I have read a great many children’s books since starting this process and have found in every single book there is value. There are lessons to be learned, fun to be had, and tears to be shed. I feel richer for having read them.

W.B. Murph – 29 October 2023

The Back Flap

Molly the Beagle is broken. She knows it, and soon everyone else will too. Molly has been abandoned by a cruel owner, left alone to fend for herself in the streets. She is hurt, she is hungry, and most of all Molly is unloved. She tries to make friends but everywhere she goes, she is turned away, treated harshly, told to leave. When all hope is lost, Molly meets her miracle… a girl whose very special gift is just what Molly needs to see the value in herself. Molly’s Miracle is a story of love, acceptance, kindness, and the light that shines in everyone – no matter their circumstance.

About the book

What is the book about?

Molly the Beagle is a dog who escapes an abusive home and lives on the streets. Molly doesn’t understand her worth because she has not been treated kindly by people; when her leg must be amputated it only reinforces the idea that she is not good enough. Molly finds her value through her adventures on the street and in the shelter. It is a story for children about learning your way in the world, learning to love yourself and to love and accept others.

When did you start writing the book?

I started writing it in November of 2022.

How long did it take you to write it?

It took about 2 months to write. It was ready for illustration in early February of 2023.

Where did you get the idea from?

I volunteer with a dog rescue in South Carolina and a family adopted a beautiful bloodhound. In the picture with her parents and the dog, a beautiful, golden-haired girl, about 3 years old, had a face full of all the promise of days spent playing with her new dog. In less than 24 hours, the adopters requested to return that dog, saying they “didn’t think it through”. I sat and wept for that poor, golden-haired girl; a girl whose parents had taught her the lesson that dogs are disposable and we do not need to be concerned about how they feel. It made me wonder how many other children of such tender age had been taught this same lesson. Having no other discernable talent, I decided to write a book to give these children a role model for valuing our canine companions.

Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?

My struggle came with balancing the reality of the mistreatment of dogs with a hopeful message teaching compassion and acceptance.

What came easily?

It was very easy to create the characters in the book. They were well-known to me as I have encountered all of them time and again in my travels through the veterinary and rescue worlds.

Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?

Molly the Beagle, is a real Beagle. She lives in my home, saved from a life on the streets at only 6 months old. She came to us broken, defeated, not like a puppy at all. Three years later, she is a happy, sassy and spunky Beagle with a zest for life.

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?

While there are no specific authors that come to mind in terms of this book, I can say that generally, I am inspired by all of the independent authors out there that have put their truths out into the world and have bared their souls to the criticism of others. I have read a great many children’s books since starting this process and have found in every single book there is value. There are lessons to be learned, fun to be had, and tears to be shed. I feel richer for having read them.

Do you have a target reader?

My target reader is a child who has doubts and fears that he or she is not good enough. It is a child who perhaps has had financial, emotional, or physical challenges. I am particularly interested in reaching children without a role model in their home for interacting with the world in positive ways. While my book definitely speaks to the proper treatment of animals, there are valuable lessons about acceptance, kindness, and love that are universal for all children as well. When I picture a target reader in my mind, it is that little golden-haired girl in the picture whose face was so full of promise.

About Writing

Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?

I write the entire book in my head before I put a single word down. It is very important to me to know where the story is going to end up before I start writing, otherwise I find that I become lost in the minutia of putting down words that often do not move the story along. In children’s books particularly, words are gold – every one of them must count.

Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?

I do not do an outline, but once I am ready to put fingers to keyboard I do write a single paragraph that I use to remind me where I have been and where I am going.

Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?

I actually never edit my books at all. I prefer my ideas be put down whole.

Did you hire a professional editor?

I definitely use a professional editor. I am terrible at the details of grammar (commas, particularly, are very vexing to me).

Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?

I do not. I have a great love for music and therefore find that it distracts me if I am trying to write.

About Publishing

Did you submit your work to Agents?

I did not. I see the value of an agent for some people, but not for me.

What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?

It was simply the realization that if I sent my book off to publishers then I would relinquish some (possibly all) control. I do not like to give up control so I never even considered a publishing house.

Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?

I am particularly proud of my cover. I designed it myself using artwork from my illustrator. I wanted a very simple cover that made a profound statement about my love of dogs.

Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?

I rely on a publicist to have a marketing plan for me. I have done a few things on my own though and my book has been accepted into a local children’s bookstore recently.

Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?

I would tell them first: DO IT! If you have a truth that you need to say, you should say it. Understand though, that you may not be able to compete in the crowded book space, and believe that this is okay. Some books will speak to everyone, some will speak to only a select few. Decide your reasons for wanting to put out a book and make sure that your actions further your goals.

About You

Where did you grow up?

I am a 5 year old Beagle, born in Wyoming with 4 brothers and sisters.

Where do you live now?

I am living my best life in Colorado Springs where I whisper stories to my human so she can write them down for me, because Beagles are not so very good at holding a pencil!

What would you like readers to know about you?

I love art, and music as much as I love writing!

What are you working on now?

Next up is Daisy’s Daydream a story about a Foxhound saved from the streets by a family who is having difficulty adjusting to life in a human world.

End of Interview:

For more from W.B. Murphy visit their website and follow them on Twitter.

Get your copy of Molly’s Miracle from Amazon US or Amazon UK.