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An Interview with Billi Tiner, author of Welcome Home
Tell us a little about your book.
Welcome Home is the story of Jake, a black Labrador Retriever mix, who has been dreaming about a beautiful home with a wonderful owner since he was a small puppy. He is convinced that he belongs with the man in the dream. However, when the time comes for him to be given away to a new home, he is chosen by someone who is definitely not the man from the dream. He is taken to a home where he is terribly mistreated. After suffering years of abuse, Jake finally escapes and can begin his search for the man from his dreams.
What inspired you to write this book?
The main character, Jake, was inspired by a patient that I treated my first year out of veterinary school. He was a large black dog who had been hit by a car and was brought into the clinic by an Animal Control Officer. He was unable to use his hind legs. I convinced the officer to let me keep the dog in the clinic for a few days to see if he would improve. He regained the use of his legs and was eventually adopted by a very nice family.
The theme of Welcome Home, was inspired by the many stories that people have shared with me about how they were united with their beloved pets. Although the stories vary, there is a theme that connects them all; the idea that their pets “chose” them to be their owner and “somehow knew” there were meant to be together.
What are you doing to market your book?
I have used several approaches to marketing the book. I have donated copies of the paperback to several local libraries and schools. I also sent out press releases to several newspapers. In addition, I am constantly marketing through the social media. You can find Tinerbooks on Facebook and Twitter. Also, I have a blog at www.tinerbooks.blogspot.com and a website www.tinerbooks.com. In addition, I have contacted several reviewers requesting that they review Welcome Home. I could always use more reviews! I have also advertised on several independent author websites.
How have sales been? Where have you had the most success?
I have the book available through the KDP lending program and offered a free promotion over the Christmas holiday. The sales were at their highest point following this promotion.
How are readers/reviewers reacting to your book?
The book has a 5 star rating from 5 customer reviews and received a 5 star rating from the Readers Favorite. I have also gotten feedback from several libraries stating that readers are reacting very positively.
What was the biggest challenge you faced writing this book and how did you overcome it?
I wrote Welcome Home almost 10 years ago. I tried to get it published through traditional means for several years. I finally heard about KDP and Createspace through Amazon and decided to self-publish.
What are the future plans for you and this book?
I am going to continue to promote Welcome Home through author interviews and book signings. Additionally, I will continue to build a platform through social media marketing.
What is your next project?
Bo and Rico are two characters in Welcome Home that befriend Jake and help him search for the man from his dream. My next project is going to be to write the story of how Bo and Rico met.
Have you published anything else?
I recently released my second novel, Heart of a Hero. It is the story of Lady, an Irish Setter puppy, whose only dream is to become a great hunting dog. She has no idea that her life is going to take her down a path where she is going to face some incredibly dangerous situations, including a world war. Several times throughout Lady’s lifetime, she will be asked to risk her life for someone she loves.
Any advice for other writers/indie authors out there?
Don’t give up on your dreams. If you love to write, then keep at it, even in the face of rejection. Also, I feel that it is important to write about something that you truly care about. Your passion for the subject is what will draw people to the story.
Welcome Home is the story of Jake, a black Labrador Retriever mix, who has been dreaming about a beautiful home with a wonderful owner since he was a small puppy. He is convinced that he belongs with the man in the dream. However, when the time comes for him to be given away to a new home, he is chosen by someone who is definitely not the man from the dream. He is taken to a home where he is terribly mistreated. After suffering years of abuse, Jake finally escapes and can begin his search for the man from his dreams.What inspired you to write this book?
The main character, Jake, was inspired by a patient that I treated my first year out of veterinary school. He was a large black dog who had been hit by a car and was brought into the clinic by an Animal Control Officer. He was unable to use his hind legs. I convinced the officer to let me keep the dog in the clinic for a few days to see if he would improve. He regained the use of his legs and was eventually adopted by a very nice family.
The theme of Welcome Home, was inspired by the many stories that people have shared with me about how they were united with their beloved pets. Although the stories vary, there is a theme that connects them all; the idea that their pets “chose” them to be their owner and “somehow knew” there were meant to be together.
What are you doing to market your book?
I have used several approaches to marketing the book. I have donated copies of the paperback to several local libraries and schools. I also sent out press releases to several newspapers. In addition, I am constantly marketing through the social media. You can find Tinerbooks on Facebook and Twitter. Also, I have a blog at www.tinerbooks.blogspot.com and a website www.tinerbooks.com. In addition, I have contacted several reviewers requesting that they review Welcome Home. I could always use more reviews! I have also advertised on several independent author websites.
How have sales been? Where have you had the most success?
I have the book available through the KDP lending program and offered a free promotion over the Christmas holiday. The sales were at their highest point following this promotion.
How are readers/reviewers reacting to your book?
The book has a 5 star rating from 5 customer reviews and received a 5 star rating from the Readers Favorite. I have also gotten feedback from several libraries stating that readers are reacting very positively.
What was the biggest challenge you faced writing this book and how did you overcome it?
I wrote Welcome Home almost 10 years ago. I tried to get it published through traditional means for several years. I finally heard about KDP and Createspace through Amazon and decided to self-publish.
What are the future plans for you and this book?
I am going to continue to promote Welcome Home through author interviews and book signings. Additionally, I will continue to build a platform through social media marketing.
What is your next project?
Bo and Rico are two characters in Welcome Home that befriend Jake and help him search for the man from his dream. My next project is going to be to write the story of how Bo and Rico met.
Have you published anything else?
I recently released my second novel, Heart of a Hero. It is the story of Lady, an Irish Setter puppy, whose only dream is to become a great hunting dog. She has no idea that her life is going to take her down a path where she is going to face some incredibly dangerous situations, including a world war. Several times throughout Lady’s lifetime, she will be asked to risk her life for someone she loves.
Any advice for other writers/indie authors out there?
Don’t give up on your dreams. If you love to write, then keep at it, even in the face of rejection. Also, I feel that it is important to write about something that you truly care about. Your passion for the subject is what will draw people to the story.
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