Shiloh Blog

Shiloh is different from other books

I have some questions and comments about your book, Shiloh. Where did you get the inspiration for the book, its so different from all the other books I’ve read. My favorite part was when Marty first meets Shiloh. I’ve learned some lessons from this wonderful book, here they are: never give up on determination, and little things can lead to big things. That’s all, by for now, Wolfie.

My husband and I were visiting some college friends of his up in the hills of West Virginia in 1988 when we found such a dog on an early morning walk.  She was female, and so skinny and dirty and frightened.  I could not forget her , and after we came back to our home in Maryland, I put all my work aside and began a new book….

Movie

Do you like that Shiloh got turned into a movie?

Yes.  I thought they did a good job.

Shiloh movie

Do you like that Shiloh got turned into a movie?

Yes, I was very happy with the way it turned out.  I was allowed to read the script before the movie was made, and insisted that the ending be changed.  The screenwriter had the story ending in a courtroom with a judge deciding who gets the dog, and this was not at all in keeping with the story.  This is Marty’s problem to solve, not a judge’s…   The producers were wonderful, and since then we have become very good friends.  They made movies of the second and third Shiloh books also.

a wonder

how did you come up with this book and come up with all of this story

It started with finding such a dog in West Virginia, and then asking myself questions:   If I was eleven years old and wanted to get this dog away from its abusive owner, how would I do it?   Then I threw obstacles in the way:  my dad says we can’t afford a dog; the owner won’t sell it; I try to hide it and this makes the situation even worse…..

Shiloh questions

Hi! I have bene reading your book Shiloh and I had a question, what time frame is this book in could you say and also dose a writer make enough for a living because I really really want to be a writer. THANKS!

I wrote the Shiloh books beginning in 1988, and the time frame would be about then.  Most writers do not make enough to earn a living–they teach, or they work in libraries or pet shops or factories or offices, and just write on the side.  I am able to make a good living at writing because I started very young.  I was writing short stories for church magazines when I was 16, and had my first book published when I was 35.  If you love to write, you will find the time and the way to do it, whether it’s full time or part time, early in the morning or late at night, because it’s something you feel you just have to do.

Write your story!

Hi I’m a 4th grader from Oaklawn. Me and my class started reading your book on 9/3 and so far, I connected with the book instantly. I love it so so much.
last night all I could think about is Shiloh, Shiloh I could not wait to read the book.
I have two cats, one is named goose and the other is berry.
me and goose created a really special bond with each other to the point he shows his stomach to me (witch means they feel protectedcomfortable around you.)
he even lays on me and comes by me when he is scared. because like said we created a bond like no other, and he is a cat! Honestly he knows that i am always here for him even though i dont give him attention all the time.
Goose was abused at the age of 2 by men so he is quite scared when men is around including my dad.
and when he did come he was just so scared, so i knew i had to do something. after that i started to feed him mostly everyday (including berry)then he started to gain my trust to the point he allowed me to pet him. now I’m his bodyguard while hes emotional helper. thanks for reading! have a great day.

I loved your story about your cat named Goose.  It’s wonderful–the connection you have made as a bodyguard for your pet, and the emotional benefit you get in return.  This would make a great story.  You should write it!

This book

Hey Phyillys!How are you? I have a question about Shiloh. What made you write this book? (I love them by the way. We are reading it in school.) What inspired you?

I came across a little dog like this when we were visiting friends in West Virginia and couldn’t get her out of my mind–that’s why I wrote the book.

I hate Judd

I love all the shiloh books there are so many heartwarming moments and so many sickenig moments like when judd kicks shiloh ahh i hate jud.

He certainly is a miserable man, isn’t he, and he takes his unhappiness out on other people.  If you’ve read the final book in the Shiloh quartet, A Shiloh Christmas,” you’ll see how things finally turn out between Marty and Judd.

shiloh books

Will you be making more Shiloh books I am just wondering because I really enjoyed those books so much

I really believe I said everything I want to say in those four books, but I’m so glad you enjoyed them.   Do you like cats?  Sassy house cats that escape at night and join a club in the top of a garage?   And are bullied by a Tomcat called Steak Knife and his gang?   Then you’ll like the four books of my Cat Pack books–  The Grand Escape, The Healing of Texas Jake, Polo’s Mother, and Carlotta’s Kittens.

My favorite book

Hi Shiloh, I love the books I read all of them!

That’s wonderful to hear.  Then you know how things finally turn out between Marty and Judd Travers.