Pump Up Your Book Chats With Kelly Preston author of Real Dogs Don’t Whisper

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Real Dogs Don't Whisper

Kelly Preston is, first and foremost, an animal lover. Raised on a ten-acre property in a small town in Pennsylvania, she grew up with horses, rabbits, and – of course – dogs. When she left home after college, she acquired Gizmo, an irresistible Lhasa Apso that started her on a journey full of joys and sorrows, hopes and tribulations, frustrations, endless lessons in patience, and above all else, love. All of this has come at the hands (more precisely the paws) of Gizmo, Betty Boop, Buffy, Carla Mae, and the inimitable Mr. MaGoo. Learn more at www.realdogsdontwhisper.com

Thank you for this interview, Kelly. Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later? Do you remember your first published piece?

A: Believe it or not, I do! I used to write articles for the children’s magazine, Highlights. Also, every Saturday, our local newspaper, York Dispatch would run a children’s section called “Jr. Dispatch”. When I would receive a letter in the mail from either publication stating that they published my piece, I was on the top of the world.

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

A: I find the most rewarding experience to be my fans; to read and hear their stories and how Real Dogs Don’t Whisper inspired them through a challenging time in their life, simply is priceless. Interesting, the item that I find to be frustrating, are my fans. I am not able to meet or listen to each one of them and I would love to meet and hear from them all. What I do try to do routinely is give them a big thank you out on our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/realdogsdontwhisper)

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life? Do you have support?

A: I am single, with no support; let me share with you, it is challenging and there are days when it is more so than others. Quite honestly, I am not sure how I get everything done or managed. I write when I can, normally as my day is slowing down. I have found that at the end of the day to write for Mr MaGoo’s blog (www.realdogsdontwhisper.com/blog) is relaxing.

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing? Where do you like to vacation? Can you tell us briefly about this?

A: I like walking my dogs; enjoy working out; riding my motorcycle; all “girly girl” stuff just to name a few items. Vacation? What is that? Having special need pets, I haven’t been able to take a “true” vacation. What I do to take a break so I can refresh and recharge, I will take “stay-cations”. Will go to local spots, for instance the beach for several hours; it is amazing how just those few hours to get away, is truly relaxing.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

A: Hmmm, anywhere for one hour? I would have to say, with my sister and her family in KY. I currently live in CA and I miss my sister, nephews and niece very much.

Who is your biggest fan?

A: While Mr MaGoo has many fans, he refers to them furiends; I would have to say my biggest fan is my family. Yes, I know that it may sound “corny” and all, it is the truth though. My sister is my biggest cheerleader, while my nephew and niece are my best agents. My family is there offering support and encouraging me to pursue this dream to write and help others.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

A: Living room hands down! With the laptop on my lap, legs stretched out across to the ottoman, on my sofa with my dogs surrounding me is very comfortable. If I come to a block, all I have to do is reach out pet one of my dogs and it is like an instant recharge and back to writing I go. I have tried the desk in my office and I couldn’t focus. I moved to the living room, I was less distracted and able to get my writing completed.

Do you have any pets?

Kelly Preston and her dogs

A: I certainly do and would not have it any other way. Mr MaGoo, who is my co-author of Real Dogs Don’t Whisper: Life Lessons From A Larger Than Life Dog (and his owner!), is a Lhasa Apso. Carla Mae is my other Lhasa Apso and I just rescued a 2yr old Shih Tzu, Mini Me. Lots of little paw prints in this house.

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

A: Wait! If I tell a secret that no one else knows, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.

What’s on your to do list today?

A: Oh my, what isn’t on my list today? I need to complete and send out Mr MaGoo’s free monthly newsletter “Mr MaGoo’s Corner”; finish his blog; catch up with our Twitter account (@KellynMrMaGoo); and write several press releases about some fundraising events we will be attending. In between, take the guys out for a walk and grab some fresh air.

Now I’ve got a couple of fun questions for you. If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of your book, how would that help him find a way off the island?

A: Great question! He would discover that while reading Real Dogs Don’t Whisper that once he puts his mind to getting off the island, he will. With faith, determination, patience and staying consistent with plans, anything is possible. After reading my book, the mantra that would come to his mind would be, “if there is a will, then, there is way”. When he truly has the will to get off that island, then, he will find the way. After doing so, he will learn things about himself; he will discovery strengths that he did not know he possessed; and, above all, he will have a renewed belief in himself. This is the journey that my book helps one discover in themselves. One fan stated that my book helped him examine his life and reset priorities in his life.

You just got word that your book has received the 2012 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony to give an acceptance speech. Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom. What would you say and who would you thank?

A: First, I would be speechless. Then, looking at the audience I would give God thanks; with Him in the center of my life, my book would not have been possible. He has truly blessed me and I want to give praise and thanks to Him first and foremost. Then, I would give a big thank you to the fans; without their support and believing in my book, I would not be up on stage receiving this award. (How much time do I have left?) I want to give thanks to my editor Jerry Payne; photographers Heather Martin, Amy Buckhart; my veterinarians Dr Hilinksi and Dr Wong and to my family. Thank you to anyone that I might have missed…THANK YOU everyone WooHoo!

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in (October) via a virtual book tour. Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

A: I selected Pump Up Your Book tour to help raise awareness for our book that carries the message to rescue pets with special needs and how these pets will teach you about yourself, life and so much more. Plus, a portion of the book proceeds goes to help FACE Foundation (www.face4pets.org); a nonprofit organization in San Diego that helps keep pets together with their families during medical times.

Thank you for this interview, Kelly. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

A: Thank you for having us

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Question of the Day

How do you make sales happen for you?

A lot of hard work! I sponsor a lot of on line parties, festivals and contests. Book sales don’t magically happen, believe me. An author has to work hard to earn her readers. And then she has to work hard to keep them by giving them something they’ll enjoy reading. I try hard to make my books worth a reader’s time.

-- Sheila Roberts, Author of Winter at the Beach