Dakota is happy to welcome Bella, a lovely Havanese who owns Harlequin author, Allie Pleiter.
Bella is here today to talk a bit about herself, her life and the new HQ Love Inspired novel, "Falling For the Fireman". She's also offering a print copy of the book to someone who comments on her interview (she's really hoping for more comments than she has toes, so let's knock her paws off) -- chew marks on the cover are optional, and available upon request. *G*
Okay, enough about Allie and her book, Bella would like to speak now.
So, Bella, your human writes books. Does this mean she is home all day and easy to access? Elaborate if necessary.Oh, my goodness, that’s the best part. She’s home all the time and often in a big cushy chair where I can snuggle up against her. Whoever invented laptops, I want to lick your face!
What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun?I’m a pro at it. Often I stick my nose over the top of the laptop, or I am a master of rolling over to look uber-cute and making little woof noises that beg for attention... like this:
If that doesn’t work I start licking fingers.
What indignities and neglect have you suffered because of your human's writing career?She doesn’t seem to understand that I should be walked twice a day, every day. To the coffeebar. Where they give me my own mug. Her editor bought her a little tiara once, and she put it on me. Really. Was that necessary?
Tell me about the animals in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?I’m especially fond of this new book,
Falling For the Fireman, because there’s a very clever dog in it. Plug is a firehouse hound and rather coarse, but also very cute (but not as cute as me). We are both rather tubby, but I wear it much better.
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?I’ve already achieved my goal. I usually get what I want--haven’t you noticed?
What television involving animals does your human enjoy sharing with you? Books with animals?We watch lots of
Doctor Who, which has aliens but no animals--but Allie tells me previous incarnations of the Doctor had a robotic dog. We watch lots of
TopGear, which had a dog for a few episodes but is mostly about cars. And
Castle, which has no dog whatsoever. She doesn’t share books with me because I’ve been known to chew on them.
If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?I think we could take the unconditional adoration up a notch. You know, more cute pictures on the cell phone, monthly collar and matching leash purchases, hand-baked goodies and hand-knit sweaters. Yes, that’d be lovely. Thanks for asking.
Are you happy with your human? If you could tell your human one thing, what would it be?I’d say, “You know those little brown cookies with the paw-prints on them? I really like those. Buy more.”
What things does your human do that would mortify her it if known? What does your human do that most annoys?She sings show tunes at the top of her voice. She was a theater major, but I’m rather sure her best days are behind her. It’s amusing, but I don’t know if I’d categorize it as entertaining. Fireside brushes of my fur are much more enjoyable. As for annoying, I’d vote for her insistence that I can’t sleep in her bed. That definitely needs to change. Crates are beneath me.
Has your human named a character for you? Are you pleased? If not, why?No, she has not, and I’ve a mind to speak to her about it.
And did your human name you for a fictional character? Hate it or love it? If you could rename yourself, what would your name be?I must admit, lots of people ask her if I was named after the
Twilight heroine, but as I was a rescue, I had my name before I joined her family. According to my first owner, I was given the name Bella because I am so beautiful. I am, you know, so I need no other name.
Bella, I have some brown cookies with paw prints on them ... do you suppose they're same as the ones you love? Why don't we try a few and you can let me know.
:::Bella and Dakota trot off to the pantry:::
There's something achingly familiar about the look in fire marshal Chad Owens's eyes. Widowed mom Jeannie Nelworth knows firsthand what it is: loss, hurt and yes—bitterness. Ever since the fire that changed their lives, Jeannie's young son has borne that same look, pushing everyone away. So she's grateful when Chad tries to get through to the boy with the help of his trusty fire station dog.
But the man who's all about safety and prevention keeps himself protected—from loving and losing again. Seems as if Jeannie will have to add his kind, guarded heart to her rebuilding efforts.
An avid knitter, coffee junkie, and devoted chocoholic, Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction. The enthusiastic but slightly untidy mother of two, Allie spends her days writing books, buying yarn, and finding new ways to avoid housework. Allie hails from Connecticut, moved to the midwest to attend Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois. The “dare from a friend” to begin writing has produced two parenting books, fourteen novels, and various national speaking engagements on faith, women’s issues, and writing. Visit her website at
www.alliepleiter.com or her knitting blog at
www.DestiKNITions.blogspot.com
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