Casey Wilson: On Writing a Non-Human Perspective

Casey Wilson is the author of A Dog's Hope. Born and raised in the United States in Nevada, she is the owner of a gorgeous golden retriever, who may or may not have inspired the dogs in her novels.

In this post, Wilson shares what it was like to write from the perspective of a dog in her latest novel A Dog's Hope, as well as the journey from indie to traditional publishing and more!

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Name: Casey Wilson (pen name for Tammy L. Grace)
Book title: A Dog’s Hope
Publisher: Hachette/Grand Central/Bookouture
Release date: March 30, 2021
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Elevator pitch for the book: A story of how unconditional love can bound into your life when you least expect it, giving you hope in the darkest of times and make you understand there are some things in life only a dog can teach you.
Previous titles by the author:
Writing as Casey Wilson: A Dog’s Chance
Writing as Tammy L. Grace: Finding Home, Home Blooms, A Promise of Home, Pieces of Home, Finally Home, Forever Home, Beach Haven, Moonlight Beach, Killer Music, Deadly Connection, Dead Wrong, A Season for Hope, The Magic of the Season, Christmas in Snow Valley, Christmas Sisters, and Christmas Wishes

IndieBound | Bookshop | Amazon
[WD uses affiliate links.]

My love for golden retrievers and that special connection we have with dogs compelled me to write this story. I had just lost my own golden when I was writing this story and she weighed heavily upon me throughout the process. She was my furry soulmate and I used much of her personality in Buddy’s character.

(Women’s Fiction or Romance? The Differences, and 5 Reasons Why They Matter)

I was approached by an editor at Bookouture and signed a contract for two books with them. I wrote A Dog’s Hope within about three months, but the publication date and deadlines were laid out in the initial contract, which happened a bit more than a year before the digital release in 2020. The retail paperback release happened a year after the original release.

I had chosen the indie publishing route for my prior books, so this was my first time working with a publisher. I think the most surprising thing was the lengthy process that is involved and the time it takes a publisher to actually publish the book. I can say I was pleasantly surprised, as all my interactions with Bookouture and Grand Central have been excellent and I found them to be very responsive to my questions and ideas.

(Making the Switch from Romance to Women’s Fiction)

I have always included dogs in all my books, but this was the first book I wrote that included the dog’s perspective. I found that I enjoyed writing Buddy’s point-of-view the most and couldn’t wait to get his thoughts on the page. Buddy was such a wise dog and had so much to offer Toby, especially. Writing him inspired me to want to write more books including the perspective of the dog.

The strongest theme of the book is hope. I want readers to finish the book, and although there are tragic and emotional moments, walk away understanding that no matter how bad things get, there is always hope and that hope sometimes presents itself in an unexpected form.

Tenacity is required for authors. Never give up on your writing dream and do all you can to improve your craft and understanding of the publishing paths and options, including the marketing aspects of the business.