I think the horse industry has many stories wrapped up in it. As I told my parents of events that occurred with me at work, my mother suggested I write a book about it.
Christine Meunier – 30 June 2013
The Back Flap
Christine Meunier has lived a life breathing, dreaming and working with horses in the thoroughbred industry in Australia and has also travelled overseas to work in the industry. Horse Country takes her own personal experiences woven into a story about four young women studying and working in the horse industry.
Follow Lise and Wes as they work their way around North East Victoria, Australia in the seasonal world of breeding thoroughbreds. Horse Country follows the seasons of the thoroughbred industry and what the day to day of working on a stud could look like.
A few hours away, Maddie and Melanie are working hard in their parent’s metropolitan riding school, teaching others about horse riding and care of the horse. From the nervous first time rider, to the child who wants to run fast and jump high, the young women shape lessons to suit the individual.
Horses offer a great opportunity to study, learn, work and develop an incredible career around the world. Set in Australia, this novel shows that the land down under is indeed a Horse Country.Horse
About the book
What is the book about?
The book explores working in the horse industry in Australia, particularly in the thoroughbred breeding world and a metropolitan riding school. It follows the lives of four young women and explores work and study and becoming an adult.
When did you start writing the book?
Possibly about 7 years ago! It’s been an idea for a long time and had snippets added over the years. The past few years it’s been a consistent idea I’ve been working on for publishing.
How long did it take you to write it?
I’m not sure collectively. The book is close to 500 pages so it’s quite a large novel that has been added to over the years.
Where did you get the idea from?
I think the horse industry has many stories wrapped up in it. As I told my parents of events that occurred with me at work, my mother suggested I write a book about it.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
A couple! There are ‘off seasons’ or quiet times during the year in the breeding industry so at times it was difficult to decide what to detail over these months.
What came easily?
The character Declan. I’m not sure why but he was really easy to write.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
Borrowed from real world people, mainly myself but also stories I’ve heard from friends.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
Not so much how I write, but rather my love of reading. My favourite is Elyne Mitchell, I love the description of the Australian countryside in her horse novels.
Do you have a target reader?
Young adults looking to get into, or already working in, the horse industry.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Hmmm… it generally follows an amusing anecdote or idea, this is turned into an outline and I go from there for characters and events.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I did outline a lot for this story as each chapter is based on a month in the year so I was detailing for myself what should be happening on a horse property at that time of the year.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
Both! As I go and reread, and then at the end I ordered my first print copy and read it over a couple of weeks, editing as I went.
Did you hire a professional editor?
No. I’ve had a few friends proof the book (horsey and non horsey but avid readers) but have done the editing myself and with the help of my mother who publishes.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
At the start perhaps John Mayer and Brooke Fraser. Currently I’m recovering from a head injury due to a kick to the head by a horse and I can’t focus one one thing whilst listening to another!
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
No. Self publishing seemed so accessible and user friendly.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I believe my story is too long to send to a publisher and know that the process is cost efficient if you do things yourself, so I’m happy to explore this option.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I did get it professionally done by GraphicDesignCity but they designed it with one of my photos and I’m rapt with it.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I do have a marketing plan based on a book I acquired through Palmer Higgs Publishing who have sent me horse books to review on my blog. I believe the first few months leading up to and of the book being available to the public are very important to get right.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
Go for it! Learn to set small goals at a time and be disciplined, but have fun and dream big!
About You
Where did you grow up?
In Melbourne, Victoria after being born in Adelaide, South Australia.
Where do you live now?
In North East Victoria where a lot of thoroughbred studs are found.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m incredibly passionate about education in the equine field and love helping people learn about potential career paths with horses.
What are you working on now?
A book regarding introducing horses to the island of Rodrigues which doesn’t currently have any. It’s another fictional piece that I think is going to be both challenging and exciting to write.
End of Interview:
For more visit Christine’s website, her blog, or like her page on facebook.
Get your copy of Horse Country from Christine’s website, Amazon US (paper or ebook), Amazon UK (paper or ebook), or Barnes & Noble.