And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk to let it blossom. –Anais Nin

Who Is Barbara Techel?

Photo by Legacy Studios

I am an author, publisher, speaker, blogger, and advocate for IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) dogs (as well as all animals with special needs) based in Wisconsin. I never dreamed of becoming an author. But when my dachshund, Frankie was diagnosed with IVDD, I was inspired by the courage she showed despite all she went through. I knew with all my heart I had to share her story. I set out to bring positive awareness to the disease and save lives, along with help people of all ages see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie's example. The journey since 2006 has been an amazingly blessed one. I self published my first book, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog in 2008, followed by my second book, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Therapy Dog Visits Libby’s House and Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Activity Book in 2010. In 2011 I published Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Coloring and Paper Doll Book. With encouragement from my marketing consultant Mary Shafer, I also published, Class Act: Sell More Books Through School and Library Author Appearances in 2011. My Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog book series has won many awards: National Best Book Award for children’s picture book softcover, Merial Human-Animal Bond Award from Dog Writer’s of Amercia Association, and Indie Excellence Award.

I chose self publishing for several reasons. The biggest reason was that I knew I had to share Frankie’s story- I wanted to make a difference in the life of IVDD dogs as well as help children see their challenges in a positive way through Frankie’s example. I was worried it could take me years for a publisher to accept my story. I feared that could mean Frankie would no longer be with me if that happened. With a passion and drive, I set out on my own to make my dream a reality. Frankie and children we would encounter were, and continue to be, my biggest inspiration to follow my heart, and to always know I can do whatever I set my mind to do.

By attending writing conferences, watching other successful authors, attending webinars and teleseminars, I began to learn about writing and publishing. I am a work in progress and love to learn. I realized building an author platform was crucial to start building a name for myself. I embraced blogging, Twitter, and Social Networking. My most thrilling technology lesson was learning to use Skype to reach out to classrooms across the US and Canada which I’ve done with a good bit of success. As of January 2011 I have also personally visited over 300 schools, libraries, and organizations in Wisconsin sharing my story as an author and the story of hope about my special needs dog, Frankie.

To learn more about how you can sell more books through school and library author appearances, which includes using Skype, I invite you to visit my website dedicated to helping authors called Promote Your Books to Schools. I have a special free report you can download: Five Tips to Sell More Books Through Author Appearances and you can also learn more about my book Class Act: Sell More Books Through School and Library Author Appearances. You will also find many helpful blog posts to help you market and sell your book, along with many resources. Tips and resources are also regularly shared on Facebook and Twitter.

Please feel free to contact me with other articles, posts and resources you feel would be helpful for any of my blogs.

To learn more about my love of animals I invite you to peruse my Joyful Paws blog, as well as my inspirational dog, Frankie’s blog, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog.  Both blogs will inspire you and open your mind to all our animal friends teach us. The posts will make you laugh, cry, reflect, and most of all, inspire you to love deeply all of our furry animal kingdom.

You can also connect with me at these sites:

Contact me on Facebook

Contact me on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter

Watch me on YouTube

You can also connect with Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog on these sites:

Contact on Facebook

Follow on Twitter

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Thank you for visiting Joyful Paws!

	Your vision will become clear only when you can look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes. –Carl Jung