For the Love of Dogs

Leave 'em Home...

It's finally getting warm out during these spring days in New York. While I'm glad about that (and my garden is, too), I spotted an uncomfortable sight yesterday: two dogs, shut in cars in a supermarket parking lot. While the windows were cracked a bit, it was easy to see those poor pups weren't happy about the sun beating down on their vehicles. Fortunately, someone was already notifying the store staff about them, so they wouldn't be waiting for their owners' return much longer.

If you live in a sunny climate, please remember your car is essentially a mobile greenhouse in such conditions. Your dog can suffer heatstroke or even death if left in the car while you go into a store.

It's just not worth it. If you're headed to a place where your pup isn't welcome, leave them home where they'll be comfortable until you return, and ready to join you on your next pet-friendly adventure.

...Until They Can Come With You

Fortunately, there are lots of great places to bring your furry bestie. More and more establishments are welcoming dogs, because let's face it: everyone knows they're our family too.

The big box hardware stores near where I live all love to see people's dogs (maybe even more than the people). Parks and campgrounds welcome well-behaved pets. And don't forget the pet stores. They love to see your pets, dog, cat, or otherwise!

Boop That Snoot

Owning a pet has always meant taking on a big responsibility. Your dog will be with you for (hopefully!) years, and will return your care and diligence with a wagging tail and wet nose. If you're lucky enough to have a canine best friend, give their nose a kiss from me, because dogs are beyond awesome.

Slow and Steady

 

It's been quite a day! I'm spending a lot of time learning the ropes at my new day job (where I'm an editor, and if you know anything about me you know how happy that makes me). The writing has taken a general pause in light of this, though I will be able to devote most Fridays to my works in progress.

Meantime, I've been solving problems with my website. Every so often, it's good to sanity check your website's pages, links, and code to be sure it's still up to snuff. (Even if you operate a website off a template such as WordPress, it's still good practice.) I discovered some out-of-date links on my Books pages since many of my books are available in audiobook from various retailers such as ACX, Audible, and iTunes (like FREAK FRAT, which is brand-new in audio!). I also fixed some odd scrolling behaviors on a couple of my pages. All good now!

As to my works in progress, worry not! I plan on finishing the companion to THE PEPPERMINT BARK PROPOSAL for the 2023 holiday season. Look for news here on the blog, and if you want to be the first to know, click the Subscribe button at the top of this blog.

Happy Reading!

Upcoming Events and Releases!

Coming Soon: Freak Frat in Audiobook!

I can’t wait to share Freak Frat in audiobook with you. Derek Urichich brings the Freaks and their adventures to amazing life in this funny, fish-out-of-water urban fantasy. Keep an eye on this space as I share all the news on this May 2023 release.

Book Signings!

I have six book signing appearances scheduled this year, with more to come. You can get the news by subscribing to the blog! Just click the button at the top right of the page. Happy Reading!

2023 Book Signings are Filling Up!

 

Book Signings!

Back when I began my writing journey, the very idea of a book signing made me break out into a cold sweat. We writers are often an introverted lot, and sitting at a table talking to strangers about something so dear to our hearts can be terrifying.

Then I held a book signing. Then another, and another. Then I began holding them with a group of fellow writers which I co-founded in 2018: The Wandering Wordsmiths. Sitting at a table by yourself? Not as fun as it could be for an introvert. Sitting with a group of fellow writers while you chat about your craft and the writing life? That's a party!

The result is that I'm less introverted than I used to be, practice making perfect (well, improvement, anyway), and all. I've come to enjoy giving workshops and attending signings. I've met wonderful people, had new experiences, and seen some very cool things ... all because I chose to become a professional writer.

Come and Visit!

I have several book signings already on the roster this year, with more to come. Meet me and some of the other Wordsmiths at area signings by clicking here to find a signing near you! You may find a new favorite author, or get a chance to talk shop if you're on your own writing journey. Hope to see you soon!

FREAK FRAT Coming Soon to Audiobook

 

FREAK FRAT Coming to Audible

I’m pleased this morning to announce that FREAK FRAT will be coming May 2023 to audiobook via Audible! FREAK FRAT will be voiced by the talented Derek Urichich, an Ohio University graduate with several audiobooks already under his belt. Derek will be bringing Joe and his friends to life in a brand-new way, and I couldn’t be more excited. I hope you’ll be just as thrilled as I am.

About FREAK FRAT

It's hard getting a life when you're undead.

Freshman Year Checklist:

• Find the bit-and-run girl who turned me into a vampire
• Join supernatural beings support group
• Call Dad
• Cram for midterms
• Find out who's trying to kill me

Joe Dietrich has a lot on his plate: college classes, a lonely divorced dad, and a weirdo gamer roommate. Oh, yeah, and that vampire thing. If only he didn't have a supernatural hit squad after him...or a frenemy who'd rather take his head off than teach him to be a Supernat. If Joe can survive all that, final exams ought to be a piece of cake.

Good thing he hasn't tried asking that Grim Reaper girl out on a date.

Staying Safe in the Writing World

 

Play It Safe, Writer

We all know the basic tenets of staying safe: don't go down the dark alley, don't flash your money around in a crowd, keep an eye on your drink at the bar.

Writers have their own set of caveats. In a world where people tend to take advantage of dewy-eyed authors with big dreams, it's best to become as knowledgeable as possible about potential pitfalls. Fortunately, there are many resources available to the new author in order to get savvy and stop those pitfalls in their ... pits.

Read It!

First things first: read everything you can about publishing in general, and about your chosen genre(s) in particular, starting with books. Here, you'll find your most reliable education about the industry standards. Cross-check these references against the reviews of published authors who have used the material. (I find particular help in the writings of Joanna Penn, who is a savvy author and author educator with lots of good tips.) When I started out, I got a lot of use out of The Street Smart Writer by Jenna Glatzer (although I do wish she'd update it).

Surf It!

Online sources are useful for up-to-date information, but be judicious about believing everything you read or see on social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Vet the sources of what you read against other sources of information about a given publisher. Established websites like SFWA's Writer Beware or Absolute Write Water Cooler are usually reliable sources of information.

Talk It Out

Finally, get friendly with other authors in your chosen genres. If possible, join a physical or online writer's group with an established history, such as Romance Writers of America or Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. These organizations are excellent at helping new authors learn the ropes of the industry, and often have classes and conferences where you can learn more online or in person. (RWA helped me quite a bit when I started out.) You will meet people at these organizations who can help you through the twists and turns as you grow in your career, and often those people become lifelong friends. (That helps you feel less alone in a very solitary profession!)

Getting (or Making) the Deal

When and if you're ready to find an agent to represent your work, check the reputation of your potential agent by asking around. You can also see if they're registered with The Association of American Literary Agents and look into their track record.

If you want to try your hand at indie publishing, it's especially important to do your homework prior to signing any contracts (paying special attention to what rights you're signing over and the duration of the contract). Never let your heart make the decisions for you, or you may find yourself signing away rights and royalties you didn't expect. When in doubt, ask around!

I wish you the very best of luck in your career and hope this information helps you on the road to publication. Happy writing!