Key writer’s tool – a dog

​As any author will tell you, there is nothing more satisfying that seeing a piece of writing grow and evolve into a story that draws in readers and transports them to another world. But along the way from the ‘big idea’ to a book on your favourite local bookstore's shelf, there are countless hours of planning, writing, revising and reflecting. And while writing novels can be addictive, it can also be frustrating and isolating. Countless writers, famous and otherwise, from Emily Dickenson to a author in your community, have relied on ‘dog therapy’ for exercise, stress-relief and inspiration as they move along this path. I’m fortunate to live in rural PEI so every day, I, with the enthusiastic company of my golden retriever, find a hiking or woodland trail or a favourite beach to enjoy the natural world and burn off some kinetic energy from all that thinking and sitting. Some days, a solution to a plotting problem or a stubborn character pops into my head and I return to my computer refreshed and inspired. But even if I have now great insights, seeing my pup’s glee at being on the trail or sandy beach is reward enough.