The Dog Dish with Kriffle

We have a slightly different Dog Dish interview today -- for the first time, Dakota interviewed a fictional character!

We're welcoming Australian author Jonathan Gould to the blog today on his tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. He's a humor author and has written two fun books: "Flidderbugs" and "Doodling". He'll be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to someone who comments during the tour, so make sure you leave a note!

And now ... please welcome Kriffle, the central character in Flidderbugs

It’s lovely to talk to you today, Kriffle. Firstly, can you tell me exactly what is a Flidderbug?

That’s a good question. Well firstly, I guess we’re bugs. That bit's pretty easy. We have six legs, and big, googly eyes, and long, wiggly antennae, and we live on the Krephiloff Tree. Secondly, we flidder.

Ok, that’s not very helpful. Can you tell me what is a…flidder?

I don’t know. I never really thought about it before. It’s just what we do. Maybe it’s a bit like a flittery fiddle. Or perhaps it’s more like a fiddly flitter. Come to think of it, it could be more like a fluttery dither. One of my friends thought it might be a little bit like a twittery twitter but I don’t think it’s anything like that at all.

Maybe it’s best if we move on to more interesting things. What do Flidderbugs like to eat?

Klummerflies are our very favourite food. They’re crisp and savoury and very crunchy. My mother makes the finest tasting Klummerfly broth on our side of the Krephiloff Tree. Flidderbugs come fliddering from faraway branches just to breathe in the aroma.

That’s the second time you’ve mentioned the Krephiloff Tree. What on earth is a Krephiloff Tree?

The Krephiloff Tree is our home. It’s the only place where you’ll ever find us Flidderbugs.

What’s it like?

I don’t know what it’s like. It just is. It has a big trunk, and in the middle of the trunk is the Fleedenhall where the Fliddercouncil meets. I’ve been there lots, because my father is head of the Triplifers – that’s one of the two main tribes of Flidderbugs. The other tribe is the Quadrigons, but we won’t mention them. They’re our arch-enemies.

Why don’t you like them?

Because they’re horrid and rude and they have no idea how many points there are on a leaf.

How many points there are on a leaf? Is that important?

Of course it is. It’s the single most important thing in the world to us Flidderbugs. Not that it’s a complicated question. We all know the answer is three, don’t we?

I’ll take your word for it. I have just a few more questions to ask if you don’t mind?

Sure. Go ahead.

Six legs or four – which is better?

Definitely six. I don’t know how you possibly cope with so few legs. With all the leaves around here, I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere.

Which is worse, flyspray or a bug-catcher?

They both sound pretty nasty. I think I’d have to go with the bug-catcher. At least flyspray would be quick. Being stuck in a bug-catcher would be like being exiled from the Krephiloff Tree. I don’t think I could live with that.

Have you ever owned a pet?

Well once I had a pet Klummerfly. Actually, I’ve had a number of pet Klummerflies. They never seem to survive for long. I guess it’s because they just taste so good.

Again, I’ll just have to take your word for it. Kriffle, it’s been a pleasure talking to you. Thank you for your time and all the best for the upcoming election.

Thank you. We’ll need it.

As Kriffle the Flidderbug investigates why his fellow 'bugs find it impossible to agree on the pressing issue of how many points there are on the leaves of the tree on which they live, he finds that the truth is more complicated, and ultimately more terrifying, than he ever could have imagined.

Flidderbugs is a political satire, a modern fable, or maybe just a funny little story about a bunch of insects with some very peculiar obsessions.

Neville Lansdowne fell off the world.

Actually, he did not so much fall off as let go. The world had been moving so quickly lately and Neville was finding it almost impossible to keep up.

Doodling is an engaging comic fantasy which relates the events that befall Neville after he finds himself abandoned by the world and adrift in the middle of an asteroid field. Douglas Adams meets Lewis Carroll (with just a touch of Gulliver's Travels) as Neville wanders through his new home, meeting a variety of eccentric characters and experiencing some most unexpected adventures.

He calls his stories "dag-lit" because they're the sort of stories that don't easily fit into the standard genres. Some might think of them as comic fantasies, or modern fairytales for the young and the young-at-heart.

Over the years, his writing has been compared to Douglas Adams, Monty Python, A.A. Milne, Lewis Carroll, the Goons, Dr Seuss and even Enid Blyton (in a good way).

http://www/daglit.blogspot.com

And he's only just entered this world of social networking - so if you meet him somewhere out there, please be nice to him.

https://twitter.com/#!/jonno_go

https://www.facebook.com/jonathangouldwriter

Purchase Doodling from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
iBookstore
KoboSony Bookstore

Purchase Flidderbugs from:
Amazon
Amazon UK
Smashwords
Barnes and Noble
iBookstore
Sony Bookstore
Kobo

Dog Dish Interview and Giveaway: Bella w/ Allie Pleiter

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

The Dog Dish with Margo Hoornstra (and Heidi)

I had the pleasure of "meeting" Margo recently, when she toured with Goddess Fish Promotions. As we chatted, she mentioned two things that made me offer to have her here on my blog. 1: She has a dog! So, of course, we needed her here. 2. Her book, "Honorable Intentions" is available FREE today only at her publisher (and mine!), The Wild Rose Press. She also has two other free reads for download there, so get over and check it out! Here's her author page with all her stories so you can get them all.

Now, we'll turn the floor over to Dakota and Margo's rescued German Shepherd, Heidi.

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

She writes books and short stories. And, yes, she’s usually home with me all day, which was really nice when I first got to her house. You see, I’m what they call a "rescue". I won’t go into details of my life before-let’s just say I’ve had some separation issues.

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?

I have another friend like me around here for a while. Our favorite game is to run around the dining room table begging to go outside. (This game is the most fun when our human is deeply involved typing on her laptop.) Then, and this is the good part, once we get outside we run up on the deck like we want to come back in. As soon as she gets up, we pretend to see something important in the back yard and take off barking. It’s our version of what human’s do when they ring someone’s doorbell and run away before anyone answers the door.

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

Let me first of all admit to having a fear of cats. I know, I know, being a big German Shepherd, that should be the other way around, but I’ve accepted it’s part of who I am. Anyway, once I wandered into the bedroom where The Cat was sleeping and my owner, the writer, became so distracted with her latest project she accidentally shut the two of us in there—alone. I sat very still until I heard her call for me then barked very softly so The Cat wouldn’t notice me until I was let out.

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

She wrote a short story once, and even sold it, about a dog they had before me. As I understand, he refused to chase out the rabbits who invaded their garden in the summer. My owner said he adhered to the philosophy of peaceful coexistence. I think that’s something I should discuss with The Cat.

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?

Animals as characters is something that is lacking in her recent books. I’ll have to talk to her about that.

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

Sometimes I get to watch TV shows with dogs who look like me and have important day jobs. The babies around here have barnyard books they sometimes read to me.

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

I wish they’d let me sit at the table with them when they eat.

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

Thank you for teaching me to play that game you call fetch. (I wasn’t allowed to play at all where I came from.)

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

I have things in my past I’m not proud of either, so I'm going to keep my muzzle shut on this one.

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

She hasn’t yet, but when she does, I think I’d like to be the heroine’s best friend.

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?

As I mentioned, being a rescue, these humans didn’t name me. I’m okay with Heidi. I’m not sure what I would rename myself, but the husband here sometimes calls me Precious. I think he’s being sarcastic. I’ve heard him call The Cat by some different names too.

Thanks for stopping by, Heidi -- next time we'll have to make time to play!

***

Former cop Samantha Wells is the last person single dad Chase Canfield wants chaperoning his young, impressionable daughter. Not if she's the same beautiful stranger who shamelessly came on to him with all the promise of unfulfilled passion, making her impossible to forget.

Samantha must prove to Chase she's a competent, trustworthy professional. That the sultry seductress he knew was only a pretense, her misguided alter ego acting on a stupid dare.

To save her reputation, she has to make him believe the mind blowing kisses and undeniable connection they shared meant nothing.

The hard part will be convincing herself.

Visit Margo at her website.

Dog Dish with David M. Brown

Please welcome to the dog dish today, epic fantasy author, David M. Brown visiting on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions. He and his wife, Donna, are owned by several cats who have deigned to join Dakota at the water bowl and chat.

David is the author of "Fezariu's Epiphany", a fantasy novel that I have and am thoroughly enjoying. The world-building is wonderful and the storyline interesting and unique. If you're a fan of fantasy, you should give it a try! Even better, the eBook is only $0.99 at Smashwords, so what do you have to lose?

But now, please give a warm welcome to the Cats Brown, visiting from over the pond:

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

Charlie: He’s out all day on weekdays. Does some sort of office job, so he claims anyway, but in the evenings he’s busy writing.

Razz: He feeds us first thing then again when he gets back. He never pops home to feed us though, which I think is selfish. I know it takes him an hour to get to work, but still!

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?

Bilbo: That’s usually down to me and Charlie. It is amusing when he’s typing away on that laptop contraption and I just jump onto his knee. How he reacts depends how involved he is in his work.

Charlie: That’s right. You don’t want to jump on him when he’s in serious writing mode. You may as well try tickling an angry bull behind the ears. It would be a lot less painful!

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

Charlie: I have to say the food bowl is not full every second of the day and it’s just not acceptable.

Frodo: I am free to sing very loudly though when he’s writing.

Buggles: And I can climb on the curtains without being told off.

Bilbo: His lap is seldom free though, which will not do at all. It’s one of the comfiest beds in the house. He actually has a use on those occasions.

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

Charlie: Kain can tell you about his books. We’re too busy napping to bother reading them. I bet they’re rubbish.

Kain: He has talking animals in his history as well as anthropomorphic races such as valkayans and tolderes. Let’s not forget the elamorgias. They’re a race of feline headed men and though he won’t admit, I reckon we’re the inspiration for those guys.

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?

Charlie: He’s always had animals in mind for his books and, don’t you worry, we always keep a close eye on him. I’ve even organized the six of us to take shifts and spy on him from a distance. He thinks we’re clueless but we’re actually pretty smart and organized. I haven’t given up hope on him writing a biography about my life. It’s quite extraordinary.

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

Buggles: He wouldn’t let us watch that Cats Vs Dogs film, would he? I cried for days.

Bilbo: He loves Watership Down. That’s the one with lots of rabbits and one cat, albeit a stupid one.

Charlie: Agreed. If I’d been that farm cat those rabbits wouldn’t have dared to cross me.

Kain (looks at Charlie): You do realize it’s not real, that film?

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

Frodo: I’d just like the food bowl to always be full.

Bilbo: I’d like him never to pick up that laptop again.

Kain: I’d like him to leave the front door open. It would save me having to jump on the door handle every time I want to come in.

Charlie: I’d just like him to be a mindless slave to us, giving into us at all times and making our lives easy while his is difficult. Hang on! He’s does all those things already!

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

Charlie: I’d say stop complaining and get that food in those bowls a lot faster than you are doing.

Razz: I don’t ask for much but I would like cat litter that is constantly clean, bowls that are always full, water that is fresh and a thousand or so different beds to nap in. As I say, I don’t ask for much.

What things do your human do that would mortify him if known? What does your human do that most annoys?

Frodo: When he’s asleep he does some bizarre things, such as mumbling random thoughts and for some reason he turns over in the night and elbows his wife, Donna. It’s a pain for her but imagine how we feel when we’re trying to get some quality sleep.

Charlie: His most annoying trait is how he guards the kitchen like it’s a gold mine. You can’t even breathe near it without him rushing over and ushering you out of the way. If any of us make it onto the kitchen side it’s like Armageddon.

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

Buggles: He hasn’t named one after any of us yet. He insists Bilbo and Frodo have been used already though I can’t imagine where. My name is the same as a music group who sang a catchy tune so that’s no good. Kain and Razz may have a chance but I don’t think a fantasy character called Charlie would work.

Charlie: Charlie is a name for all occasions. He’ll realize that soon enough. Watch this space.

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?

Charlie: I have the dubious honour of being the only one of our group named by the owners. We’re all rescue cats, you see, but when they adopted me my previous name was John which they didn’t favour. Charlie certainly suits though I’m nothing like Charlie Brown from the Peanuts comics.

Buggles: Our owners like the Beatles, we should have been Paul, John, George and Ringo.

Kain: There are six of us, Buggles.

Razz: We should probably end the interview there. It’s been great fun, thank you.

Frodo & Bilbo: Thanks a lot.

Charie: Keep an eye out for that Charlie biography. It will happen. I promise you.

Suffering a betrayal as a young boy, Fezariu turns his back on his family. Convinced their way of life will help him leave his past behind, he joins the Merelax Mercenaries. In a quest to prove himself and survive his dangerous assignments in the Colonies, he's forced to forge new alliances but works hard to distance himself emotionally. Despite his determined focus to move on his thoughts are drawn back to Clarendon where the White Oak, an infamous brothel, holds the secret to his past and the childhood friend he abandoned still remains.

Author Bio: David M. Brown was born in Barnsley in 1982 and first conceived the idea of Elenchera in college. His love of history and English led him to read these subjects at Huddersfield University. David is inspired by medieval history, Norse mythology and Japanese role-playing video games and anime films. He lives in Huddersfield with his wife Donna and their six rescue cats.

The Elencheran Chronicles: http://elenchera.com
The World According to Dave: http://blog.elenchera.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/elenchera http://www.facebook.com/fezariu
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/elenchera
Book Video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPgcNNLMBvY

The Dog Dish with Debora Dennis

Hi everyone!! Today I'm talking to some cats that own author Debora Dennis. I have to admit, I'm a little worried -- my cat will swat me sometimes just because, so I'm not sure how this interview will go. Maybe I should have let Breeann do it, but she's too busy sleeping.

Debora Dennis is on a tour promoting her books, one of which has an awesome cover and a yummy name, The Kandy Shoppe.

I like kandy, but Mom doesn't let me have any (especially chocolate).

I hear Ms. Dennis is also giving away a $25 Amazon GC to someone who comments, so talk to her!

And now, without any more jabbering from me, let's welcome Oreo and Rocky.



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

Oreo and Rocky: Debora is up early in the morning (probably due to our constant meowing and whining that it's breakfast time!) After checking her email, she spends some quality time with us before she leaves for the day job. We especially like it when she rubs us behind the ears. During the summer the kids are home and if we're persistent enough, we can get them to spend time rubbing our necks and bellies, too.

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?

Oreo: I'm embarrassed to say, I am just a little bit overweight, so jumping on her desk and sitting in front of her monitor is a thing of the past - I can however sit at her feet and tap her leg with my nails if I don't feel like she's spending enough time with me!

Rocky: One of my favorite places to be is stretched out across her keyboard! I've found it's impossible for her to get anything done without access to her keyboard (This technique is easier than chewing through her keyboard wires - which I've done in the past and wasn't looked upon favorably!)

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

Oreo and Rocky: Sometimes even rubbing against her legs gets us no attention. We've been forced to beg by sprawling out on the nearest table on our backs, just hoping for her to notice how adorable we are. She's also a little cheap on the cat treats. Would it be too much to ask to a handful of those tasty bites instead of one or two?

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?

Oreo and Rocky: Wow, thanks for bringing this to our attention. We never even realized this was happening right under our noses. Now that we know and can see the error of her ways, we plan to use our cuteness to our advantage. We've planned a two-pronged attack at the computer as well - a few well-timed licks to the fingers, laying across her keyboard and purrs should do the trick!

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

Oreo and Rocky: We've noticed she loves movies that involve romance and we've also noticed many of them feature cats! The Ugly Truth featured a particularly daring cat who loves to climb trees. Since we are inside cats we love to watch the adventures of outside cats in movies!

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

Oreo: Since she brought Rocky home I don't think she pays enough attention to me - and only me!

Rocky: If I had to pick one thing to change, it would be the toenail polish! Those colored nails drive me crazy!

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

Oreo: I love my human and I know she loves me. If I could tell her one thing, it would be that even though I'm not the kind of cat to curl up in her lap while she watches TV - it doesn't mean I don't love her back! I just prefer to show my love at a distance.

Rocky: One thing? You want me to pick one thing? I love that she wants to pick me up and snuggle with me all the time, but honestly, when I whine it means I'm not in the mood. There, I said it. I don't want to be picked up constantly.

I'll be honest and say I don't understand that about cats! If I could be cuddled and scratched and petted every moment, it wouldn't be too much...

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

Oreo and Rocky: She talks in her sleep. Even when she falls asleep on the couch watching TV, she's mumbling. When the other family members point it out, she says she's plotting her novels, but we're not so sure…

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

Oreo and Rocky: Obviously this is not something she's thought to do, there aren't even any cats featured in her books, YET…

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?

Oreo: I was named after a cookie and since I've put on a few pounds (the vet said I really need to lose some weight) they call me "double-stuffed." I have to admit I'm a pretty pampered kitty, so I think I like the name.

Rocky: I'm not named after any famous characters either - I got my name because my tail resembles a raccoon. But, they also call me "rocket" because of how fast I run through the house! My favorite thing is the "hit and run" on Oreo's nose!

One sexy repairman, a little melting ice cream, and a lot of red-hot desire just might give dessert a whole new meaning.

Kandace Parker wants nothing more than to have a thriving ice cream parlor, but her run down equipment isn’t cooperating. Watching her profits melt away each time her freezer breaks is only half her problem – the other half is her sexy repairman, Jason Chapman.

Jason is man enough to admit he’s made some mistakes in his personal life; the biggest one was pushing Kandy away years ago. He knows the Ice Cream Queen won’t willingly give him a second chance, so he devises a plan to keep him front and center in her life with the hopes of wearing her down.

How far will Jason go to get his second chance? How far will Kandy go to keep her freezer running? When desires collide in The Kandy Shoppe, they'll have to decide if decadent sex is enough or if love can be the best dessert.

Hooked on all things romantic for as long as she can remember, Debora Dennis has never stopped believing in the fairy tale dream of a Happily Ever After. Since picking up her first Barbara Cartland novel from the middle school library so many years ago, she’s rarely been without a romance, either in her bag or on her nightstand (and now on her Nook!)

A firm believer in happy endings, she writes romance sprinkled with spice and adventure.

Debora and her own hero live in New York and spend their days raising their three kids along with Godzilla the lizard and two spoiled cats named Oreo and Rocky. She can usually be found at her computer early in the morning and late at night with a mug of coffee and a bag of Lindt chocolate truffles keeping her sane.

To learn more, please visit her at http://www.deboradennis.com

And to visit the other stops on her Name Before the Masses Tour, click here!

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The Dog Dish with: Candis Terry!

Mom fell in love with the cover of this book before she even knew what it was about, and we agreed we HAD to have the dogs and their person on the blog.

CJ, Maddie and Hank are here to help their person, Avon author, Candis Terry, promote her release, "Last Chance at the Sugar Shack". I hear that there's a prize of a $25 Amazon.com GC to one lucky commenter, so tell them howdy and let us know you were here!

And to read back on her other stops, click on this banner (look at the puppy!):


I didn't get a picture of the dogs who are visiting this time, but they describe themselves pretty darn well. So, with further

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

Woof! Thanks for the inbarktation to your blog! My name is CJ and I’m the top dog around the Simple Dreams Farm on which we all co-inhabit. Me and my main pain-in-the-tail, Maddie, are both German Shepherds and then there’s Hank, a really dorky German Shorthair.

Candis, our Scooby-Snack Mom, as we like to call her, writes romance novels. Oddly enough she even has a puppy on the cover of her first book Second Chance at the Sugar Shack. A golden retriever puppy. Yeck. Unfortunately for us four-leggers she isn’t home during the day. She says she works as a graphic designer too. We think she’s just trying to avoid handing out more treats. Doesn’t make us happy, but we are down with make up snacks.

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?

We are proud to say we have distracting Scooby-Snack Mom down to a science. Our doggy senses are on high alert when we notice her face starting to scrunch up and she starts to lean closer and closer to the computer monitor. When the big sigh pushes from her lungs we know it’s time to distract. Maddie is a pro nose-pusher. You have no idea what interesting words the Scooby-Snack Mom will type when eighty pounds of annoying pooch pokes, prods, and pushes the human hand with her big wet nose. I do my part by whacking Scooby-Snack Mom’s leg with the full force of my tail. Inserting, of course, the perfectly timed whine. When we see Scooby-Snack Mom’s eyes roll we know its treat time! But then she locks us out of the room. Grrrr.

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

Ummmm, hello? Dog brush. Have you seen how much I’m shedding lately? By the way, I’m a plush German Shepherd, which means I have beeeautiful long hair that humans always compliment me on. What, Maddie? Oh, shut up. You are not as beautiful as me. You are a regular dog. And short hair is soooo dull. Right, Hank. You have no hair. Nice spots though.

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

You mean the pretend dog? The one who doesn’t really add to the dog breath center of our universe? Right. Well, I’m told that Kate Silver, the heroine in Second Chance at the Sugar Shack, finds this oh-so-adorable puppy and takes him home to try to find his parents. Can you imagine that? Kate doesn’t believe in owning an animal, she actually thinks they’re a part of the family. What, Hank? Oh, hmmm, right. We are a part of Scooby-Snack Mom’s family. We even get Christmas stockings and Thanksgiving dinner. Anyway, word on the street is this puppy is a huge, cuddly part of the book. Kate thinks there’s no way she can keep a dog but the puppy has other plans. Smart pooch. Kate is a Scooby-Snack Mom too.

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?

No worries. There are three books in the Sugar Shack Novels series. Each book has its own special pet. And since Scooby-Snack Mom is a big animal lover, the pets have more than a guest-starring role. You like cats? Oscar, the grouchy puss, is in book two.

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

Well, we certainly aren’t into any of the Benji movies. Woof. No way. However, we did love Chicken Run. I dig (and I get in trouble for it too) Dr. Doolittle. What, Maddie? Animals most certainly can talk! Hank liked March of the Penguins but he walked kinda funny for a while after that one. And the tiger in The Hangover was pretty purry.

Books? Oh, you mean other than to chew on the corners of the cover? Hmm, Scooby-Snack Mom did recently bring home a picture book called If Dogs Could Talk (which, of course they can). Silly dog photos. Great one-liners.

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

More Scooby snacks! Seriously, I think we all would like to have her home more. Sometimes our distraction techniques need a jowl-lift.

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

Happy with her? Hello? She’s the Scooby-Snack Mom.

If we could tell her one thing it would have to be, “Dogs Rule and Cats Drool. Now can we sleep on your bed?”

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

Haven’t you ever heard never bite the hand that feeds you? She gives us double scoops of kibble. She rocks! Okay, okay. Maddie has a secret . . . “ Scooby-Snack Mom talks baby talk to the animals. And she gives nose kisses even when she has coffee breath. Ewwww. What do humans eat?”

CJ here again. One thing Scooby-Snack Mom does that drives me doggy is she uses me as a footstool. No kidding. What do I look like, a fur ottoman? Woof.

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

No, she has not named a character for us. That would be totally undignified. Hank! Stop licking your–

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?

We here down on the farm are all originals. Maddie and I are perfectly happy with our names. CJ, by the way, is the initials for Candi’s Job. Ha! Hank says he is very happy with his name. His previous humans had given him a name that rhymes with Hank but describes a part of the male anatomy. Really.

Well, it’s been a grass-ripping time, but we have to get back to patrolling the farm. Can’t have any wayward poultry escaping the place. Did someone say chicken dinner? Oh, and the Scooby-Snack Mom says she’d love to hear about your animal adventures. Contact her at www.candisterry.com. Woof!

This is the first in a series of coming home stories. In SECOND CHANCE, the heroine, a Hollywood stylist’s estranged mother passes away and she returns home for the first time in 10 years. The high school sweetheart she left behind is now the deputy sheriff and doesn’t quite know if he’s forgiven her for leaving. As she settles back into small town life, the two try to fight their feelings for each other, but the attraction is explosive and they can’t resist its pull for long.

Thanks for visiting!

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The Dog Dish welcomes Gordon Kessler!

Gordon's dog is here helping his person promote the sci-fi thriller "Brainstorm" (and Mom bought a copy for herself already -- because it's only $0.99 for the duration of his tour! How cool is that?) because the more people read Gordon's books, the more dog kibble Jaz gets. You can get it for $0.99 on Kindle here, and in pretty much every format known to man (and dog!) at Smashwords, here.

And even better? Jaz's person is going to draw one name from all the comments on his tour and give them their choice of a basic Kindle, Kobo, Sony Reader or Nook -- so you'll have something to read his books on! For more chances to win, you can visit his other stops on the Goddess Fish Promotions tour.

Now, I'm going to turn the blog over to Jaz.

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

He...my human is a he.

Ooh.. sorry. We don't get many men on the blog. It's a nice change!

I'd pity the female that looked like him. And no, he's not home all day. He claims he "works". But I don't believe him. Sometimes he comes home smelling of other dogs, with blonde fur on his pant legs—I'm a golden retriever. I think he might be having an affair.

Then, when he does come home, he wants to write. Oh, he'll let me take him out for a "walk" once in a while, but they're seldom long enough. And he never lets go of the leash so I can chase rabbits or squirrels. He is s-o-o insecure, that way. Thank the Good Lord and dog biscuits we go to the leash-free "bark" on Saturday mornings. That's what he calls the dog park—thinks he's clever.

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, it's just me, but I do a pretty good job. Sometimes I just sit and stare at him; you know, look up with head bowed—that sad bloodhound look. I suppose my favorite technique is to drop one of my toys in his lap to try to get him to play with it. When he pushes it to the floor, I just go get a different one and try the same thing. I have a whole basketful of toys—it can go on a-l-l night.

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

I get shut out—no, he won't kennel me. He'll kennel himself. He puts furniture between me and his writing desk. That doesn't work if he wants to relax in his recliner to write, though. Sometimes he has the audacity, during a tender moment when I'm lying across his lap, to set his tablet PC on top of me and work on email or his novels!

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

He's pretty good about that, I think. He's got an animal that plays an important role in all of his novels.

In Jezebel, he had all kinds of dogs—dozens. Even the lead character is a dog—a beautiful, female Great Dane. But then he killed off some of the "bad" dogs in the story, and he really paid for that—complaining emails out the tail. He finally had to put a disclaimer in one of his eBook versions of the novel that said something like: "No dogs or other animals were actually hurt in the writing or publishing of this Novel."

In Dead Reckoning, the main character—a female NCIS agent named "Spurs"—has a horse named Rocket.

In Brainstorm, a German Shepherd named Sarge is enlisted to help save his master.

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

Let's hope that never happens. But I could always tinkle on his manuscript. I can get down and dirty when I have to.

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

Dances With Wolves, Old Yeller, Marley and Me (I cried so hard he had to give me three dog biscuits to get me to quit).

His favorite book from his childhood is One Man and His Dog. Loved it!

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

Make him quit writing and pay more attention to me. Writing is way too sedentary—he needs to get out and walk, run and play much more—chase a ball or catch a Frisbee once in a while. Sometimes I wonder if he even knows how.

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

I know he loves me. I'm just a pup and I need more exercise. I'm happy with the love—not with the inactivity.

What things does your human do that would mortify him if it were known? What does your human do that most annoys?

He walks around naked in front of me—disgusting. Also, he sings old Marine cadence songs—some of them quite nasty...nothing for a lady to hear. And he always sings when we're alone in the car—makes me want to just howl!

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

Well...kind of. In his first thriller novel, the main character is a dog named Jezebel (he'll say it's Tony Parker, but don't believe it). Jezebel's master calls her Jazbo—my name is Jaz (short for Jazmine). It's a stretch, but I suppose I'm kinda named after Jezebel. And let me tell you, I don't mind it—that Jezebel is one mean b***h when she has to be. But, in the end, you'll fall in love with her—just like you would with me.

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?

As above, love it. If I could rename myself (sniff, sniff...scratch, scratch...yawn) I suppose it would be Sophia. That's one of those elegant names—like I am.

Thanks for interviewing me. It's nice to get the master's side of the story over the human's once in a while. Well, it's time to take him for a walk—I hope he doesn't forget the poop bags!

Thanks for visiting!

And now, I'm supposed to share some stuff about his book -- and I might only be a dog, but I think his book sounds pretty exciting! Remember to comment and be in the running for your choice of eReader (listed above).

In Brainstorm, Gold Rush seems to be just another sleepy little Colorado community full of friendly, caring citizens, quaint cottages, and a sort of quiet peace, held gently by the picturesque mountains that surround it. However, something isn't right in Gold Rush, and early on a Monday morning Robert Weller awakens with a cautioning and insuppressible voice inside his head. He soon finds a secret behind every door, a motive with every glance, and a lie beneath every spoken word.

After meeting a strange but beautiful woman named Sunny who insists they were once lovers, people begin dropping dead around him and his world twists upside down as paramilitary teams hunt him, and his own wife and friends turn against him. Weller is thrown into the middle of a military mission to rescue thousands of the town's citizens from a plot to destroy the Free World.

Time is running out: Weller, Sunny and thousands of innocent citizens are facing nuclear devastation. Major “Jax” Jackson and a U.S. Air Force Para Rescue team are their only hope—but how can Jax and his PJs save them all, armed only with nonlethal weapons?

Kudos for Brainstorm:

“...as exciting and fast-paced as a thrill ride on a dive bomber, a maelstrom of action, violence, murder and mayhem, way too much fun to put down...based on an actual black CIA program known as ‘Project Stargate. Kessler...really knows his stuff. An outstanding novel.”— Douglas Preston, bestselling author of The Codex, Relic and Book of the Dead and many more.

"...a wild ride into the reality of human consciousness...a kickass adventure story that will have you thrumming through the pages well into the night...handled with stunning effect."— James Rollins, bestselling author of Black Order, Sandstorm and Map of Bones as well as many others.



And a little about Gordon:

Author bio: Gordon A Kessler is a former US Marine parachutist, recon scout, and Super Squad team leader, with a bachelor's degree in creative writing. He is a Master Instructor for Johnson County Community College, National Academy of Railroad Sciences, and the BNSF Railway. He has taught novel writing for Butler County Community College, English Composition for Hutchinson Junior College and has previously indie-published the thriller novels Jezebel and Dead Reckoning, and a book about the novel-writing craft, Novel Writing Made Simple.

He is a founder and former president of the Kansas Writers Association and tries to stay connected to writers and the writing industry by doing speaking engagements at writers conferences and for writers organizations, and has does his own "The Storyteller" seminar in Wichita, Lincoln (Nebraska), Kansas City, and other Midwestern cities based on his Novel Writing Made Simple book. His websites, www.WritersMatrix.com and www.IndieWritersAlliance are landing pages for writers to help them in their writing endeavors.

He also has a Facebook page -- make sure you head on over and join him!

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

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The Dog Dish welcomes authors Mina Carter and BJ Barnes (and their critters)

Hi all! This is Dakota... my mom was busy today, so asked me to introduce our guests. Seems like there's a new book out called "Taming the Vixen", and the authors are busy touring the internet to promote it. Since they're owned by their own critters, so I asked to talk to them. Oops, I've just been told that Mina has fish, and they aren't talking, so BJ asked her four-legged family to visit instead. I hope you'll all make them feel welcome!

I hear that if you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win a cool prize: a $10 Amazon GC. It's no meaty bone, but it'll have to do. If you click that purple banner under here, you'll get to see all the other neat places they'll be on their tour.



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

Queenie: Thanks for having “us”. “Us” includes myself, Queenie (Domestic Shorthair tabby & white kitty - constant indoor and writing companion of Bethany J. Barnes), Devon (Thoroughbred/Quarter Horse cross - longtime trail riding, team penning companion), Tristan (Friesian horse – tall, dark & handsome, newest member of the Barnes family) and Nika (spastic ball chasing, Frisbee catching Australian Shepherd dog). My sisters, Tig and Zoe, declined to participate in this interview. They are too busy taking naps. Ransom, our third horse “sibling” is sunbathing. He’s got to look good for the ladies. I’ll be doing the typing, since my paws are the smallest.

Devon: Tristan’s hooves are too big. He would have crushed the entire laptop. (snickers)

Tristan: Sounds like someone has hoof envy.

Devon: Shut up, I do not! (swishes tail and pins ears back)

Tristan: (satisfied horse smirk)

Queenie: Knock it off you two. It’s bad enough that you kick your stall at all hours, Devon. Sheesh! Yes, our human – Bethany J. Barnes – is home all day and we have access to her 24/7. I usually sit next to her while she’s writing. I love that she’s able to spend so much time at home. More cuddles and pets for me.

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?

Queenie: I like to meow at her a lot and try to crawl into her lap when she’s writing. It’s not very easy, since she’s using a laptop.

Devon: I kick the inside of my stall to make noise to get her to come out to see me…

Tristan: Yeah and then she yells at you to stop kicking.

Devon: So – it works. She’s MY human.

Tristan: Insecurity is such an ugly thing.

Devon: Shut up. You’re nothing more than the horse version of Fabio.

Tristan: (smiles and poses for the camera)

Queenie: (rolls eyes and looks bored) *yawn* They can do this all day long. Moving on…

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

Devon: She doesn’t take me out for trail rides in the mountains as much as she used to. Heck, she doesn’t ride any of us horses as much as she used to.

Tristan: I’d have to agree.

Devon: She doesn’t ride you because you outgrew your bridle, you big, long-haired bas –

Queenie: (cuts off Devon’s tirade and bad language) I haven’t suffered at all. She’s been in the house more than she used to because of her writing.

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

Queenie: Bethany and her co-author of “Taming The Wildcat”, Mina Carter, didn’t write about real animals in their book. They made up some nasty tempered beast called a wild “Hasang” and mentioned it in passing.

Tristan: Nasty tempered? I wonder who they based that on? Any ideas, Devon?

Devon: (glares and bares teeth) Certainly NOT me.

Queenie: I do know that Bethany has two horses in one of her works in progress. I’m sure she’ll add a pretty tabby and white cat before the books is up. (feline grin)

Nika: (comes running in) Someone throw the Frisbee for me! Play, play, play!

Queenie: Silly dog. Why don’t you go back outside and chase your short, stubby tail until you get dizzy and fall over?

Nika: That sounds like fun! Thanks. (runs out to do just that)

Queenie, Devon and Tristan: (all rolling eyes)

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?

Devon: Well, she’d have to write something that isn’t set in outer space for one. I just plan on taking her for some great trail rides in the mountains this summer. That will spark her imagination to write a sweeping epic romance that the heroine also happens to have this great looking bay colored horse –

Tristan: It will be a big, long-haired black Friesian horse, not some spindly-legged bay horse.

Queenie: Moving on again. (bored cat sigh)

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

Tristan: She doesn’t let any of us horses in the house.

Devon: (snickers) Yeah, I think she’s worried we’ll scratch up the hardwood floors.

Tristan: And perhaps leave a big stinky present…

(both laughing at that one)

Queenie: She loves watching movies that have horses in them. A few of the movies she watches have the same breed of horse featured as the hero’s horse as what Tristan is.

Tristan: Baby, I’m a star.

Devon: It wasn’t actually you in those movies, bonehead. You wish!

Tristan: True, I’m better looking than those horses. I’ve been featured on the Cowboy Magic Facebook page more than once.

Devon: So have I.

Tristan: Only once.

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

Devon: That she’d spend more time with me and take me out for long rides.

Tristan: Ditto.

Queenie: I’m perfectly happy with her.

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

Devon: Yes, I’m very happy with her. I’ve been with her the longest. Eighteen years. Beat that, Tristan. She trained me herself and we’ve spent countless days riding in the desert around Tucson, Arizona. We moved two years ago up to Idaho. I tell her I love her all the time now, by hugging her.

Tristan: I’m very happy with her. She loves all of her horses, but I give the best hugs. I’d tell her I’m glad she picked me out of all the Friesians she had to choose from. She drove all the way from Idaho, through Arizona first to visit a friend, to eastern Kansas to pick me up. All by herself! I, too, tell her I love her.

Queenie: I already answered…I’m happy. I’d tell her to get off the damned computer and pet me more. Just kidding. I’d tell her how much I like cuddling with her.

Nika: (barking from outside) Very happy! Happy dog. (pants) I’d tell her to throw the Frisbee! Or even a ball. A ball would be good too! (gets distracted by small furry animal) SQUIRREL!

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

Queenie: We’re sworn to secrecy. She feeds us and takes care of us, so we’d never tell anything too embarrassing. Um…she makes faces when she’s writing or reading. It’s quite funny.

What’s most annoying about Bethany? How she sometimes has to get up to do something right after I’ve made myself comfortable on her lap. It’s so rude to make me move after I’ve found the perfect, comfy position.

Devon: When she gives Tristan or Ransom apples, carrots or treats before me. She doesn’t do it often though. Seniority rules!

Tristan: Seniority drools! Senior is right, old man. Didn’t you just turn 20 this month?

Devon: Yes, I did. You know what you need, Tristan?

Tristan: No. What’s that?

Devon: (kicks Tristan and watches him falls down) Respect for your elders! (snickers)

Tristan: (groans)

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

Tristan: Yes, she has. (big horsey grin) In her work in progress that she’s taking her own sweet time writing, she has a horse that is a dead ringer for me. I’d have to say it IS me, since she even named it Tristan…after yours truly. I’m very pleased.

Devon: Braggart! She hasn’t named one after me yet, but I know for a fact that she based the other horse in that book on me and my sparkling person…er…horsenality. Even though it doesn’t look like me, it’s me.

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?

Tristan: Yes, she named me after Tristan Aragon, from “Tristan and Isolde”. Also after Tristan Ludlow from “Legends of The Fall” and Tristan from a movie called “Stardust”…and of course, let’s not forget Tristan of Camelot and the legend of the knights of the Round Table. I love the name she gave me. It’s easier to pronounce than my registered name, which is Thijs. I was born in The Netherlands in 2006 and imported to the United States in July 2009. Wow…I’ve been in America for two years now!

Devon: Do you ever shut up? I wasn’t named after a fictional character, but a place. Two places actually. Devon, England…because Bethany would love to go there some day to see the countryside there and Devon, Pennsylvania…because there are a lot of horse shows there that she’s watched on TV for years. I love my name.

Queenie: Okay, before Tristan starts talking about how beautiful he is again, I’d better thank you for allowing us to stop by and visit with you. It’s really cool that your human lets you interview other author’s pets. For the readers of Marianne’s blog (your very cool and hip human) Please check out our human’s book, “Taming The Wildcat” that she wrote with her friend and co-author, Mina Carter. We hope you like Bethany and Mina’s book.

Devon: Oh gross! Tristan farted. Time to go.

Tristan: I did not!

Queenie: (wrinkles nose) Oh dear…and on that note, we’ll be leaving now. I’m off for a cat nap and these two nags have to get back to the barn...but if your human’s friends have any questions for us, I’ll be back after my nap to answer to the best of my ability. We’ll make sure that Tristan chews up a few boxes of Gas-X before we bring him into an enclosed area again. Meow for now. =D

Fresh out of a disciplinary that almost ruined her career and landed her in jail, Summer King is out for a much needed night on the town...or bar district in her local space station. It seems this King girl can't stay out of trouble though, causing a bar brawl within minutes of her arrival.

Roz Taren is a mercenary, leader of the Wildcats, and a man who knows what he wants. Right now, that's the pretty girl in the purple dress. Rescuing her from the unwanted attentions of a bunch of drunks lands her right in his bed for the hottest weeked he's ever experienced.

Then she's recalled and Roz discovers his little firebird is a fleet pilot aka insane crazy with a side of total fruitloop. Fleet pilots live fast, die young and leave legends behind. When he receives word her ship is lost with all hands, Roz must bury her along with his heart.

Only this firebird isn't your garden variety. This bird is a Phoenix...one out to tame a Wildcat

.

BJ Barnes -

A fiery-tempered stay at home mom by day, Bethany J. Barnes is really a superhero in disguise. Equally at home creating fantastical worlds and the men and women who inhabit them or driving armed across county to collect a hot male (her gorgeous horse, Tristan), she'll happily wrestle rattlesnakes, rescue baby owls or perform strenuous casting tests for male leads in her stories. An active RPGer, B.J. is equally happy writing hot paranormal or steamy sci-fi and is the mainstay of many online games. An accomplished photographer, B.J.'s specialties are concert and equine photography. She’s dabbled in wedding photography, but has no patience for Bridezillas.

PS – She’s been known to shoot a bumble bee hovering in midair. Not a lady to be messed with!

Mina Carter - Mina Carter was born and raised in Middle Earth (otherwise known as the Midlands, England). After a slew of careers ranging from logistics to land-surveying she can now be found in the wilds of Leicestershire with her husband and young daughter…the true boss of the family.

Suffering the curse of eternal curiosity Mina never tires of learning new skills which has led to Aromatherapy, Corsetry, Chain-maille making, Welding, Canoeing, Shooting, and pole-dancing to name but a few. A veteran Star Trek RPGer, she’s run both games and groups of games but now finds her home in Bravo Fleet, one of the internet’s oldest Star Trek simm groups.

She juggles being a mum, working full time and writing, tossing another ball in the air with her cover artwork. For Mina, writing time is the wee hours of the morning before anyone wakes up and starts making demands, or any spare minute that can be begged, bought or conned.

Her first stories were penned at age 11, when she used a stationery set meant for Christmas thank you letters to write stories instead. More recently, she wrote for her own amusement and to save on outrageous monthly book bills. Now she’s totally addicted and needs her daily writing fix or heads roll!
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The Dog Dish Goes to the Birds!

Today Dakota interviews Petri Lender (and did so without drooling -- not an easy task, considering her opinion of birds :::nom nom:::). Petri Lender is a sun conure extraordinaire and owner of Fantasy Author Sandy Lender. You can visit his facebook page at “Petri the Parrot” on facebook.com.

This interview is part of Sandy's virtual tour celebrating the release of her Young Adult fantasy book, "Problems on Eldora Prime" ... but more about that (and about her cool giveaway) at the end of the interview.

Without further ado, welcome Petri!

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

Petri: “My mom (Sandy Lender) is home all day and pretty easy to access, but not because she’s writing books. She’s an editor for a magazine, which is what she says ‘pays the bills and buys the toys.’ She tells me that the royalty checks should start showing up now that she has six books out there in the world. Three have been released during October and November, so I’m ready for the cool toys to start pouring in.”

Dakota: What are your techniques for distracting your human during crucial writing moments, just because it's fun?

Petri: “I try not to disturb my mom too much when she’s writing because she looks so peaceful and content. Of course, there are times when I require attention. If a hawk flies by outside, she’s GOT to deal with that. Hawks are natural predators; therefore evil. I need her to close the blinds immediately so it disappears. To get her attention, and get it fast, I scream. If she doesn’t respond immediately, I fly down off my playgym in her general direction, but that’s really a last-ditch effort. Flying takes so much energy.”

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

Petri: “I’m the center of the universe, so I don’t tolerate any type of neglect. If my water gets too warm or if my food dish contains only the yucky green pellets that I don’t care for, I let my mom know that something’s wrong and she tends to it. What’s nice is she usually anticipates these problems and rectifies them before they get out of hand. Now, I will tell you that she goes on these writing binges sometimes that leave me alone for 12 or 14 hours at a time. I can only tolerate that for so long. I mean, I can nap and play with my toys and climb around on my playgym for a while…I’m very smart and good at entertaining myself…but we all have our limits.”

Dakota: I know the feeling... that's when I start bringing over my toys, one by one, and dropping them at my mom's feet. She usually responds.

So, tell me about the birds in your human's fiction. How often do they appear and how big a part do they play?

Petri: “My mom’s only included one falcon in the Choices Meant for Gods series. It’s supposed to be very pretty and all, but, you know, after looking at me, I don’t know how she can think a plain ol’ brown bird is pretty.”

Dakota: I'm with you on that, being rather colorful myself.

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

Petri: “Oh. This is a sad question. My mom watched a movie called ‘Paulie’ with Tony Shaloub in it that had a parrot who was separated from his person. She saw it at the movie theatre and cried and cried and cried. She won’t ever watch that movie again. Then there was a movie called ‘The Parrots of Telegraph Hill’ that she sat down to watch with me. We were really enjoying all the conures and their antics, but it started to get sad, too, and she wouldn’t let me watch the end of it. She got rid of that DVD. Now we just share the hardwood floor commercial with the naughty macaw who cages the cat. :::Hee hee:::. I think that’s pretty funny.”

Dakota: My mom won't watch sad movies, either. Especially if the dog dies. If you could make one change to your human, what would it be?

Petri: “I’d get her to stop using the evil vacuum cleaner.”

Dakota: ::::shudders and nods emphatically::::

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

Petri: “I’m very happy with my mom. She’s awesome and liberal with the treats.”

Dakota: What things does your human do that would mortify her if known? What does your human do that most annoys?

Petri: “Oh! The thing that annoys me to death is when she hands out treats to the other birds before me. She has this idea that she needs to be ‘fair,’ so she makes us take turns being first each day. I don’t get that. I’ve been with her since forever. I should always be first. Always.”

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

Petri: “I don’t know if the name ‘Petri’ works in the fantasy worlds my mom creates. She comes up with names for dragons and faeries and that kind of thing, and ‘Petri’ doesn’t quite fit in there.”

Dakota: She invents the worlds, right? Then she decides what's right or wrong there. I think you need to talk to her about that. She might include a smart, beautiful character named 'Dakota', too. Just a thought.

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?

Petri: “Yes, I’m named after Petri, the young pterodactyl in the movie ‘The Land Before Time.’ In the movie, he saves the day when he finally flies. It’s an awesome moment. I think it’s a great name for me because I’m important like that and I like the idea of being named after a ferocious pterodactyl.”

Dakota: Thanks for visiting today! Good luck to your Mistress with her new book. Can you share what it's about?

Problems Mount! When 17-year-old pilot Khiry Okerson crashes on Eldora Prime, alarms still ring in her ears. She might have solved one problem, but she courts more danger than she realizes when she liberates some unexpected hostages on a foreign planet. Will the dragons she releases become her allies? It’s more likely they’ll join the inhabitants of this unforgiving world to hunt terraformers and the Instigator’s dwindling crew.

Khiry must find a way off this rock and into the United Society for Peace and Strength’s good graces. She’s got a capable marksman on her team in the handsome and renown Kor, but Khiry still wonders how her people can escape with a captain’s treason on her hands and a political leader’s sister in her care—care she can’t guarantee.

As part of her tour, She will also be giving away magnets to several randomly drawn commenters and a dragon ornament to one randomly drawn commenter. So leave a comment and let Petri know you were here -- he LIVES for comments. Don't let him down!

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