Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

Amy Shojai Featured in Wall Street Journal! Listen to AUTHORS ON THE AIR Tonight!

by | Mar 2, 2016 | Books, Cat Behavior & Care, Dog Training & Care | 18 comments

KellyLadouceur-Kermit-ReadingShow-Tell

Tonight at 9 pm (Eastern Time) I’ll be the kick-off guest for March’s WOMEN WRITERS’ MONTH at the awesome AUTHORS ON THE AIR program. I get to chat with Pam Stack along with guest host Rebecca Warner about SHOW AND TELL…and other writerly endeavors and books.

EDITED: It was a GREAT show, what fun! You can listen to the recording, too.

CLICK HERE to listen 

Dot-S-T
Mike-S-T-Poster

There’s DOT with the paperback copy of SHOW AND TELL, and the “bonus” poster behind her. She’s in the paw-tographed poster, too, because Dot is one of the characters in the book. Her person, Kristi, entered and won one of the NAME THAT DOG spots.

Incidentally, there are still posters left. If you’ve read the book and reviewed it, send me the link and your snail mail address, and I’ll send one to you, along with the “bonus” chapter (in Shadow’s viewpoint).

Mike also got in on the act, and sent a picture of his paw-tographed poster, too. He lives with both cats and a dog, so probably didn’t want to play favorites. *s*

No way we can leave CATS out of the conversation. I happen to know that Pam, (the host of AUTHORS ON THE AIR) has some kitties of her own, so there’s likely to be some feline fun discussed, too. In fact…

My cat fiction expertise has now been FEATURED IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL! Woot! This was a front-page story, no less, in a discussion of the pros and cons of having CAT characters in mysteries talk to the humans. Hey, my thrillers include cats and dogs, and Shadow (the service dog) has his own chapters, but none of my critters “talk” …other than with tail wags and ear twitches, of course. But that’s my preference as an animal behavior person. I have not problem with others imbuing their fictional felines with the ability to communicate. Don’t we all imagine what Kitty thinks and says, anyway?

The feature also included some information about several of my Cat Writers’ Association colleagues and the organization. Yes, there is a professional writer organization dedicated to a focus on the feline. You can read the WSJ article here.

My Karma-Kat and Seren-Kitty have been campaigning for cats to have their own viewpoint chapters in a novel, too, so…what do you think? After all, I’m an equal opportunity pet person and wouldn’t want to hiss off the cats. (And yes, book #5 HIT AND RUN does have kitty viewpoint chapters, woo-woo!).

KarmaBooks

YouTube Button

I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!

Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!

 

18 Comments

  1. Faith Ellerbe, Live.Wag.BARK!

    Congratulations! So glad to see organizations honoring women in their respective fields, especially writers!

    Reply
  2. Carol Bryant

    Kelly is a good pal of mine (featured dog). Loved the WSJ article and congrats on everything! I am so excited to see you in June!

    Reply
  3. Sweet Purrfections

    Congrats! I didn’t get home until late so I couldn’t listen to you live. I’ll try to listen to your recording.

    Reply
  4. Jane

    I was not aware there was an organization for feline writers, that is so cool. My cats are very vocal, so yes I think a few chapters dedicated to your cats would be fabulous!

    Congrats on your feature in the Wall Street Journal.

    Reply
  5. sadieandco

    That’s so exciting! Congratulations – very fun.

    Reply
  6. Sherri Telenko

    Wow. interesting idea. And what was their verdict about cat characters talking?

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      It was more of a discussion than reaching any conclusion. Basically, I think we should leave it up to the cats!

      Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      It was a fun article, and also got the CWA and the conference some attention, which was great.

      Reply
  7. Katie

    Congrats! That is a big accomplishment.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Thanks so much, very thrilled!

      Reply
  8. About Pet Rats

    So that’s why cats like to sit on top of reading material! I always wondered if they were “absorbing” anything. 🙂

    Great Authors on the Air show! I really enjoyed it.

    Reply
    • Amy Shojai

      Oh you listened to the show? Thank you! we had fun. *s*

      Reply
  9. nichole

    What an interesting program!

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories:

Recent Posts

Welcome Trinity-Kitty: New Kitten Baby Makes Three!

On Monday September 11, 2023, a tiny speck of a kitten made her presence known with very loud MEWS and a personality way bigger than anyone expected. Hungry, full of fleas, and the expected roundworms (and probably tapes because…fleas), her eyes and ears looked too big for her delicate wedge-shaped face.

Now, I get alerts about “found” kittens all the time, and sadly, can’t take any of them. This baby proved different in so many ways–only some of which I can share. While at the grocery picking up kitten food, my husband called and I explained my next stop at church—Trinity Lutheran—where I hoped to find a forever-home for the baby with a family who tragically lost a beloved kitty. And I told him if that didn’t work out, we likely had a third furry wonder for our home.

My friends at church, not yet ready to welcome a new pet, meant that the kitten came home with me. It seems that the Higher Being with whom all things are possible, made sure she found her way to us. He knew we needed her as much as she needed us.

How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems

How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems

Everyone who shares a home (and heart) with a dog at some point must deal with dog poop problems. Learning what’s normal, to yellow colored stool, or learning how serious blood in dog’s stool diarrhea may be helps get your dog help. While it may not be the most appealing topic, learning about your dog’s “creativity” offers important insight into his health.

Not only his food, but also your dog’s environment and emotional state, affects how his body works. Fear, anxiety, and stress can change a dog’s behavior, but also can disrupt digestion and cause enteritis. That in turn affects his poop.

Recognizing healthy elimination helps pet owners alert to abnormal eliminations. That way, when necessary, you can get your dog prompt medical help to diagnose and treat problems before they become worse.

BREAKING NEWS! Amy’s Book Sales Direct–Discounted Thrillers & Pet Nonfiction

I created an online store to sell my digital and print titles DIRECT TO YOU! In today’s world, with so much up in the air, many authors now make direct book sales available, because we control the price (and can DISCOUNT to you!), and because … well, I have control over Amy Shojai’s books.

Yes, you can still find all of my titles on the various platforms (Amazon, B&N, Kobo, Apple, GooglePlay, Audible, Chirp and more). This way, though, I earn more on each sale while offering you, dear readers, a better deal than other retailers. That means I can write more books, update existing titles, and keep providing you with what you need.

Read on to learn more about Amy Shojai Books Direct!

Why Dogs Look Guilty: Do Dogs Feel Guilty or Embarrassed?

When your dog meets you at the door, head low with ears slicked back and eyes averted, is that a canine apology? Does your dog look guilty? The behaviors certainly mimic what humans associate with feeling shame or apology.

We know dogs can feel grief, but whether guilty behavior accurately reflects the dog’s true feelings is open to debate. Learn more about what your dog says with these behaviors!

Adopting “Other-Abled” and Less Adoptable Pets

September 19-25 is National Adopt A Less Adoptable Pet Week, founded by PetFinder.com. The organization encourages shelters and rescues to create special week-long events devoted to giving overlooked pets like those with disabilities a better chance at finding homes.

This struck a chord with me, especially after living with a tri-pawd dog when Bravo lost his leg. He didn’t act disabled, though. Have you ever adopted an other-abled pet or less adoptable pet?

What Is A Less Adoptable Pet

Why less adoptable? They’re the wrong breed or have special needs. Overlooked pets include deaf dogs or deaf cats, blind pets, or those missing a limb. Many folks prefer the ‘perfect’ cute puppy or kitten and don’t want a crippled pet, or just don’t like the color of the dog or cat. Of course, we know black dogs and cats, and those with only one eye, or three legs, still love us with all their furry hearts! Read on…

Avoid Puppy Mills with this 10 Question Check List!

Know the Puppy Mill Score—Puppy Source Check List There are many places to find your dream puppy, and some are clearly better options than others. Avoid puppy mills at all cost. Of course, your heart can overrule logic if you are smitten by a needy baby, but...

Why Do Cats Fight After Vet Visits? How to Stop Cat Bashing

Congratulations! Your hard work has paid off, and Kitty no longer fears the carrier and handles the car ride with almost no signs of fear, anxiety or stress. Kitty purrs and cheek-bonks the veterinary technicians, and barely notices the doctor’s exam through all the petting and tasty treats. But as soon as you get home, Kitty’s former feline friends snub him, or worse. Why do cats fight after vet visits? What’s up with all the cat bashing?

What A Pain! Understanding Pet Pain & What to Do When Pets Hurt

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month, so I wanted to share this vital information again. We know pain hurts, but pain in pets and treating pet pain when pets hurt confuses us. They can’t tell us they feel pain, or where it hurts. Not like humans.

Because I get to work at home, there are certain perks I enjoy–such as going barefoot to work. But one afternoon last fall I moved too fast and kicked the whey outta my big toe. This wasn’t just a stubbed toe, either—it lifted and peeled the nail back to the quick, bled everywhere and hurt like the devil! Yes, I said a few choice words as I hobbled down the stairs from my office (trying not to leave a bloody trail) to get bandage material. Ooooooh, that puppy throbbed and made me whimper and howl, let me tell you.
I understand how Magical-Dawg felt several years ago. After a run in the field playing fetch, he started shivering when he came inside. The ninety-degree weather argued that he was not chilled. I checked him head-to-tail, and found nothing wrong. But later in the week, he again started shivering, and even growled at me when I asked him to move—very uncharacteristic.

Finally, after several days and two vet visits, we figured out his problem. He’d torn a dewclaw back to the quick. it hadn’t come off, so the injury remained hidden. Seren-kitty had this happen once, too, when her claw caught on bedding as she leaped from the pillow. She hid. But Magic’s short temper, shivers, and hyper-alert behavior resulted from being in pain. Here’s what you need to know to help your pets.

Pet First Aid Medicine Chest: Home Remedies to Save Pet Lives

Do you have a pet 1st aid medicine chest for your dogs and cats? The audiobook version of my first aid book for pets includes some DIY home remedies for old pets. While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, pet first aid and minor problems may benefit from human medicines.

Home remedies for pets save $$ and pet lives because Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something iffy during regular clinic hours. It’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list.

Pet Vacation Options: Boarding, Pet Sitters, Stay-Cation?

It’s DOG WALKER APPRECIATION DAY! And maybe you have a regular dog walker (your kid? a company?) that manages when you can’t walk your dog, or go on vacation. Good pet vacation plans depend on the individual pet and your special circumstances. When my mother became ill and then passed away, we need to find a pet boarding place for Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat to stay. Does your dog love riding in the car, meeting new people at the boarding kennel, hide from pet sitters, or become hyper around strangers? Maybe you’d like to learn about traveling with your pet.

Perhaps Chance the cat enjoys riding in the car but your brother’s dog hates kitties, or Grandma is allergic. Are pets more comfortable at a kennel away from your nephew’s hair-pulling fingers? Or does your pet go on a hunger strike if boarded?

I can’t remember the last time that my husband and I had a vacation together, but I do remember how boarding my dog led to a broken arm (read on for that story!). Since that time, we make an effort to not be gone at the same time. There are times, though, when we must leave them behind, maybe not for vacation but other reasons. Here are some tips for pet vacation issues.

Visit Amy's Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships