W. Bruce Cameron, the beloved author of A Dog’s Purpose, introduces young readers to the world of service animals through his heartwarming illustrated novel, Ellie’s Story: A Dog’s Purpose Novel. Adapted from his New York Times bestselling book, Ellie’s Story offers a captivating narrative about a remarkable dog’s journey, making complex themes accessible to a younger audience.
The Inspiration Behind Ellie’s Story
The inspiration for Ellie’s Story stemmed from Cameron’s research into search and rescue dogs for his earlier work, A Dog’s Purpose. He was deeply moved by the dedication and capability of service animals who dedicate their lives to saving others. Recognizing that some themes in A Dog’s Purpose might be too intense for younger children, Cameron decided to create Ellie’s Story as an entry point for them to appreciate the incredible world of these canine heroes. This adaptation ensures that the powerful bond between humans and dogs, and the extraordinary abilities of dogs, can be shared with a broader, younger readership.
Adapting Ellie’s Journey for a Younger Audience
Re-telling Ellie’s story for a younger audience presented a unique creative challenge. Cameron found that the most difficult aspect was not in simplifying the narrative, but rather in restraining his own imagination from further adventures for Ellie. This suggests a deep connection with the character and a wealth of potential stories that could be explored, highlighting the rich development that went into creating Ellie’s character and her experiences.
Surprising Discoveries in Canine Senses
The research and writing process for Ellie’s Story led Cameron to surprising discoveries about a dog’s incredible capabilities, particularly their sense of smell. He learned about the remarkable power of a dog’s nose, which can track minute traces of skin cells shed by humans in the air and on the ground. This profound understanding of canine olfaction has since become a recurring element that informs much of Cameron’s subsequent writing, underscoring the significant impact this research had on his storytelling.
The Author’s Passion for Writing
W. Bruce Cameron expresses a deep and encompassing enjoyment for the act of writing, stating that there is no aspect he doesn’t relish. His only self-critique lies in his perception of his own written work, where he constantly identifies areas for improvement. He likens this to a sculptor who continuously refines their work, a testament to his dedication to crafting the best possible narrative.
Writing Rituals and Procrastination
Cameron’s most productive writing often follows a long bike ride, during which he finds he can effectively work through story problems. However, like many writers, he admits to succumbing to procrastination, with the internet being his primary indulgence. Facebook and email often serve as distractions during his work, and he finds himself drawn into puppy videos on YouTube, a common and relatable form of escapism.
A Childhood Love for Reading
The first book Cameron distinctly remembers loving was Herman Wouk’s The City Boy. He recalls reading it in perhaps third grade, devouring books from his school library. His parents, likely hoping to curb his frequent requests to visit the bookstore, gifted him this full-length novel. Cameron developed an immense fondness for the book, reading it approximately ten times within that year, illustrating an early and profound passion for literature.
Upcoming Projects
Looking ahead, Cameron announced an ambitious upcoming project, The Dog Master, slated for publication in August 2015. This novel delves into the story of the very first domesticated wolf, effectively the first dog. Set during the Paleolithic era and coinciding with the onset of the Ice Age, the book chronicles the crucial coming together of two species facing survival challenges. Cameron describes it as a thrilling adventure and an epic tale.
Pre-order Ellie’s Story
Readers eager to embark on Ellie’s heartwarming journey can pre-order the novel through various retailers:
- Amazon: Pre-order on Amazon
- Barnes & Noble: Pre-order at Barnes & Noble
- Books A Million: Pre-order at Books A Million
- iBooks: Pre-order on iBooks
- IndieBound: Pre-order via IndieBound
- Powell’s: Pre-order at Powell’s
