Week of April 17, 2020
Name
Joni darc Shepherd
From
New Jersey, USA
Website
Occupation
Writer & environmental protection
Book Title
Rio – A Love Story
Book Category
Memoir, Pets
Book Length
295 pgs
Publisher
Sojourn Publishing
Date Published
October 31, 2019
Awards for Book
Amazon #1 Bestseller, 2nd in allauthor.com book cover contest, January 2020
Other Published Books
None
Future Books
I have just started writing a love story, one that will be filled with suspense and be based in part on true occurrences.
Book Synopsis
Most of us will experience heartbreak and tragedy during our lives. Joan lost her closest family, best friends and support system overnight and sunk into depression. She needed a miracle, a new best friend to inspire her and help her out of her depression. Magically, the miracle appeared in the form of a charming dog, Rio, a gift to her. He diagnosed her and started her healing process, showering her with unconditional love and enticing her to enjoy life again. Rio encouraged her to pursue new activities with him including dog training and shows, and they became a therapy dog team and dance partners. Joan’s strong commitment to Rio was just what she needed. Sadness turned to joy, and she began a new exciting life journey with Rio that continues today.
This book is for everyone, not just pet lovers. Joan’s challenges as caretaker for her loved ones offer helpful insight to those in a similar period of their life and may help with the loss of loved ones. Joan’s candidness in resolving her sadness may help all of us deal with life’s low points. This inspirational book powerfully delivers the message of rebirth, triumph and the re-celebration of life.
How did Tom’s Method help with the writing/publication of your book the most?
I can’t thank Tom enough from the beginning of my book writing experience to the end. I signed up for Tom’s weekend writing seminar. After the weekend, I had a major part of my book written. That was a critical accomplishment for me because with that I had committed fully to writing my book. I had over 50,000 words written! I was not going to stop till my book was published. Then I signed up for Tom’s publishing program. I was assigned a very experienced mentor Denise Cassino in December who expedited me with great care and expertise through the publishing process. My book was ready to be released by the end of the summer. If it wasn’t for this program, I would still not be published. I would have had no idea what to do. The program is efficient and very professional. Thank you so much Tom and Denise and everyone on Tom’s publishing support team! You are all the best!
What did you learn the most from the writing of your book?
My book is a memoir about personal family losses, my struggle with depression and how a charming dog entered my life and turned my sadness into joy. I learned so much about myself while writing and editing my book, actually reliving my life, goals and dreams with every edit. It was a very important transition period for me where I had so many “a-ha” moments, learning so much about me and what I want to be when I grow up. I’d come a long way with my dog’s encouragement, but my book writing and publishing experience has taken my life to new levels, all positive.
Advice you have for new authors?
I believe everyone has a book in them, something very special they long to tell that will help others, something that others would love to hear about and learn from. Yes, you have a story. Start your book and stick to it! Do not give up. It is not always easy, but it is totally worth it, every last word.