Continuing my fellow author interviews – please delve into Charmaine’s world for a few moments.
1. Of the characters you have created or envisioned, which is your favorite & why?
My writing has been nonfiction; I have so enjoyed writing about our dog Toby, and bringing his character to life through writing. Through the telling of stories (in On Toby’s Terms), and then working with my illustrator for the children’s book Toby The Pet Therapy Dog to show his character through pictures. It has been fun to demonstrate his quirkiness, loyalty, unconditional acceptance, passion for life, and courage through writing his story. In Toby’s social media (his blogs and facebook), it was an interesting challenge to write from what I think Toby’s perspective would be, if he could talk.
2. Do you favor one type of genre or do you dabble in more than one?
I have dabbled in several genres. My first book, On Toby’s Terms (published by Bettie Youngs Books Sept 2010) is a memoir about our dog Toby. This book is being turned into a major motion picture. I also wrote my first children’s book, Toby The Pet Therapy Dog & His Hospital Friends released August 2011 (published by Bettie Youngs Books), it is the first in a series and book number two Toby Says Be a Buddy Not a Bully will be released this fall. GPS Your Best Life is a co-authored book (published by Bettie Youngs Books), also schedule for release this fall, this is a personal development book. I also write ebooks and guides for my corporate clients in the area of team building, communication, conflict resolution and leadership.
3. Have you got a favorite place to write?
Definitely by the water….There is something about water, waves and fresh air that inspires me to write.
4. What inspires your stories?
Many things inspire me. Our dog Toby is at the top of my list followed by music, being in nature, and watching someone’s face as I tell them the story I am about to write.
5. Do you belong to a writing group? If so which one?
When we lived in Sherwood Park I was a member of the Strathcona County Writers guild, I am a member of the Canadian Authors Association, and The Writers Guild of Alberta. Two years ago I belonged to a wrtiers group through my speakers association (Canadian Association of Professional Speakers), and this group worked to support one another with the writing and book creation process. Although I am not part of a writing group that I work with on my stories.
6. What age did you start writing stories/poems?
I started writing journals in grade one, which led me to writing poems in junior high and high school. For many years I put writing aside then our dog Toby inspired me to reconnect with writing and I submitted a story for Chicken Soup for the Soul, What I Learned From the Dog which was accepted and published in 2009.
7. Do you have a book published? If so what is it called & where can readers purchase it?
Yes, I have On Toby’s Terms and Toby The Pet Therapy Dog available in Chapters, Indigo, Coles, Amazon.com and Amazon.ca, Barnes & Noble, and a number of other online book sellers (such as Books a Million) and through our website www.ontobysterms.com. Our publisher also has our book On Toby’s Terms in the Expresso Books which is in a number of different countries, and will be available in many formats (large print, Braille, other languages).
8. If you could meet one favorite author who would it be and why?
Wow! A favorite author… I have many. From a personal development perspective, my fave is Jack Canfield. He has been a mentor to me and his Success Principles has really guided me through life in many ways. From a personal/pleasure reading perspective, I really enjoy Maeve Binchy
9. Where can readers find you and your blog?
www.howtosellandmarketyourbook.com
I am also on Facebook (Charmaine Hammond), Twitter (@ontobysterms and @hammondgroupbiz) and Linked In
10. Who is your best supporter/mentor/encourager?
I am blessed to have many mentors. One of my mentors is Jack Canfield. My supporters and champions are my husband Christopher, my parents and sisters, and of course the legacy that our dog Toby left.
Thank you Charmaine for a great interview.
Fabulous interview Mandy! I really enjoyed the fact that Charmaine writes about a dog and that she was published in a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. Thank you for inspiring us with these great interviews!