Tuesday, July 12, 2011

The Dog Dish with Terri Reed!



Hi all ... Dakota here again! Would you believe Mom lost internet again yesterday and is so far behind she can't think straight? She asked me to stand in for her (she offered dog cookies ... how could I say no?), so I'm here today interviewing one of the dogs who own Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense author Terri Reed.

She's touring the virtual world to talk about her new release called "The Innocent Witness" (kind of like me when I see the cat shred the toilet paper and then I get blamed). I hear she's giving away a $25 Visa gift card to one lucky person who comments -- just THINK of all the treats you could buy with that!

So, without further ado, let's chat with Blueberry Reed. And I know how much *I* like being petted, make sure you leave a comment for Blueberry -- it's like a virtual pat. :-)

So, your human writes books. Does this mean she is home all day and easy to access? Elaborate if necessary.

My mom’s home most of the day. I like to sit next to her chair, but sometimes she plays her music too loud so I move to the top of the stairs where I can watch out the window to see who comes and goes from the neighborhood. I take my job of protecting my mom very seriously.

What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun? Whose primary job is it? What do the rest of you do to support the one doing the main distracting?

Well, I’m the well-behaved one while my little brother, who’s about as tall as my knee, is the instigator when it comes to distracting mom. He likes to go into her office and sniff around until he can find something to snatch. Then he stands by my mom’s chair until she notices, then he takes off downstairs and of course I have to chase him because I’m an Australian Shepherd and herding is in my blood. Then mom chases both of us which is so much fun.

What indignities and neglect have you suffered because of your human's writing career?

Mom used to take me to the park across from our old house every morning, but we had to move so she could have a private office. Now that she is writing so much, we only play a little in our front yard. Though fun, there was more room to run at the park.

Tell me about the animals in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?

She’s had a dog in one of her stories. A golden retriever pup. I don’t know why she didn’t have an Aussie. We’re cuter than those retrievers. The dog even made the cover of the book. I’d have a been a good cover model.

On the off-chance your human has yet to incorporate animals into a story, what are your plans for making sure she rectifies this egregious error and demonstration of poor writing skills?

Well, I’m hoping she’ll get the hint and let me appear in a book. My plan is to smile lots and be right there while she’s working so when she’s writing she’ll think, hmmm, I need a dog in here. And there I’ll be.

What movies involving animals does your human enjoy sharing with you? Books with animals?

We watched that movie with the little dogs, Chihuahua in Beverly Hills. I keep wondering when they’re going to make a movie starring Aussies. I look real good on camera. I can even smile.

If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?

Are you happy with your human? If you could tell your human one thing, what would it be?

I am happy with my human. My mom knows exactly the right places to scratch and when I need water or to be fed. She takes real good care of me and my little brother. I would tell her how very glad I am she picked me.

What things does your human do that would mortify her it if known?

Hmmm. She talks to herself. And she acts out some of her action scenes, which is quite funny to watch.

What does your human do that most annoys?

Sometimes she sings at the top of her lungs. And she can’t carry a tune. Ouch, my poor ears.

Has your human named a character for you? Are you pleased? If not, why?

No, she hasn’t named anyone Blueberry.

And did your human name you for a fictional character?

No, I’m named after a fruit!

Hate it or love it?

Well, it kind of suits me because my coat is called a Blue Merle. So I guess I’m okay with it.

If you could rename yourself, what would your name be?

I’d name myself The Queen.

Faith sustained Vivian Grant through her horrible childhood and loveless marriage, but how much more can she take? Her husband has been killed. Her autistic son is the only witness. And someone is twisting the evidence to place the blame on her. Viv has no one to trust—and danger is closing in.

A failed protection detail cost former Secret Service agent Anthony Carlucci his job—and his self-confidence. He's not going to fail anyone under his care again. Anthony will risk anything to keep Viv and her son safe…including his heart.


Visit Terri Reed at:
http://www.loveinspiredauthors.com
http://ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com/
http://www.craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1585077007

=====================

16 comments:

Dru said...

Hi Blueberry,

It was nice meeting you and your little brother. BTW, what is your brother's name?

Sounds like you have a good human mommy and perhaps when she has more time, she'll find a park where you can run free.

Thanks Dakota for bringing Blueberry for a visit.

Say "hi" to your human mommy for me.

Sarita Leone said...

Oh, Blueberry and Dakota, you've started my day with a smile. Thank you!

Hope you and your humans all have a peaceful day...with lots of treats involved!

Michele said...

Blueberry, this has to be THE most fun and funny interview ever!
Thanks for the canine perspective.
::scratch/rub ears::

Hope yours and Dakota's water dishes are kept filled today, it's going to be another hot one!

Angelina Rain said...

Blueberry is ADORABLE! Such a cute dog. Can I have her? Please!

This interview was a lot of fun to read.

Maria Zannini said...

I had to show up as soon as I saw the Aussie. Blueberry, you are adorable.

But why do I get the feeling there's a little bit of the wily in you? Must be those hypnotic eyes.

And Dakota:
Ref: "The Innocent Witness" (kind of like me when I see the cat shred the toilet paper and then I get blamed).

I nearly spewed orange juice all over my keyboard when I read that. LOL

Great interview. And the premise of your book sounds intriguing. Off to check it out.

Jackie S. said...

What a cute/fun interview....loved it. Enjoying following Terri on the blog tour!
jackie.smith[at]dishmail[dot]net

Brandy said...

I was wondering why Blueberry was named, er, Blueberry! *g*
Aww, poor Dakota getting blamed for something the cat did.

Great interview!

Na said...

Hi Dakota and Blueberry,

You guys are a real treat and so adorable. I have to say I love dogs in stories. They can be quite therapeutic and teach humans how to connect with people. Often when a person is traumatized and chooses to isolate themselves from people, they can turn to their pets to offer them solace and comfort. They can learn to slowly merge themselves into the public again.

Perhaps, I'll see in one of her books soon. Every dog really does have his day!

Cambonified[At]yahoo[DOT]com

Terri Reed said...

Dru-Blueberry here, I forgot to introduce my little brother. His name is Simba, like in the lion king. He was such a mangy, scrawny pup when he arrived. I didn’t quite know what to do with him. But he’s feisty. We go to the park in the summers, when its not raining, as a family. That’s fun, too. Thanks for stopping by. My mom says hi and thanks too.

Sarita, glad we made you smile. I’ve already had a couple of treats today. Mom too. A starbuck latte> ☺

Michelle, ohhh, ahhh, thanks for the scratches. Its hot where you are? Here it’s cold and rainy.

Angelina, how sweet that you’d take me home. But alas, my mom would be super sad without me. Thanks for saying hi.

Maria, wiley, huh? Hmmm. Maybe. I do have lovely eyes, even if I say so myself. They’re a lighter blue than my mom’s. Mom says glad you like the story premise. She hopes you’ll like the book.

Jackie S. Hi again. Thanks for commenting. Glad you enjoyed Blueberry.

Brandy, I should have also explained that when Blueberry came to live with us, our neighbors had a golden named Huckleberry. The two became good friends and would stand guard over all the kids in the cul-de-sac. Thanks for commenting.

Dakota, you’re awfully cute. I think you and Blueberry would be good friends if you met.

Judy said...

What a fun interview. Anything that brings a laugh into my day is special!

Thanks for entertaining! This was really clever!

Paty Jager said...

Great interview! I'm dog-sitting my daughter's mini-aussies. They're fun dogs. I can see why your master enjoys having you around, Blueberry.

Genene Valleau, writing as Genie Gabriel said...

Blueberry, I agree that you would be the perfect star of one of your mom's books. Keep flashing those beautiful blue eyes at her. :)

And thanks, Dakota, for a great interview!

Maria said...

Great interview Dakota and Blueberry! Very fun. I had a border collie while growing up so am quite familiar with the "herding" tendencies of sheep dogs.

junegirl63(at)gmail(dot)com

Terri Reed said...

Judy, so glad we made you smile. Thank you for stopping by.

Paty, I love mini-Aussies. Our neighbors have one and he’s so fun. When he escapes from their house he comes straight to ours to play with Blueberry and Simba. I love dogs!

Genene, Oh, she bats those eyes all the time. I think I will add an Aussie in a story as soon as I find a plot that would work. I’ll keep you posted.

Maria, when Blueberry was young, she’d nip at the kids heels. I quickly broke that trait. Now she just maneuvers herself around them to keep them in line. Course, my kids are so big now but Blue still keeps them close.

Anonymous said...

Blueberry, here's two things to do to make sure you get in the next book. 1) Take a picture of Mom in a compromising position and threaten to post it to facebook or twitter; 2) Ask a friend to play moviemaker and do a audition reel with you doing all those rin-tin-tin stunts. Then she'll know you are the star of her next novel.

If you could bring your own love interest that helps too.

Vanessa A. Johnson said...

I must say, this is the first time I've chatted with a dog, but here goes. Hi Blueberry, it's nice to meet you and your little brother, and your human through you. High Paws to your human on her latest release. I have an idea that'll get her to name one of her characters after you, every day, find one of her favorite shoes, and tear it apart until she compromises. LOL. Anyways, keep in touch. It's nice to Ruff with you.