This “title search” lasted at least two years! In the meantime, my book was being edited by a number of different editors. So I wasn’t delaying anything by not having a title. Then as the deadline for deciding on a title approached, I listed my five favorites and asked various people their preferences. It was only then that I settled on Charlie: A Love Story. No other title came close to fitting my primary objectives of emphasizing Charlie but also indicating the importance of our relationship. So that became my title. In retrospect, I think I needed to go through this circuitous process in order to feel confident of my choice.
For the front cover, I knew I wanted a big picture of Charlie – bigger than life, just like him. But at one point I came close to substituting the picture of Charlie and me that’s on the back cover. That was because some people said that, because my book is a love story, it would be good to have the two of us on the front cover. But that wasn’t my first instinct. As I said, my book is primarily the story of Charlie. I’m just the reporter. I had a picture of Charlie in his prime that clearly shows his strength and vitality. So that’s what I chose.
Do you have a favorite line or excerpt that you would like to share from your book?
“Charlie’s a big dog, not just physically but in every way. He has a big heart, a big smile, lots of courage, a big appetite, and a great, big, generous spirit. Charlie’s the emotional core of our family, the most solid being I have ever known, and wise beyond his years. Charlie and me. It’s a great love affair, a once-in-a-lifetime connection.”
What are some of your favorite ways to promote your work?
I love book signings, where I get to speak with people at some length and hear their wonderful stories about their animals, particularly their dogs.
That’s also happened at times as I’ve handed out the five-by-seven-inch postcards I had printed. I suppose that, as in all aspects of my life, I prefer personal interaction as I promote my book. As a psychotherapist, I’m most comfortable relating with people one-on-one. However, I’m just starting a blog tour, which I think may also be fun. I’m hopeful that I’ll be reaching a lot of people and getting feedback from a variety of sources, which could be very rewarding.
Article comments
1 - Barbara Lampert
Thank you so much!
Barbara Lampert