Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I grew up in Plano, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a minor in Business in 2005.
My love of animals started at a very young age. As a child, I was constantly bringing home stray dogs and injured birds.
As an adult, my love of animals has only grown stronger. I have worked in numerous pet hotels as a dog trainer, and I am certified to teach pet first aid and CPR. Four years ago, all my experience with pets culminated when I found and raised an abandoned litter of day-old kittens. Not able to part with any of these now-grown babies, I enjoy going home to my “little munchkins” every night. This experience gave me the inspiration for my series debut, Megan’s Munchkins. The series continues with Megan’s Pet Sitting Adventure and Megan the Pet Whisperer.
I will always have a special affinity with Megan. I truly believe there are few experiences in life more compelling than saving the life of another being. I want to teach children proper pet care with the Megan’s World series.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Megan the Pet Whisperer was just released on March 6th, 2018. It is the 3rd book in my Megan’s World series. It is inspired from my years of working in pet hotels. After studying animal behavior for dog training purposes, I found that I could get any scared pet to accept me as a friend. I gave Megan my skills for befriending animals, as well as my nickname of ‘the pet whisperer’. Like me, Megan starts off helping Monty, the capuchin monkey, and then wants to help all the other scared pets she hears about at the vet clinic.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a ritual that I follow every day. Before I get to work, I make sure the house is picked up so I don’t get distracted with chores. I then put on some classical music so I can start to work. When I’m outlining a book, I always do it with pen and paper. When I start writing the book, then I type it into the computer.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My favorite series when I was growing up were The Baby-Sitters Club by Ann M. Martin and Thoroughbreds by Joanna Campbell. I was always fascinated on how they created new stories and kept the characters growing. I recently reread them both and was able to pick up some helpful ideas. Both of these are great examples of how to build and continue characters in a series.
What are you working on now?
I’m outlining and writing rough drafts of future books for the Megan’s World series as well as developing a picture book series, Sonny the Wonder Dog. The first book in the series will be Sonny from Outer Space. Aliens from the planet Dogstar send Zonny to Earth to scope out food and fuel supplies. While on Earth, Zonny takes the form of a Shih Tzu dog named Sonny. He is accepted into a young girl’s home. However, not being able to say anything but ‘woof’ is a challenge for him. Will his true plan and identity be revealed?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’ve used a new promotional website for each of my book releases. I find it helps to keep finding new markets to keep sales increasing. The best resource I’ve found is Facebook and Twitter. I have grown a large following on both Facebook and Twitter. I make announcements on both for new books, cover reveals, and book signings.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Do your research. Take your time learning the self-publishing business before you publish your first book. Then once your book is published, never stop learning. Keeping up with the latest developments is the only way you will keep your books in front of your audience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
“You can achieve whatever you put your mind to.” This is what my parents told me growing up. It is true. When you find something that you are passionate about and you are willing to work for it, you can do anything. I remind myself of this whenever I get discouraged.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Public Speaking for Authors, Creatives and the Introverts by Joanna Penn. It is filled with helpful tips for doing book presentations.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I want to write a young adult mystery. I have an idea and the start of the outline for the book. I will begin writing it soon.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would take Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham. This book makes me laugh every time, and I’d need entertainment on a desert island. I’d also include the Writer’s Idea Thesaurus by Fred White so I could entertain myself by writing stories. The last book I’d take is How to Survive on a Desert Island by Jim Pope. Since I’m not much of a wilderness person, I’ll need all the help I can get.
Author Websites and Profiles
Pamela Foland Website
Pamela Foland Amazon Profile
Pamela Foland’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account