{Author Interview} Karen Carew Oakes Author of Drewsilla the Shelter Puppy

Karen Carew Oakes, has been writing for many years and her articles have been included in the Lutheran Advent, as well as an article in several magazines. She is a mother and grandmother. She lives in Helotes, Texas with her two schnauzers Ella and Mackenzie. Her stories are based on true experiences her children encountered growing up.

Visit her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/karencarewoakes.  

About the Book:

Title: DREWSILLA THE SHELTER PUPPY
Author: Karen Carew Oakes
Publisher: Archway Publishing
Pages: 22
Genre: Children’s Picture Book

BOOK BLURB:

When Drewsilla and her siblings are tiny puppies, an accident steals their mother away. A kind stranger rescues them and takes them to a shelter, where the staff works around the clock to care for the pack of newborns. Soon, her brothers and sisters begin to thrive. Drewsilla has a beautiful black coat, intelligent eyes, and ears that stand straight up.

Drewsilla, though, is scared. She seems afraid of everyone and everything and hides in the back of her cage when families come to visit. As her friendly siblings each get adopted, lonely Drewsilla remains. The staff even worries that she might never find a home. Then, one day, something amazing happens.

The Johnsons come to the shelter to look at another dog and see Drewsilla, who miraculously finds the courage to stop hiding and say hello. All shelter dogs deserve the chance to find a loving family, and this is the true story of Drewsilla -- how she overcomes her fears, finds her family, and gets a second chance at a happy life.

ORDER YOUR COPY:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J2BVKVN/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

As a book bloggin’ and book luvin’ Princess, I’m always curious to find out about the characters in the book. Can you tell us a little about the main characters of your book?

Drewsilla is the main character for the book. She is a beautiful black dog, that had a rough start in life.  She and her litter mates were abandoned and taken to the local shelter to be cared for. She loves to play with her balls. She often has one in her mouth as she pushes another around on the floor.

Can you give us an excerpt?

Days and weeks passed and Drewsilla remained at the shelter.  The staff was beginning to think she would never find a home. Not only was Drewsilla shy but her color also made to more difficult to find her a home.

Then one day the Johnsons came to the shelter. They had looked on the shelter website for available dogs they wanted to see. Drewsilla was not one of them. It just so happened

That they would have to pass directly in front of Drewsillas cage. As they passed something amazing happened.

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would that be?

Believe in yourself. It’s not easy but don’t give up.

What would you say is one of your interesting writing quirks?

I have to have the tv on when I’m writing. The background noise is soothing somehow.

Do you hear from your readers?  What do they say?

They want to meet Drewsilla. Drewsilla has come a long way but is still rather shy.

What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?

The story wasn’t long enough

What has been your best accomplishment?

My children.

Do you Google yourself?

I have once or twice.

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? I actually am working on the illustrations for my series. The Misadventures of Kelly and Radar.

Fun question – if you were princess or prince, what’s one thing you would do to make your kingdom a better place?

I would decree that Kindness be a part of everyday. Pay it forward.

Do you have anything specific that you would like to say to your readers?

Adopt from your local shelter. Give a furbaby a chance at a forever home.