How Charlie Gold Came to Life
Charlie wasn’t always the scruffy, lovable mongrel you’ll meet in the book.
In fact, he’s had more makeovers than most celebrities.
First, he was a black Labrador. Then he tried life as a brown-and-white Spaniel.
Finally, he settled into his forever form — a cute brown mongrel with kind eyes and a big heart.
And to think… he almost didn’t get his own book at all.
The Lightbulb Moment
I was deep in the middle of trying (and failing) to write the third book in my adult Never Look Back series. Jack’s story just wasn’t flowing. So, in true dramatic-writer fashion, I threw my teddy out of the pram, grabbed my coat, and escaped to the woods for some fresh air, a bit of meditation, and maybe even a sneaky hug with a tree or two.
Somewhere between the birdsong and the breeze, a thought popped into my head:
“Why don’t you write Charlie’s story?”
Instantly, it felt right. Maybe it wasn’t the right time before, or maybe I was just too caught up in Jack’s world to see it — but suddenly I could picture Charlie’s adventures as clear as day.
From Idea to First Draft
I re-read the parts of Katie: A New Chapter and Tom: The Next Chapter where Charlie appeared, and started building his backstory. Once the words began to flow, the first draft was done in a month. The polishing, tweaking, and editing took longer — almost a year in total — but that’s because Charlie deserved to shine.
Finding the Perfect Illustrator
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from previous books, it’s that you can’t force the search for the right illustrator. This time, I waited.
By chance, I’d met David Wilcox years earlier while doing some amateur modelling. After a catch-up over coffee and a visit to one of his art exhibitions, I asked if he drew dogs. When he said yes — and then agreed to work on Charlie Gold — I could hardly contain my excitement.
Charlie’s Story
Charlie Gold’s journey begins in a rescue centre, recovering from mistreatment by his previous owners.
When he finds a loving new home with a soldier named Tom and Tom’s grandfather Maurice, it feels like life is finally turning around. But when Tom is sent off to war and Maurice passes away, everything changes again.
Charlie decides he has a new mission — to become a therapy dog for Tom, helping him heal from his injuries and maybe even find love. That’s when Katie enters the picture… and Charlie instantly knows she’s “the one” for Tom — even if Tom doesn’t know it yet.
Can Charlie’s matchmaking plan work?
Why I Wrote It
Katie and Tom’s stories never had children in them, so I decided to tell this chapter of their lives through the eyes of a dog — loyal, loving, and occasionally a little cheeky. I don’t have pets myself, but I’ve borrowed stories from friends about training sessions, mischief-making, and even the heartache of pet injuries to bring Charlie’s voice to life.
Who It’s For
Charlie Gold is a heart-warming, feel-good read for anyone aged 10+ — whether you’re a young reader who loves animal adventures, or an adult who enjoys stories of loyalty, friendship, and second chances.
I hope you enjoy reading Charlie’s adventures as much as I loved writing them.
Read or listen to Charlie Gold: