Contest Archives

Name That Hero Dog for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

by Amy Shojai | Mar 16, 2023

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO DOG contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO DOG requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO CAT character is here.

I had so many terrific nominations that I had to include a bunch of options. Many folks also sent pictures of their wonderful companions! I truly wish that every dog (and cat) could have a part in the story. Please forgive me if your dog isn’t on the poll–it had nothing to do with you or them but often with past winners or character names. It’d confuse readers to have more than one Shadow, for instance, or a hero dog with the same name as a human character.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO DOG

I have planned for ONE (1) dog and ONE (1) cat to include. As always, though, that might change depending on popularity of the vote. So rally your family and friends, your pet’s fan base, and get out the vote. I’m using a new poll software, and hopefully, as in the past, you can vote multiple times (you may have to refresh the page in between votes).

Name That Hero Cat for DARE OR DIE Thriller: Vote Now Open!

by Amy Shojai | Mar 16, 2023

As promised, it’s time to VOTE for the HERO CAT contenders to appear as a featured character in my next thriller, DARE OR DIE. This story answers a lot of vexing questions about the main character, September Day, and launches her into new adventures. The story also features at least one (1) heroic dog and one (1) heroic feline (maybe more, depending on the results of your votes). Scroll down for more about the HERO CAT requirements–and the poll. The poll for the HERO DOG character is here.

VOTE FOR YOUR HERO CAT

Cover Reveal: DARE OR DIE, a September & Shadow Thriller #7

by Amy Shojai | Mar 2, 2023

COVER REVEAL for the latest September & Shadow Thriller! If you love thrillers, mysteries, or suspense that include pets, watch this space for DARE OR DIE, coming soon! In each of my thrillers, I include HERO PETS nominated by readers and voted on by the public. In the past, the books have included every day dogs and cats, service animals, and beloved companions that now live on in the stories. Last week, I announced the latest contest, and today I sent out the invitation to nominate pets to my newsletter list. The suggestions already started pouring in. Watch this space to VOTE on your pick for HERO CAT and HERO DOG.

Inspirational Book Giveaway & Thriller Teaser Info

by Amy Shojai | Feb 22, 2023

Today, I have a fun surprise to share with you… Most times I send these notices out to my newsletter, but this offer (sorta-kinda different for me!) begs sharing widely. I’ve teamed up with 50+ fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of Inspirational Fiction & Non-Fiction books to 2 lucky winners!

Oh, and read on for a hint about the upcoming thriller DARE OR DIE and how to nominate YOUR special pet for a hero pet character!

Love Thrillers? Reminder about Emily Kimelman & Sydney Rye Series

by Amy Shojai | Jan 24, 2023

👀 I spy a steal…I’m head-down in the plotting/writing of my next SEPTEMBER & SHADOW THRILLER #7! Lots of “schtuff” keeps sidetracking me from finishing DARE OR DIE, but hope to get the next story into your hands this spring. Meanwhile, here’s a reminder I’ve lined up some more great books for your reading pleasure. If you love crime and thriller stories with dogs (hey, you’re reading mine, right?) check out Emily Kimelman’s gritty Sydney Rye Mysteries, too. Oh my doG, tail-waging grrrreat fun.

The tagline of the series gets me every time: Sydney Rye and her dog exact justice with a vengeance. The dog doesn’t die, but the bad guys do.

I get that question a lot about my September & Shadow thriller series, too. So I borrowed (stole?!) the line from Emily and include it whenever folks ask. I also loved what she says about the dog “aging out” in the book…that it’s FICTION so the dog can live forever! (Heck, I just may steal that, too…don’t hate me, Emily!). Read on for a great deal on her books!

Breaking Bad Mystery & Thrillers & Swag Galore! Booksweeps Giveaway, Emily Kimelman & More!

by Amy Shojai | Oct 6, 2022

👀 I spy a steal…If you haven’t read my first three September & Shadow Thrillers, you can enter to win the trilogy on BookSweeps today — plus 20 exciting Mysteries & Thrillers from the likes of Alex Kava, JT Ellison (and moi), PLUS a boatload of Breaking Bad Swag worth $250+

I’ve teamed up with fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of mysteries and suspense thrillers to 2 lucky winners!

Oh, and did I mention the Grand Prize winner gets one-of-a-kind swag bag? 😁

Dark Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Books Galore! Booksweeps Giveaway, Emily Kimelman & More!

by Amy Shojai | Sep 22, 2022

👀 I spy a steal…If you haven’t read my first September & Shadow Thriller, you can enter to win it on BookSweeps today — plus 55 exciting Dark Mysteries, Thrillers & Suspense books from a great collection of authors… AND a brand new eReader 😀

I’ve teamed up with fantastic authors to give away a huge collection of mysteries and suspense thrillers to 2 lucky winners!

Oh, and did I mention the Grand Prize winner gets a BRAND NEW eReader? 😁

Cat Writers’ Association Writer Contest Awards! Mee-Wow!

by Amy Shojai | Jul 31, 2022

Way back in 1992, I helped found the Cat Writers' Association. Each year, the CWA hosts a contest for published work, and honors the best cat-centric material with a Certificate of Excellence in dozens of cat-egories. The top Certificate entry received the prestigious...

Name That Dog & Name That Cat Contest WINNERS: Get WIN OR LOSE Preorder

by Amy Shojai | Oct 28, 2021

Update: Poll closed and congratulations to a hotly contested vote! The winners Tigger and Lefty will have starring roles in the book. BUT…It was so neck and neck for a while that…stay tuned, I may have to add the runners up Kami and Storm to the story in some way....

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Recent Posts

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Vote for Hero Cat–WINNER: Cut And Bleed Thriller #10

Voting is now over for the HERO PETS in the next thriller CUT AND BLEED! Here’s your cat hero winner!

Winner for Hero Dog: Cut And Bleed Thriller #10

Read about the HERO PETS appearing in the next thriller CUT AND BLEED!

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