REBECCA STROUD
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For starters, I am an avid animal lover & have been involved with that issue for over 30 years, both hands-on and – now – via my writing. Prior to becoming a book author, my pet/wildlife column (The Animal Advocate) ran in various newspapers for a decade; some of those columns are now compiled in an ebook of the same name. And, although I’ve branched out and also write suspense/thriller novels, my favorite work is – and always will be – Zellwood.Connect with Rebecca: Website / Facebook / Twitter |
How did you come up with the title?
Zellwood is the name of a pet cemetery in central Florida and I thought it fitting considering the subject matter.
What inspired you to write this book?
After the death of one of our two dogs, the ‘sole survivor’ was definitely grief-stricken. The story segued from there…
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
It was definitely cathartic for me; I cried a lot. But it has helped many readers suffering the same, too. Beautiful little story, if I do say so myself.
Do you have a favorite line or scene from this book?
Oh, yes! The last line of “Zellwood” is powerful. I love it.
Did you hire an editor to review your manuscript before publishing?
No, as I am also an editor.
What factors influenced your decision to self-publish to Amazon?
The very long wait for a response from agents – if any – made self-publishing an easy decision for me. I don’t have time to waste and Amazon is very ‘author-friendly’ and helpful.
What have you learned during your self-publishing journey?
Marketing is key…but I freely admit that I suck at it.
What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena?
Very simply, polish your work and don’t give up.
Have you published anything else?
Yes: A set of short stories; one suspense novel; two suspense novellas; a non-fiction book and am also a contributor to “The Killing Sands” (a ‘murder on the beach’ anthology that includes best-selling indie author, Rick Murcer)
What’s next for you? What is your next project?
“Dragon’s Moon” is a political thriller that I hope to have done in the very near future.
ZELLWOOD
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A very, very short story about overcoming the grief that results from the loss of a beloved pet.Visit Rebecca’s Amazon Author Page to purchase Zellwood or any of her other novels |
Great job, Rebecca and Jade!
Overcoming the loss of a pet is just as bad as overcoming the loss of a person, in my book.
Good luck on Dragon’s Moon, Rebecca!
Awesome interview! Thanks for sharing with us Rebecca and Jade! A loss of a pet is hard, just as hard as losing a person. Good luck with Dragon’s Moon.
fantastic interview and touching story a must read for dog lovers or someone who has lost a pet. Gook luck on Dragons Moon I am sure it will be great
This was a beautifully-written story. Looking forward to Dragons Moon!
Great interview Jade
Hi Jade and Rebecca,
Great interview.
I am not a pet lover, Rebecca, but I am sure losing a beloved pet would be the same as losing a cherished member of your family. I know your story would bring a tear to any dog lover’s eye. (And my mean that as a compliment).
Regards
Margaret
Interesting answers, Rebecca! And appetite-whetting teaser about the last line