This week's Writing Corner author is a native of North Carolina who grew up in Belmont, just west of Charlotte. This local indie author has also lived abroad and in various places statewide. She retired to Alleghany, NC where she now resides in Ennice.
Meet Dr. Elaine Moretz author, of Tales of Cody the Crooked Tail Dog. Inside this children's book, the author lets readers know it "is dedicated to all children, but especially the many with special needs that I had the privilege to work with during my many years in education."
I first met Elaine in person during another indie author's book signing over the summer. The first thing anyone will notice is how engaging she is and just how much she loves writing and sharing stories.
Elaine has planned to make Cody a series and told the blog, "Cody the Crooked Tail Dog is the first in a series of Cody books designed for young children. This book tells the story of Cody who is different but that’s ok because he is special. Cody wants all children to know they are special even if they may be different in some way."
This indie author says she has been writing all of her life, keeping diaries and journals, but really began to put her thoughts together in story form after she moved to her mountain home here in Alleghany.
Writers are known to draw inspiration for their stories or books through their surroundings, jobs, and interactions with others. Elaine told the blog she draws her inspiration from having worked with children. "My many years in education working with children of all ages and abilities/disabilities inspired me to tell Cody’s story. The book is a play on the words tell, tail, and tale. It includes a Readers’ Guide so parents and or teachers can ask questions to help children better understand the importance of Cody’s story."
Cody's story is also unique and we asked Elaine to share a little about her book's main character. "Cody was a rescue dog that is no longer alive. I had Cody for about 10 years. He was a bagel, part basset, and part beagle. He was my constant companion and is missed very much.
The book is full of photos & even some cute illustrative drawings of Cody as well. Elaine shared that, "most of the photos of Cody were taken by me but a few friends shared. Imaging Specialists, my publisher, added the stock artwork so a dog that looked much like Cody so we would be able to access that in case I didn’t ha e enough actual photos of Cody for future books in the series."
When we asked which part of the writing process Elaine enjoyed the most while creating Cody's story she told us, "I enjoyed the entire writing process and learned so much from it that is helping with future books. I write all the time even if it is just a snippet that may be used in future works."
Her go-to place to write down these wonderful children's stories is her front porch. "I like to write on the back porch of my house in the mountains but keep paper and pen close by day and night to capture ideas. Being surrounded by nature is most inspiring for me."
We asked Elaine, being a children's author herself, if she had a favorite children's author, "I do not have one favorite children’s author but do like Beverly Cleary’s work. One of my favorite books is A Very Very Bad Horrible Day."
When we caught up with Elaine she was in the middle of reading books from other local authors such as Tim Anders Choosing Barabbas, Suzanne Mellow Irwin Stratford Oaks Tales, author Pratt Davis' Walking on Holy Ground, and Dividing Ridge by blog host Stacy Hawks.
"I have several favorites," Elaine responded upon being asked what her favorite writer quote(s) were. "First of which is My Help Is in the Mountains by Nancy Wood and the next is The Challenge whose author is anonymous."
Elaine shared the following advice for indie writers, "The writing process is long and involved and one learns we things all the time, however never stop writing. Find a writers group to join and especially a critique group. Not only does being a part of a group encourage one to write but it definitely helps one improve their writing skills."
You can find Tales of Cody the Crooked Tail Dog at Alleghany Arts and Crafts, Touch of Grace, and Glade Creek Animal Hospital all on Main Street in Sparta, NC. Also, directly from the author at ArtbyKEM@gmail.com or on Facebook at ArtbyKEM.
Tune into the Podcast Wednesday, August 25th at 6 p.m. EST to hear more about Cody, learn Elaine's story, and more. The podcast is available on multiple platforms but you may visit the website for details.
A big thank you to our Writing Corner Wednesday authors, poets, and storytellers for sharing their remarkable works with us. We hope you will follow them and also follow our Writer of the Week. Catch our Podcast every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month via Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and more. Follow The Writing Wall on Twitter, Instagram, and join us on BuyMeACoffee for exclusive behind-the-scenes information this Season, promotion, and more.