Expressing my reflections on life through poetry has been something I have engaged in for about forty years. Along the way, I have shared my poems with family and friends who have encouraged me to think about publishing them. As I hadn’t got a clue how to go about it, I put the idea on hold… until last year. My husband and I went on ‘the adventure of a lifetime’, travelling around New Zealand. To enter the country, we were required to complete an immigration form. When asked for my occupation, I wondered what to put. Having just left my job to travel and without future employment plans, I was flummoxed. Pausing for a moment, I wrote ‘Poet’ and from that moment I decided that I needed to publish some of my work.
On returning home, I spoke to a friend of mine who had just started writing short stories and she recommended Brown Dog Books. Having spoken to Douglas on the phone, the process of self-publishing began. What an amazing experience it has been. The team at Brown Dog Books couldn’t have been more helpful. Frances contacted the designer to provide options for the book cover, she took my manuscript and laid it out for print, checking proofs and progress with me at every stage. I was delighted and overwhelmed when two brown boxes containing my book, ‘Life on Location’ arrived at my door a couple of months later.
I enjoyed the process so much that when I found myself at a relatively loose end for a few months earlier this year, I took the opportunity to compile two further poetry books. ‘Dancing to Your Tune’ and ‘Flowers in a Jar’ complete the book set.
I am thoroughly pleased with the service and support I have received from Brown Dog Books and have already recommended them to several people who would like to self-publish books of their own. I have no hesitation in recommending them to you.
Sheila
Read more about Sheila’s poetry here
