The Adventures of Milo Chow received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Caroline E Rayfield.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
My book is entitled The Adventures of Milo Chow. It was published on September 21, 2022.
What’s the book’s first line?
Milo was a handsome four month-old Chow Chow puppy.
What’s the book about? Give us the “pitch”.
The Adventures of Milo Chow is a collection of 9 short stories following the life of Milo Chow and his family. We see Milo transform from a timid rescue pup into a strong willed boy about town. Each story features an ‘adventure’ that Milo embarks on. The book explores Milo Chow’s relationship with his family and new friends in the neighbourhood.
What inspired you to write the book? A particular person? An event?
I wrote The Adventures of Milo Chow after the untimely death of our puppy, Milo. It was hard to come to terms with his passing. I knew that I wanted to do something in his honour. This is what I came up with. I found that the stories came together very quickly. I wrote a lot of the book while volunteering in the rescue that had saved Milo and his brother and sister. The process of writing the book also helped me deal with the grief. As I wrote the book, I was taken back to our life with Milo. It was an incredibly happy
experience for me. Milo was the sole inspiration for the book.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
The Adventures of Milo Chow is a fun collection of stories. There are lessons to be learned in between all of the escapades. At the core of the story is a special needs dog. The main character. Milo. sees himself as ‘special’, something above the ordinary. He never feels at a disadvantage which is a truly positive message. The fact that Milo Chow is different is celebrated. He proves that it’s ok to be different.
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character? Who-real or fictional-would you say the character reminds you of?
The character of Milo Chow is distinctive because of how he views himself and those around him. He largely looks at the world in terms of those that are special like him and those who aren’t. He has a very cheeky personality and is focused on those things that bring him the greatest amount of happiness. His personal well being is his number one priority.
When did you first decide to become an author?
I decided to become an author in August of 2020. I had a story to tell, and I wanted to sit down and write that story.
Is this the first book you’ve written?
It is my first book but definitely not my last.
What do you do for work when you’re not writing?
I look after children for a living. I am able to be home with my kids and dogs so it’s the perfect job for me at this stage.
How much time do you generally spend on your writing?
I wish I could spend more time on my writing. The ideas come to me on a fairly regular basis but I have not been able to sit and write for a few months. Once my book was published, that is where my focus needed to be. Up until that point, I spent hours each day writing my next book. I really enjoy the process of writing. The excitement is sometimes overwhelming when a thought comes to mind and I just want to write. Time is the biggest hindrance, it is not a lack of ideas.
What’s the best and the hardest part of being an indie?
The best part of being an Indie writer for me is the sense of control. I had an idea of the way I wanted my book to look and read. I always felt that my ideas were heard. I really liked that. I was incredibly protective of this project and I knew that I had full decision making control over the book.
The downside of being an Indie author? The workload. I know that the buck stops with me. My publisher gave me the tools to succeed if I followed their advice but honestly, I have never worked so hard in my life. It is a 24 hour a day thing. live and dream about the book. No complaints whatsoever but it’s a large undertaking being an Indie author if you care about the success of your work.
What’s a great piece of advice that you can share with fellow indie authors?
The best piece of advice I would give to other indie authors is to promote the book before it’s even published. Hit the ground running and not wait for the book to be published. You want the anticipation factor.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
If a traditional publisher contacted me now, I would continue to stay the course. I like being hands-on with every aspect of my book’s success or failure, indie books have come a long way, I don’t need a traditional publisher.
Is there something in particular that motivates you (fame? fortune?)
I was motivated to write The Adventures of Milo Chow because I wanted a legacy for our puppy. I love writing, that’s what will motivate me to write more books. I love being in my own world creating something that other people will hopefully enjoy. It isn’t about money or fame, it’s just about the love of the craft.
Which writer, living or dead, do you most admire?
I’m a huge fan of Peter Robinson. The way he moves back and forth between storylines so seamlessly is inspiring. Although I will never be a crime writer, he had a gift that I could only dream of having.
Which book do you wish you could have written?
I wish I had written Famous Last Words by Timothy Findley. I read it as a high school student and loved it. It was one of the books that I read over and over. It was a beautifully written novel.