Even in today's digital book world, a good cover and title is important. For my books, I had a certain look and feel in mind, and I hired people I knew could carry out my vision. In fact, for Dogs Still Know Best, I asked my tattoo artist to illustrate my vision! A good title tells the reader what to expect, and can carry the tone and feel of the story, even if it's just a word or two. Together, the cover and title are the gateway for the reader. And of course, it draws them in and convinces them that they have to pick it up or put it in their cart.
I've been writing most of my life, and fortunately it became my profession. As a business writer, non-fiction is more my comfort zone, but that allows me to still tell stories that are important to share - mine or those of others. As for my own books, my dogs were my inspiration. The first book in the Two Dogs' series - Dogs Know Best - was my thank you, my love letter to my two senior German Shorthaired Pointers. So if you're a writer, look for inspiration all around you, and write from your heart. Whether it's fiction or nonfiction, get your ideas down and let them take shape.
Writing can be draining, but it can also be inspiring and cathartic. It can be healing. In my case, it was a way to get my emotions out and begin to heal. In doing so, my hope is that others can find comfort in my story and my words. My advice is to do it - even if you can only write one sentence or one paragraph at a time when getting through a difficult part of the story. Write from your heart, follow the story. Don't be so concerned on the first pass about the details - those can flush out later. But just start, face the paper (or screen) and remind yourself that you can do it.
