I stumbled across the site of Tena Bastian, author and clinician and contacted her to see if she’d be able to answer some questions with regards to her published works that are advertised on the site.  She willingly obliged, giving a bit more of an insight into the possibilities that can arise from writing works regarding horses.

Have you always been interested in horses and when did you start writing and getting books published? Do you do anything else with horses that generates an income?
When I was a child, a tornado destroyed our house and my dad took us to a riding stable to distract us from the chaos. That is when I met my first horse and have loved them ever since. I have always written stories and poetry for as long as I can remember.

The Foal Is The Goal was published in 2005. That was my first real “hit”. I have shown, we breed and ship semen and artificially inseminate, I present seminars and clinics on horses.

How much of your day/week relates to horses?
Most of it. We also own a dog boarding kennel so my time is split between those two things and writing.

Are you self published or did you go through a publisher? Do you think that whether your horse book is fiction or non fiction bears on how easy it is to get published?
I have two publishers, nothing self published yet. I have five fiction novels that I have written. They are horse related. Non fiction is easier to get published.

Any advice for those interested in pursuing writing about their love of horses and turning it into an income?
It is a tough economy and they say to write about what you know so get to know all you can about the subject.

Is there anything else with horses you’d love to learn about or try?
Everything as the opportunity presents itself. Nothing in particular comes to mind.

Favourite horse memory?
Foals being born in the early morning. Walking outside and noticing that the sun has come up. Going team penning with a gelding named Teddy.

You can access Teddy’s story for free. An audio version is available on my website at www.tenabastian.com on the books page.

Future goals?
Surviving the economy. Working more with a gelding named Hootie come spring.

Best thing about your sport/profession?
It’s all good. Concentrating on the horses and less on the politics.

“To many, the words love, hope and dreams are synonymous with horses.”

tag: equine novel, horse writing, horse book, horse non fiction, horse fiction, tena bastian