Booked & Featured

Interviews That Support and Celebrate Writers

I love supporting authors because I’m an author myself—and I know how tough this journey can be when you’re navigating it alone. Every time I lift someone else up, I’m reminded that we rise higher together. Building a writing career isn’t about competition—it’s about community. When we stand beside each other as fellow creatives, we amplify our voices and give our stories a better chance to be seen, heard, and felt.

Today, I’m honored to feature Danielle Corrie—an inspiring author with a beautiful story to tell. Check out my interview and review below to learn more about her journey and her heartfelt book, Teida’s Story.

1. Tell me about yourself.

My name is Danielle Corrie a published author from Sydney, Australia. I wrote ‘Teida's Story: Life Through the Eyes of a Dog’. I have also had other stories published, including nature pieces in The Urban Field Naturalist and a story called ‘Dad's Christmas Gift’ which was published in the December edition of The Relatable Voice Magazine.

In addition to writing, I am a guest speaker and recently gave a talk at Merrylands Library located in Western Sydney. I shared my journey of overcoming phobias, anxiety and bullying during my school years. I also shared about my dog Teida and what profound impact she had not just on me and my life, but also those around her including my friends and family.

I have also been featured on community radio. This time last year, during Easter 2024, I was interviewed as part of a documentary called Easter Traditions broadcasted on SBS radio and translated into over 28 languages.

Outside of my writing I am an avid gardener and have a deep connection to the spirit world. I find joy being surrounded by nature and animals, which I find inspirational and grounding.

2. How would you wrap your book up in one sentence?

Teida’s Story: Life Through the Eyes of a Dog follows Teida’s journey from when she was a pup to her senior years sharing her experiences of love, grief and loss, friendship, and faith, along with her unexpected bond with Annie—a woman who never imagined having a dog until Teida came along and changed her life forever.

3. Is this a series?

No, not at this stage - although I am open to suggestions.

4. What genre (s) do you write in?

Predominantly my writing is non-fiction with a focus on memoir.

5. What inspired you to write your books?

Writing Teida's Story was inspired by the deep bond I shared with Teida and my dear friend (who is George in the book). Teida, George, and I were like the three musketeers. I wanted to write a book and share the bond Teida, George and I had, —one of love, friendship, and the special connections that shaped our lives.

If it weren’t for Teida coming into my life, I wouldn’t be the person, the writer, or the published author I am today. She was more than just a pet—she was my best friend, my confidant, and my source of comfort through life’s ups and downs. Through writing, I discovered a way to honour both Teida and George’s memory and express the emotions and experiences that shaped me.

As I continue my writing journey, I am inspired by real-life experiences, the connections we build, and the unseen ways our lives are shaped by love, faith, and resilience.

6. What message did you want your readers to take from your books?

I want readers to know that their pets are more than just animals living along us. Like Teida was for me, a pet is your best friend, your confidant—someone you turn to in good times and bad times. No matter what time of day or night your pet is there supporting you. For me Teida was there, through my traumatic and most challenging times - always listening, always understanding, with her wagging tail and a loving presence, telling me that all would be okay, and she was right, of course. I hope through my book Teida's Story, that it inspires readers to feel the deep connection they have with their pets, and to cherish relationships and friendships each and every day.

7. What's the most challenging aspect of writing for you?

Allowing myself to step away from writing when other parts of life needs priority. I remind myself not to compare myself to other writers out there who publish their books within weeks or months. Know that my process is different to theirs and it's okay that my process is longer.

Another challenge is self doubt creeping in. Allow my ideas to flow naturally instead of doubting whether they are good enough. My writing is based on non fiction events and so there are times when I find myself rewording sections so as not to offend someone, then I realise that what I say is my truth and my truth counts just like everyone else who writes out there.

I am someone who writes from the heart and to me that is what matters most.

8. What's the most rewarding aspect of writing?

The rewarding aspect of my writing is knowing that someone has picked up my book, read my article and felt like there is another person out there who has been in the same shoes as they are in. I think of what Josephine March says in Little Women (1939): "If my piece of writing has helped someone out there, someone I don't even know, I know I have done my job." The idea that my piece of writing brings encouragement, comfort or inspires someone on their life journey makes me feel all warm inside.

I never imagined myself as a published author. Growing up the only writing I truly felt I was capable of was writing letters - whether it be letters to someone else in another part of Australia or a child, similar age to me, in another country. I always looked forward to receiving letters and writing back to someone, learning about their culture, their lifestyle and what they did in their daily life. However, when it came to creative writing or writing essays, my marks were barely a pass mark and so I'd avoid all the essay subject possible, when I selected my electives during my final years of high school.

Many many years later, when I put pen to paper and began writing Teida's Story it was then, and only then that I discovered my capabilities of writing and after encouragement from a dear friend and after eight years in the making, my book Teida's Story was born. For me writing isn't about passing English at school or being told my essays aren't good enough to get top marks. For me writing is about putting pen to paper and know that what I have written is good enough for someone to read and believing in my ability to write.

9. Are you currently working on a book at the moment?

I am currently working on another book. My manuscript has been professionally edited and I am in the process of reviewing the feedback and edits. Once I've finalised my manuscript I hope to have it traditionally published in the near future.

10. If yes, how many hours do you write in a day?

I am not one who tracks the hours I write in a day. Some days I write for five minutes; other days may be for five hours. There are times where I step away from my writing completely returning to it when I am in the write headspace to write.

For me, writing isn't just about working on my next manuscript for a book. For me writing is when I spend time journalling my thoughts, creating articles for magazines, replying or following up emails or creating posts for social media.

Each piece of writing for me, big or small is part of my journey as a published author.

11. What’s your writing process like? Do you have any rituals or habits?

With my writing process I keep a note pad in the car for those sudden ideas that pop into my head, another in my bag for brainstorming when I'm out and about and when I'm home, I let my fingers type away on the keyboards allowing my words to flow onto the screen. I am someone old fashioned preferring the pen to paper rather than typing my thoughts on a smart phone (although in extreme circumstances like if my pen runs out of ink, I'll use my phone).

I am predominantly an early morning riser waking up around 5am - 6am yet when I'm in a writing mode, I wake up early grab a cup of tea and start typing at around 3am - 4am which is when inspiration strikes. My process isn't about strict routines, instead about embracing moments of creativity whenever it comes.

In the case of rituals or habits, I read, re-read, edit and proofread my work. The key for me isn't to just put words onto a page or screen, instead for me the key is to write from the heart and create a piece of writing that is beautiful and meaningful as the person behind it

12. If you are not writing, what are you doing?

When I am not writing you'll find me in the garden tending to my plants and shrubs. I love being among nature whether it be caring for my plants, enjoying the sunshine, the fresh air or even listen to the birds singing in the trees nearby. I have a deep appreciation of animals, nature and the simple joy they bring. I also enjoy being with the people I care for - my family and friends.

13. What would you advise emerging authors?

Write from your heart and your personal experiences. Let your imagination soar. When you tell a story use vivid words and bring it to life. Write as if you are sharing your story who knows nothing about you or your subject and allow them to see your passion, your interest and your love for the subject. Trust in your voice and believe your words count.

14. How do you market your books?

I market my books through a variety of means. I use a combination of social media, word of mouth, podcast interviews, author's talks and blog posts. Social media allows me to reach a wider international audience and communicate with likeminded people sharing my journey and bring my book to life beyond the pages.

15. How do you handle criticism and negative reviews?

Criticism to me is a form of feedback and when constructive, it helps me grow as a writer. Everyone has different tastes so a negative review is one that lets me know that my book / piece of writing wasn't the right fit for that particular reader. It's okay if one person gives me one star while others give me five stars - no book can cater to everyone's taste 100% of the time.

At the end of the day, I focus on the readers who connect with my writing and appreciate my piece of writing including Teida's Story - life through the eyes of a dog which was traditionally published through New Holland Publishers. If a traditional publisher like New Holland Publishers believes in me and my book, then I know there are readers out there who will love it too.

16. What do you think about the emergence of AI in writing?

I believe AI if used appropriately is a valuable tool for writers. AI is great for brainstorming ideas, refining small pieces of writing and to help structure one's thoughts more clearly. Like it or not, AI is something that is here to stay and so we need to use it to our advantage.

17. If you were a fruit or a vegetable, what would it be and why?

" My fruit is shaped like a heart, symbolizing love and warmth. This fruit is also known as the fruit of the spirit, representing qualities of kindness, encouragement, and resilience. Like this fruit, I am deeply spiritual and intuitive, which reflects in how I connect with others. I provide author talks to both adults and children, speaking from the heart and sharing my personal experiences to inspire my audience, encouraging them to aspire to greatness and pursue their hopes and dreams. I personally myself never imagined I'd become a published author and writer—writing wasn’t my strength in school yet nearly 30 years later, in my adult years, after a deceased loved one passed away and forming an unbreakable bond with my dog, Teida, I decided to put pen to paper and began writing and after eight years in the making, my book Teida's Story was born.

Just like this fruit, which thrives in unexpected places—from small balconies to backyard gardens—I have grown and flourished in ways I never expected. I leave a lasting impact, to everyone I come across offering nourishment, resilience, and healing and of course love straight from the heart. My fruit, shaped like a heart, is the strawberry."

My 5* Book Review: Teida's Story: Life Through the Eyes of a Dog by Danielle Corrie, posted on Amazon and Goodreads.

As an individual, deeply passionate about writing and with a lifelong adoration for dogs, I was touched by "Teida's Story." Corrie crafted this non-fiction narrative from the perspective of her dog, Teida. It is filled with transformative love. The strength of this story lies in its inspiration. Corrie was motivated to write "Teida’s Story" fueled by her deep connection with Teida, her cherished companion and her friend, George. She likened their comradarie to "the three musketeers," a comparison that underscored their profound love, loyalty, and closeness.

This powerful connection resonates throughout the pages of her book highlighting what emotional depths and authenticity are possible between friends. Danielle's journey went from feeling petrified at the mere sight of dogs to finding her furry soulmate. Teida became more than just a pet; she was Danielle's trusted friend and confidant. She was a source of solace, and the catalyst for her journey into the realm of writing. Her deep affection, coupled with the transition from simply being a pet owner to a recognized author is inspirational.

The narrative of Teida’s Story is genuine, enveloping her readers with a story of conviction and resilience. Corrie exquisitely honors her friend George through her transcendent relationship with Teida. It will resonate with anyone familiar with this kind of connection that is possible with our four footed friends or even the one’s who only have two. Corrie seamlessly weaves her very personal universe with our collective experience, reminding us of the importance of our heartfelt connections. Teida’s Story honors the exquisite bond that exist between humans and dogs; it’s stories like these that will linger with you long after you’ve read the last page.