Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a veterinarian trained and certified in veterinary homeopathy by the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy (training through the Pitcairn Institute of Veterinary Homeopathy). I graduated from the Cornell School of Veterinary Medicine in 1987, and after three years of conventional practice, discovered homeopathy. I began a 100% homeopathic house call practice in 1994 and have not looked back! In addition to the Practical Handbook, I co-authored the New World Veterinary Repertory with Dr. Richard Pitcairn. I am also a semi-professional violinist and an avid runner. An Army brat, I grew up in three different countries, but I’m happiest in the deciduous forests of our East Coast.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The Practical Handbook of Veterinary Homeopathy: Healing Our Companion Animals from the Inside Out is my latest book. It was derived from lectures given to beginning homeopathic veterinarians who wanted to hone their skills and gain a greater understanding of homeopathic concepts as laid out by Dr. Samual Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy. I realized that if our clients had this information, they would be better partners in the effort to improve the health of their companion animals. So the book was written to be helpful for any person who wanted to deepen their understanding and be a more successful collaborator in the veterinary examination room. The book has also been made required reading in the Professional Course in Veterinary Homeopathy.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I keep a small notebook in my backpack that goes everywhere with me, and at any quiet moment (riding the bus to rehearsals), you might see me scribbling new ideas or refining old ones.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Annie Dillard is an amazing writer who really knows how to put on paper what is deep inside. I admire her in particular. And Samual Hahnemann, who wrote the Organon in the 1800’s, cared so deeply about his patients that he left the practice of medicine until he could figure out how to really cure. I followed his path, and will be grateful to him forever for showing the way.
What are you working on now?
Now I am working on a novel about a young woman working in the animal protection field who is also struggling in an abusive relationship. The courage she gains from her colleagues at work, and the respect she sees them showing even the “least” of the animals, gives her the strength to save herself.
I’m also working on a companion textbook to the Organon, which is the book that lays out the philosophical underpinnings of homeopathy. I am working with each aphorism (each teaching point) in this work, and adding in examples from my practice to illustrate the concepts. It will help bring homeopathy to life for both experienced practitioners as well as animal lovers.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I teach, and this book is an invaluable aid. This includes my student veterinarians as well as my clients. I also lecture at conferences.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write what you know, and what you love. Do a little every day, even if it’s just journaling. And get out and move in the open air regularly. Allow your mind to relax into nature.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do what you love, and the rest will follow. Honor your inner person, and respect everybody else’s, as much as is possible.
What are you reading now?
The Genius of Birds by Jennifer Ackerman.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Developing my fiction writing and sending out to magazines.
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?
The Organon by Samuel Hahnemann, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron, The Alienist by Caleb Carr, and Pilgrim at Tinker Creek by Annie Dillard.
Author Websites and Profiles
Wendy Jensen Amazon Profile
Wendy Jensen’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile