If you have ever dreamed about writing a book, especially a horse book, you must do it! There's a simple reason why. The world needs more horse books. There will never be enough.
Frequently, I think about all the nonfiction horse books I would like to read that don't exist. Here's a sampling:
1. An anthology of wisdom from men and women of all equestrian disciplines who have been immersed in horses their whole life. Preferably the folks whose insights are in this book would be over the age of 70.
2. A book with hopeful and helpful stories of horses who thrive despite having kissing spine. (I'm personally interested since my horse Knight has kissing spine.)
3. Stories about therapy horses. This could be horses used for therapy ala Egala, or for therapeutic riding or working with veterans with PTSD.
4. A biography of Tiznow (my horse's sire). He's the only horse to have won the Breeders' Cup Classic twice.
5. A book of vignettes about off-track Thoroughbreds who went on to do amazing things after their racing careers ended.
If you like any of those book ideas listed above, have at it. And please let me know since I will read your future book.
What to write your horse book? I can help you. Join my online course for first-time authors, Aspiring Author Jumpstart today. Use code NEWAUTHOR for 10% off. CLICK HERE to learn more.
A Word on Horse Books for Kids
Also, I find it interesting, in the realm of children's horse books, that Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley's books still dominate bookstore shelves. Earlier this year I was at the Barnes and Noble in Ocala, Florida—an extremely horsey area. A display in the children's section contained over two rows of Henry and Farley's horse book titles that have been in publication since the 1940s.
There have been other much-loved horse book series such as The Saddle Club (1980s-1990s), The Thoroughbred Series (1990s-early 2000s), the Heartland books (early 2000s--from which the mega popular TV show derived) and Canterwood Crest (2010s-ish). There is not a single series that stands out today in the fashion of main stream publishing's Dork Diaries or Diary of a Wimpy Kid, etc. And as my author friend Heather Wallace likes to say: books don't compete with each other. If someone is a reader, they like reading. (I paraphrased Heather—she said it more eloquently and I can't recall the wording now.)
For example, if a child gobbles up one horse book series, they will most likely look for more books like those books.
Will you be the author who brings a new, wonderful horse book series into the world?
Experience Life Change + Achievement
Another reason I think you should write a horse book is because it will be a life-changing experience. I'm not overstating that. Since I started writing horse books, I have met readers, most of whom are fellow horse lovers; I have befriended fellow authors; and my life has been enriched through these newer relationships.
Besides expanding my circle of friends, I have experienced a great sense of satisfaction and achievement knowing that I created something out of nothing. Well, not exactly nothing, but a seed of an idea in my head, through dedication and hard work, evolved into a tangible book in my hands.
Stories are powerful. Marguerite Henry's book Mustang, Wild Spirit of the West inspired a generation of children to follow the plight of our nation's wild horses and write letters to Congress. Just the other day, a person who follows my Saddle Seeks Horse Facebook Page left a comment that she wrote a letter on behalf of Mustangs when she was a little girl. She spoke up on behalf of the wild horses who don't have a voice.
Perhaps that story in you will resonate with a reader to get them fired up to protect horses. Maybe through writing your book you will make a new lifelong friendship with a fellow author. What if your idea for a series of horse books for kids is the next big thing?
If you want to bring your horse story into the world via book form, please know I believe in you. It's going to require hard work and perseverance, but my guess is if you have horses in your blood, you are no stranger to those traits. See! You're already equipped.
As you decide to "go for it,"I would be honored to work with you, whether through my Aspiring Author Jumpstart Class which starts September 26 via Zoom or through my coaching services or both. :)
If you're not sure which option is right for you, reach out to me at Susan at saddleseekshorse dot com (that's my online addy). I am happy to connect and see how I can help.
Happy writing!
