www.realdogsdontwhisper.com (Mr. MaGoo paw prints each book purchased from here)
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_5_8?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=real+dogs+don%27t+whisper&sprefix=Real+Dog%2Caps%2C217 (Paperback and Kindle
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/real-dogs-dont-whisper-kelly-preston/1111604520?ean=9781467998857 (Paperback) http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/real-dogs-dont-whisper-kelly-preston/1030796551?ean=2940014366984 (Nook)
Bookshop Santa Cruz: http://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/search/apachesolr_search/Kelly%20Preston
KOBO (digital): http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Real-Dogs-Dont-Whisper/book-CnV3TM7ckUa4vqDrxGFwCw/page1.html?s=fh7x82l450W1JMpQvuJdtQ&r=1
Q: Question for fun sake—what was a favorite car you owned and why?
Great question! Let’s see, I would have to say the car I currently own, MR2 Toyota Spyder. I grant this is by far not the most practical car (no back seat and no trunk) but is if fun in the sun with this car. It is a two seat convertible roadster, mid engine, super light, sits low to the ground. Curvy roads are a lot of fun with this car.
