Page 30 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

30 II NOVELIST POST
Diane Capogna Shares the
Heartfelt Journey Behind
Her Beloved Children’s Books
From Childhood
a gift—not just for storytelling, but for transforming love and loss into
to write. In those early years, I also worked at a few daycare centers. Once I started College, I had an amazing Instructor that could captivate an audience of children with a song and a story. Children’s Literature was one of my favorite courses. I loved to watch her, amazed at her talent. I was always torn between a path in Journalism or Teaching. Upon the birth of
something deeply meaningful Education to for readers of all ages. Her
Children’s Literature
children’s books, inspired by the real-life adventures she shared with her beloved Great Dane Abbey Rose, are warm, humor- ous, and gently wise. Through heartfelt prose and charming illustrations, Diane invites us into a world where pets are fam- ily, memories are treasures, and every moment—no matter how small—is worth cherishing.
Abbey was always my inspira- tion. She was diagnosed with a serious heart condition just under the age of 2. My husband and I were told we only had 6-18 months with her, and we were devastated. With a lot of hands-on deck for
my son, I owned and operated my own daycare center. This fulfilled my outlet for creativity. All these things led me to writing my books. The universe had this in the cards for me.
Diane Capogna reflects on transforming her bond with Great Dane Abbey Rose into heartfelt children’s books, blending real-life memories, early childhood education, and
Dby Carine O'Leary London iane Capogna has
creativity to inspire young readers and pet lovers
the creative process of bringing Abbey’s story to life, and her heartfelt advice for aspiring authors.
What inspired you to turn your personal experience with Abbey Rose into a children's book?
Her background in early chil- dhood education shines through in every page, blending life lessons with child-friendly won- der. What began as a private act of healing during the pandemic has become a growing literary series that touches hearts and sparks conversations about love, responsibility, and the lasting bonds we share with our animal companions. Diane’s work is
What was the most challenging part of writing from a puppy’s perspective?
Honestly, it wasn’t a challenge
at all. Abbey was my world, and
I knew her very well. I looked at photos of our memories and wrote from the heart. I didn’t need to cre- ate a story as it was already there in the memories. Making sure it was appealing to a young audience while adding humor and lessons was the fun part!
Can you share a favorite real- life memory with Abbey that made it into the book?
I would have to say where it spe- aks to her loving to dress up. All
“Anthony knew exactly where I was coming from in bringing my live photos to life."
a beautiful reminder that from grief can come joy, and from memory can come magic.
How did your background in Early Childhood education influence the way you wrote Puppy Comes Home?
I took creative writing and poetry in High School and always loved
We’re proud to feature this conversation with Diane Capogna, where she shares the inspiration behind her writing,
her care, we had her for 3 more years and vowed to not leave her for the time we had left. We had many beautiful adventures with her. We lost her during COVID and in times of grief, I wrote about those adventures. The stories were meant for my family and not the public initially. A friend suggested numerous times that I publish. I was told, you could share her story with the world. I sent my script to Saratoga Publishing LLC and here we are! Her memory lives on!
Diane Capogna