Yesterday I was bad. *hanging head* I almost forgot to send my guest post to the amazing talented dog mystery author Sheila Bonham’s WRITING ON WEDNESDAY blog. It’s been crazy, and I’ve had soooo many guest posts and special blogs scheduled that if she hadn’t sent me a gentle reminder, I’d have missed out altogether. So even though it’s a day late, I like to return the favor by a shout-out of warm wags and suchlike and send you to visit her terrific site.
Sheila writes the new Animals In Focus mystery series, with the first book Drop Dead On Recall just recently released. I’ve known Sheila and admired her dog writing work for many years–we both started out with nonfiction and are members of the Dog Writers Association of America–and now International Thriller Writer debut authors. Anyway, my guest post is all about 7 TIPS FOR ACCIDENTAL WRITER SUCCESS.
Oh, and to top off this thrilling Thursday theme and in time for the holidays, sign up for a book give away (below). Happy to paw-tograph to the winners. And looky, there’s only a few signed up so far so your chances are pretty good.
Paw-tographed copies of LOST & FOUND, PET CARE IN THE NEW CENTURY plus bunches of dog-centric toys, products and assorted schtuff.
The past week I’ve spent sharing both dog viewpoint excerpts and cat-centric samples from the thriller LOST AND FOUND on the blog to promote an awesome book basket give-away (in the pictures). I have to tell you, the Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty were quite distressed to see me pillaging their supplies–but they’ll get over it. The give-away runs through November 25th and you can learn more and sign up here for you chance to win your choice!
Paw-tographed copies of LOST & FOUND, COMPLETE CARE FOR YOUR AGING CAT plus bunches of cat-centric toys, products and assorted schtuff.
Did you know that November is National Adopt A Senior Pet Month? Stay tuned, the next few blogs will offer some tips on how to keep your fur-kids happy, healthy and youthful throughout their golden years. For cat folks, there’s a good article in the links, below, on kitty arthritis you’ll want to check out.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Be sure to check out two awesome videos–first, a neat discussion of extroverts vs introverts (which are you?). And next a short but very powerful video I think is very appropriate for pet lovers on Veteran’s Day.
Redirect PlugIn my friend and brilliant thriller author Diane Capri pointed me to this–after changing book titles if you need new linkage, this will help!
Blogpaws Twitter Paw-ty this Tuesday, check it out! If you write about critters, you need to learn about this group. Check out these twitter tips for pet lovers (and others) from the awesome Cokie Cat
Westchester Cat Show this is a lovely event if you’re in White Plains check it out.
Amy Interviewed About KURVES, THE MUSICAL! how cool is that? by my ‘home’ community theater peeps from Indiana. Hey if you know anyone interested in producing the show…send ‘em my way.
I’ve been deep into discussions about the making of LOST AND FOUND for the past couple of weeks on the DogRead list (today is the last day–but you can read the archives if you wish *s*). It seems that I’m gaining some furry fans as a result and I’m delighted that the critters have given the book their paws-up of approval. I’m also discussing fun ways characters get named over at The Big Thrill, please join us!
This week I’m finishing up preparations for the Cat Writers Association conference. It’s our 20th anniversary celebration! So I’m putting together a fun power point presentation of pictures and history of the organization. I’ve also been honored with several Certificate of Excellence awards in the annual contest and will find out if any of these nominations result in a Muse Medallion win, too! If you’re in the neighborhood, I’ll also be presenting my Kindle-ization talk once again.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. There are LOTS of fun links today–and even a rather important (sort of scary, too) video on the blog for self protection. Hope you’ll never need it.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Creativity Writers Conference. Sat., Oct. 20. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. KU Edwards campus, 12600 Quivira. Featuring Linda Rodriguez, fiction; Suzanne Lieurance, writing for children; Lisa Waterman Gray, travel writing, Olive Sullivan, poetry, Amy Viets and Bernadette Stankard, co-authorship; Mike Lance, electronic publishing. Fee: $75. Sponsored by Kansas City Voices magazine. Public welcome.
Dog Trainer Seminar–Suzanne Clothier Relationship Based Training Seminar, known as a “trainer of trainers” Suzanne will be at the Grapevine (TX) Convention Center on Feb. 23-24, 2013. The cost of the 2 day seminar is $250 for early sign up, and $275 after Jan. 1, 2013. Contact Kathi O’Malley for registration
Happy Monday! The temperatures are doing jumping-jacks in North Texas this week–up/down/up/down–and I’m doing my best to stay healthy for performances this coming weekend of KURVES, THE MUSICAL. This is the original show Frank Steele and I wrote and produced last March, back by popular demand October 11, 12, and 13 at the Rialto. Yes, in another life I sing and “act sparkly” for fun and profit *s* and I’ve even included a short video of the awesome actors singing a few of the original songs. If you’re in the area, I hope you’ll stop by–you can learn more about the show here.
On the writing front, I’m delighted that my swerves into fiction LOST AND FOUND has struck a chord with readers and already received lots of flattering reviews. You’ve made this writer’s “furry” dreams come true! I’m still discussing the book for another week over at the DogRead virtual book club so I hope you’ll join the conversation–it’s free, come-and-go, and you can even lurk if you wish (and maybe even find out some super-secret background about the book). There’s also still time to get your name in on the drawing for three free autographed copies.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. I have bunch more–but the Verizon gremlins are getting on my nerves and won’t let me access my saved email. Color me less-than-impressed and verging on fed-up-entirely! If I can get at the other awesome links later, I’ll update the post as I can.
LOST AND FOUND launched last Thursday and I’m still riding the wave of excitement! THANK YOU to everyone for making the day so special–and the fun continues. For a debut book to so quickly climb the amazon rankings (to 8065 at one point!) is unbelievable, but the fantastic reviews have blown me away. Of course I hope more readers will post their comments in reviews. That’s how I know what y’all want for the NEXT book.
Want to know more about the book’s characters, the writing process, and what’s fact vs fiction? Join me Oct 1-15 for a come-and-go email book club discussion (you’ll love the dog expert members of this group!). If you love dog books, the DogRead group is THE place to be.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all. Don’t miss the neato video from Thrillerfest with Jon Land, panel master, interviewing the scary Ted Dekker, Jamie Freveletti, Lisa Gardner, Lisa Jackson and Wendy Corsi Staub. Hear about how to amp up the thrill write in your fiction without losing credibility, enjoy!
It’s stranger than fiction that, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get.” That seems to be the theme these days. So much awesomeness will happen in the weeks ahead I can barely stand it!
LOST AND FOUND releases Thursday, yeeee-haw! Hope y’all will come to the “virtual” book release party (Don’t worry, I’ll post a special blog with details when I catch my breath. *S*) I’ll also be the guest author October 1-15 on the Dog Read List, an online book club discussion group. With my full calendar the “in person official launch party” will come later (keep reading).
That’s because KURVES, THE MUSICAL revival cast has begun rehearsing for our back-by-popular-demand return to The Rialto Oct 11, 12, 13. Yes, I’m singing and acting…again…with many of the original cast returning, plus some new blood for some fresh takes on the material. It’s soooo much fun!
Once the show closes, my official “book launch party” for LOST AND FOUND will be hosted by the gracious student members of their Writers Club at the local Grayson College from 12-1:00 on Friday October 26. I’ll sign books, answer questions and share publishing/writing secrets from the official extra-secret-spectacular Author’s Official Handbook. (kidding…) More details to come, but y’all are invited!
The first weekend of November I’ll be in Los Angeles celebrating the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Cat Writers Association, again signing books, presenting a talk on DIY Ebooks, and also SINGING a couple of songs from the next original show, STRAYS, THE MUSICAL. Whew…I’m out of breath.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all. Don’t miss the neato video from Thrillerfest with Panel Master Kathleen Sharp, Dana Haynes, D.P. Lyle, Matt Richtel, and Ann Rule some of the best thriller authors out there. Hear about weird, wacky and wonderful schtuff — and whether or not it should go in your fiction. Enjoy!
I’m in a flurry-hurry of last edits for LOST AND FOUND, flamingo-dancing fast as I can to send off to my editor tomorrow. I’m delighted to have received another advance quote on the book from the awesome dog and cat expert Dr. Marty Becker, woot! In other news, my publisher is working on a revised cover so consider the current one a place-holder for now.
September 20 release date will arrive very soon, so I’m working hard to line up blog tours, advance reviews and other important “schtuff” that will help get the word out. If you would be interested in hosting me/the book (or any of the nonfiction books?) on your blog for a tour–or would like an advance PDF review copy–please drop me a line or post a note in the comments.
Meanwhile the voting for NAME THAT DOG and NAME THAT CAT has the dog names Dakota and Bruno nearly neck-and-neck, while cat names Macy and Simba are top contenders. Today is your last chance to vote–as I said, I’m sending final version to my editor tomorrow!
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
The Grammar Police don’t apply for a job here if you’re your grammar sucks
Salty Language, how genre and timeframe dictate what’s permitted, great post!
Run to Ground book launch, virtual and real, from DP Lyle, I just got this book in my shipment from Thrillerfest and can’t wait to read it. FYI, Doug gave me a killer advance quote for my own thriller–he’s got great taste. Ahem. And is a terrific thriller author!
Stem Cell Veterinary Research, fascinating stuff from Morris Animal Foundation to help cats with chronic renal disease, canine back paralysis and more!
Maurice, the dragon wordsmith of all things writerly.
All this inspiration worked. My thriller LOST AND FOUND was conceived, plotted and finished during previous trips and I just found out the pub date:
September 20, 2012!
I will let you know just as soon as pre-orders are available. It will be published in print and all Ebook formats, woot! I just got my copy edits back in time to input the results of the “name” contest–will it feature your cat or dog favorite name? You’ll want to check out the voting for NAME THAT DOG and NAME THAT CAT polls. So far the dog names Dakota and Bruno are nearly neck-and-neck, while cat names Macy and Karma are top contenders. Votes close July 31.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all.
Yes, the day has come. I am delighted at the outpouring of interest in naming cats who appear in my forthcoming thriller LOST AND FOUND. There were 39 total suggestions for feline character names, me-WOW! I ended up choosing four or five of my favorites from your suggestions and then drawing the remainder out of a fish bowl. Two feline characters will be named based on your votes. (Check out the Woof Wednesday for the doggy poll picks!).
The winner’s names and why they chose their selection will also be included in the book, and winners will receive an advance copy of the book.
Just who ARE these kitty characters?
A sable and white Maine Coon “clicker trained” kitty is devoted to the main character, September. He is instrumental in saving September’s life and capturing the bad guy at the climax of the book.
A senior citizen domestic (no particular breed) kitty who comforts a family when his/her human becomes a victim of the bad guys–now that’s heroic, right?
Does your cat’s name embody the essence of these kitty characters? Love, devotion, fearlessness, smart as only a cat can be? Looks don’t matter, neither does breed or age or even sex–everyone knows that all cats are heroes at heart when they snuggle with us or bring smiles to our faces when we are at our lowest, so make your choice and follow your heart!
The poll below allows you to choose THREE (3) of your favorites. You can come back and vote again as many times as you’d like–and I hope you’ll encourage family and friends to champion your kitty cause and also vote.
On Thursday I depart for THRILLERFEST! Yay, I can’t wait! I have a bunch of postcards printed with information about my debut thriller Lost and Found and plan to hand ‘em out to readers interested in an “advance look” with an eye toward reviewing the story. If you’re interested, let me know–I’ll keep a list of emails/contact info from the comments section on the book page.
Just so’s ya know, the month of July also will be head-down busy dealing with some angst-icity challenges. One of the problems with being passionate about causes and organizations is that sometimes folks don’t agree with each others’ opinions. That’s perfectly understandable. But it can cause hurt feelings when intentions and/or responses are misinterpreted and unexpected hurtful reactions come from people you respect, admire, or even believe to be friends. Treat Sweet Tweets Right–er, Write, the Hospice Way from awesome blogger Piper Bayard really helped me with this–and maybe it will help readers if/when you find yourself in similar situations.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter in the scheme of things. And I’m nobody’s parent–except for the fur-kids, of course. But after some public “doing what’s ethically right” stands in three very different recent situations and being misunderstood, I’m taking a break from angst long enough for the bruises to fade and am reevaluating such things. Meanwhile, I’ll be busy brainstorming next thrillers–make believe thrills appeal to me at the moment!–as well as preparing for the next play production(s) (yes there are TWO in the works!), so stay tuned.
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Lots of fun videos today, too, including some PARENT stuff! Some of this “schtuff” can be hard to categorize and may fit more than one topic so I urge you to at least scan them all. PLEASE add your suggestions to the “Name That Dog/Cat” contest because next week the voting begins!
Yesterday I was bad. *hanging head* I almost forgot to send my guest post to the amazing talented dog mystery author Sheila Bonham’s WRITING ON WEDNESDAY blog. It’s been crazy, and I’ve had soooo many guest posts and special blogs scheduled that if she hadn’t sent me a gentle reminder, I’d have missed out altogether. So even though it’s a day late, I like to return the favor by a shout-out of warm wags and suchlike and send you to visit her terrific site.
The give-away runs through November 25th and you can 
Yes, the day has come. I am delighted at the outpouring of interest in naming cats who appear in my forthcoming thriller 
