Writing A Book About Your Pet

Are you thinking about writing a book about your pet but not sure where to begin? Are you looking for tips to get you started?

Coaching people in the pet genre is one of my favorites because I am a total dog–nerd! In fact, any animal gets my attention when furred, finned, feathered, and even scaley. And when given the chance I will write about them as you can see by my books and blog.

Like you, we both love our animals. We enjoy their antics, personalities, and their delightful ability to bring us from our own moments of self-absorption to spending time with THEM. On their terms. On their time. On their schedule!

So why not try writing a book about your pet? Let’s get started…

 3-Tips for Writing A Book About Your Pet

1. Collect Your Information

You know your companion’s antics better than anyone but your audience doesn’t. Consider your pet as the main character in a story. When you develop your main character, it is important to collect data that makes them stand out

a. Look at all your photos and write typical, silly, goofy, and serious poses. What activities are they involved in? This information will start your way towards writing a book about your pet with great material.

b. Most of us talk to our beloved companions. Make sure you keep track of some of your conversations. I can’t stress how important this is. In The Adventures of Ms. Addie Pants, some conversations are real. If I didn’t write them down, I wouldn’t have told Addie’s story with such a unique voice.

c. Watch animal behavior while you have your morning coffee. Observe them and write everything they do. Note their gestures, noises, and even those feeling you had when touching them.

2. Write

a. After you gathered all your material, look at it for story ideas. Decide if you want to write a children’s picture book, memoir, fiction, non-fiction, or a book that memorializes your pet.

b. Play with how humans will take part in your story. Is it you and your pet or are their other people and animals coming into your story?

c. Mind-map your ideas. This will help you organize and begin your writing a book about your pet.

3. Revise, Proofread, and Edit

a. After you re-read your story is your text active or passive? Are you showing your reader how the scenes unfold or just telling them?

b.Use great vocabulary. Using clichés, repeated, and extra words will put your reader to sleep. Example: “Addie was hungry.” Or: “Addie’s tummy gurgled and growled as her tail hid between her legs.”

c. Proofread and get a professional editor to help you turn your book into awesomeness.

Writing a book about your pet is a delightful, memorable, and fun experience. If you have questions, please reach out.