Books
Upcoming: The Soul of a Dog Book Series
(Breed by Breed) or (A Tail to Tell)
www.soulofadog.com

Are you completely in love with your dog? Do you have an amazing “tail to tell” that is funny, unique and heart warming about your precious canine friend? Do you have a story of saying goodbye to a dear canine member of your family?

If so, we are looking for you.

Project Life Stories and Retro Pets are collaborating on an inspiring, artistic and heartfelt new book series called “The Soul of A Dog”. The first book in the series will include stories of all breeds and mixed breeds. The subsequent books will focus on an individual popular and beloved breeds including Pugs, Bulldogs and Labradors.

We are partnering together to collect the funniest and most poignant stories, breed by breed, beginning with the three breeds listed above. The series will continue to expand and 10% of the proceeds of all four books will be donated to animal rescue societies  worldwide. Krista Brooks, the artist “behind the snouts” at Retro Pets will be creating specialized animal art to accompany the stories. Tanya Taylor Rubinstein, Artistic Director of Project Life Stories will be selecting and editing the stories for publication.

Submit a story.

We're looking for all different types of stories and all different lengths; from the hilarious anecdote you tell every year around the holiday table, to the heart wrenching account of how you said goodbye to your precious pooch.

Please send your story to Tanya Taylor Rubinstein: tanya@projectlifestories.org

We can't wait to read your story and we're honored by your submission.

How to begin writing.

We think the best way to begin is with some timed writings. These will get your pen flowing and stir your memories. Don’t edit yourself, that part can come later. Try some of these topics:

I remember…My best friend…The first time I saw her/him…Tennis balls…Running...Treats...Loyalty is…Your dog’s name…The first day…The first month…The first year…Chewing…The beach…In the water...Taking a walk…My first dog…Toys…Playing…With my kids…As a child…I remember…How my dog changed my life…Wisdom from my dog…The quirkiest thing my dog does...The greatest gift…The funniest story about my dog…My heart was broken…Going to the vet…The dog park…How my dog is a hero…Unconditional Love…The last time...Falling apart...Wet kisses…Suppertime!...Snorting...Drooling...

There are no constraints here, just follow your heart.

No one need ever see these timed writings but you. They are a jumping off point only. Once you have a topic that feels “juicy” you can concentrate on honing that one, if you like. You’ll know when you’ve got one.

We’re looking for a variety of story lengths. You may only need one paragraph to tell your “tail”. You may need four pages. Your story may be side-splittingly funny or it may be gut-wrenchingly sad. Write it all out – put it on the page. Don’t reread for now. Reread can mean review and review can mean edit. Don’t edit. That’s later. Now is just the time for writing, exploring.

It seems long hand writing is best for these timed writes, so put down your keyboard and pick up a pen and any old notebook. Find a timer, if you don’t have one you can use the one on your kitchen stove.

Open your notebook to a clean, fresh page. Look over the topics and pick one. Don’t deliberate too much here. We’re sure you have memories for most of the topics listed. Remember, these first drafts won’t be perfect. If you’re worried your writing will be bad, then decide to write badly on purpose. Write anything. If you don’t know what to write, write “I don’t know what to write” over and over again until you do know what to write.

This is No Big Deal. It’s just a place to start. OK, now pick your first topic and set your timer for 10 minutes.

Go.

More inspiration.

The best book that we can recommend to “non-professional writers” is Natalie Goldberg’s “Writing Down the Bones” and it may be immensely helpful in writing your story.

We are looking for stories that are above all, authentic and real and honor and celebrate the particular characteristics of dogs and their relationships to their humans and indeed, toward all of life.

If your submission is chosen, your story will be published in The Soul of a Dog where your canine friend will be immortalized! Also, in keeping with the spirit of our mission, 10% of the proceeds will be donated to canine related non-profits, rescue organizations and shelters.

Ready to submit?

Please send your story to Tanya Taylor Rubinstein: tanya@projectlifestories.org

Above photo: Jody Angell.