Brook Cottage Books: All About Archie by Helen Edwards: Author Interview

All About Archie by Helen Edwards

Release Date: 23rd July 2018
Publisher: Independently Published

Genres: Animal care / Pets /Dog

On the blog today I'm thrilled to give you an author interview with Helen Edwards who has written a book all about being a puppy parent! I wish I had found a book like this when we first got our dog! Check out the blurb for the book and then the author interview! Sounds like a great read and check out the puppy cuteness!

BOOK BLURB

Are you a wannabe puppy parent? Have you just brought home your furry friend and are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or just plain exhausted? You’re not alone. There’s no doubt your new best friend is going to be cute, funny, lovable, and hard work! In this book Helen shares her experience of bringing up her puppy, Archie, because knowing what to expect is half the battle.

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Do you write under your real name or is this a pen name you use?

I write non-fiction under my real name, Helen Edwards (I also write fiction under a pen name, Helen Libby).

Where are you from?

I’m originally from North Wales, and I’m currently living in Shropshire.

List 3 interesting facts about yourself.

1. Last year my husband and I sold our house, put all our stuff into storage, and travelled round the UK with our dog for the summer before finally settling (for the time being) in Shropshire.

2. When I’m not writing I like making things. I’d love to go to art college.

3. I love Jammie Dodgers.

What was the first thing you ever had published?

A letter in the Mandy comic, but that was when was a kid. As an adult my first article (a feature on Cornwall) was published in My Weekly magazine.

Do you have a writing routine?

More often than not I will write in the mornings. Editing can be any time of the day. My dog, Archie, sometimes disrupts my plans. When it’s playtime, it’s playtime, never mind about the writing!

Do you have any writing rituals?

I always write in long-hand first, before typing it up and then editing it.

Where did the idea for your most recent book come from?

My most recent book is dedicated to my dog, Archie, because it’s all about him! I was a first-time puppy parent and I found the experience really tough. It triggered a lot of anxiety. I got through it, and I decided to write a book about Archie in a bid to help other first-time puppy parents who are struggling. It would also be a useful read for any wannabe puppy parents out there, to help prepare them. Puppies, whilst gorgeous, are hard work.

Who was the first person you shared your book with?

My husband – I wanted to check I’d covered the main points. He said it brought back memories of those early days with Archie flooding back!

Do you have a current work in progress?

Yes, a follow up to All About Archie.

Do you have any advice for budding authors?

Don’t put it off, write. Even if you think what you’ve written is a load of rubbish you can edit it afterwards. Also, you don’t have to wait until you’ve had work published to call yourself a writer. If you write you’re a writer. Keep believing in yourself. You will get there. If you can’t find a home for your work with a publisher, self-publish like I did!