My calendar this Spring continues to fill, with all kinds of fun writer-icity and creative endeavors. I hadn’t updated y’all for a while, and wanted to also share that the blog posts may slow down a bit (because…busy).

Book Clubs & More

Back in February, I had a marvelous time at Grayson College visiting with their book club. What a blast, sharing how the first thriller came about, my writing process, and answering questions from those with a true passion for story telling.

On April 23, you can join the fun at the Sherman Senior Center Book Talk at 5:30. I’ll again focus on the fictioning aspect of my work, but always also enjoy discussing the nonfiction books about dog and cat care and behavior. In fact, it’s not unusual to have some Q&A on pet questions. Ha!

Let me know if you have a book club interested in a visit and talk. For those outside the area, we now have the ability to ZOOM anywhere, so that’s an option, too. By the way, for those who have asked…I now plan to create large-print editions of the fiction books. So stay tuned for that!

Frisco Book Fest April 27

I’m delighted to announce that I’ll be at the Frisco Book Fest on April 27, from 2-4:00 pm. I would love to finally meet as any of my wonderful readers of both the pet-centric thrillers and the cat and dog nonfiction books. If you already have physical copies one or book books, bring ’em along and I’d be honored to paw-tograph them to you…or to a friend for a gift…or in honor of a special furry wonder.

Be aware that their parking lot fills up quickly, so plan for getting there early, if interested. Gee, I hope to see some of you…just to chat books, and cats, and dogs, and schtuff.

I will have a handful of paperbacks on hand for those who want to purchase. I’ll also have available a link to discounted Ebook options for those who prefer that format. And if by chance I sell out of physical copies of books (wouldn’t that be kewl?) y’all can still order them for the deep discount from my Amy Shojai Books direct store.

OWFI, The Writing Universe…For Writing Colleagues

I’ve attended every writer’s conference hosted by Oklahoma Writer’s Federation, Inc. since 1992 when my first book released. Over the years I found my agent there, later connected with the editor who first published my fiction. I also ran the contest, and even served as president. To say this organization helped build my career is an understatement. So, I am honored and thrilled to present at the upcoming conference the first weekend of May. Lots of terrific offerings this year to interest any folks of the writing persuasion.

Some of y’all know that besides pet nonfiction and thrillers, I also write for the stage with my writing partner Frank Steele. So, this year, the opening ceremonies of the conference Friday morning will feature an original script (oh, what were they thinking!) we will (ahem) perform. Later that same day, we co-present:

Songwriting for Playwrights: How (and Why) to Turn Your Script Into a Musical, or Poem Into a Song
Musicals are one of the most popular forms of theatre, and songs offer a unique way to capture characterization, further the plot, and imbue a script with additional emotion. Songs vary from solos or spoken-word (rap or other) performance pieces to full choral arrangements. All have their purpose in the forward-action of a script while playwrights have their own individual styles and creative insights.

Immediately after the session we gather for a massive book-signing event. And yes, we’ll have some of our scripts available! They’re also now offered on my Amy Shojai’s Books website, but I hope some of y’all can come out to shake paws in person.

Later that evening, continuing the theme, I get to host the COSTUME CONTEST at the evening banquet. Hmmmn, gee, wonder how I should dress up?

The next day, Saturday afternoon I present another session, a favorite topic of mine:

Writing Like Cats & Dogs: How to Include Believable Animal Characters in Your Writing Universe
Believable non-human characters in your writing goes beyond sticking a dog or cat in the story as a prop, or (gasp!) a victim for shock value. Animal companions add so much to the story texture and reader engagement. In this session, learn the does and don’ts for making your non-human characters resonate with readers, the (OH MY doG!) mistakes to avoid, and potential hot-button issues to understand before including them in your plot. Whether writing for kids, or adult Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Mysteries, Thrillers, Mainstream, Romance, or even nonfiction, learn how to make sure all your characters, including those with four feet, fur, feathers, or scales, offer more than window-dressing.
“Talking” animals works not only for children’s books but also for adults. Animal viewpoint? Sure. Character arc and pet story goal? Even better! Today, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet. Depending on the genre you write, the percentage of readers who love animals potentially reaches 80%. Some readers expect pet characters in their fiction (cozy mysteries, for example), so including animals in your work makes it realistic and relatable.

Thriller Book #8 … stay tuned!

I’m so delighted by the response to those reading my thriller series, featuring September and her service dog Shadow. The most recent story took me in unexpected directions, so much so that I’ve struggled a bit to figure out “NOW what?” But faithful readers, fear not–the next story, tentatively titled PLAY OR PAY, sends shivers down my spine and I hope will intrigue and thrill y’all just as much!

While writing fiction, I usually have to shut off as many distractions as possible. That means I may not post blogs quite as often or interact on social media quite as much. Of course, I still interact with my furry muses…So please be patient with me. And once I have the story fully drafted, you can bet I’ll reach out to my newsletter subscribers to nominate their pet(s) for HERO STATUS in this book. Oh, you can learn more about my books and writing process here.

Now back to you. Will I see you at an upcoming event? Or do you have a book club that might want to “adopt” one of my stories? Do tell!