Amy Shojai's Blog, page 114
July 29, 2013
Monday Mentions: Dolphins, Parakeets, Thrillers & Bears
Fancy writing footgear: unicorns, flamingos, bunnies-with-pointy-teeth, Freudian slippers, zombies and angry bird.
More of the same…plus BEAR slippers (very appropriate after this past week!).
I’ve just returned from a week-long writer retreat in the mountains. Oh, the hummingbirds, the squirrels, the deer–the bear! and just the view proved inspiring. I managed to get more fictioning done over the past week than in the entire previous month, woot! I may have to write bear-able prose into the book after one midnight marauder tore off half the garage door. And then, the night before we left, he got inside my friend’s CAR! Luckily he butt-honked the horn before more than a box of cereal was victimized, and the car escaped any damage. Who knew bears could open car doors? I’ll share more pictures and maybe even video soon.
My friends and I have made this an annual trip for the past 20 years. Not all of us can go every year, but we’re all there in spirit.This year in honor of the bunny-slippers-with-teeth, I wanted to share the fun and so got each of my writer friends an appropriate pair of writerly foot-gear. You’ll have to check out both pictures, since somehow I missed getting ALL the slippers into a single image.
We dream about this trip all year long, and once we arrive, the time speeds by. Much of our time is spent out on the deck with a view of the mountains and within earshot of rushing streams. The fresh air, sublime food (picnic beside a rushing stream!), and even better company cast away the every day stresses. It’s sort of an emotional re-boot.
Do you and your family or group of friends have a similar go-to spot? How does that help you in your life? Do tell!
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the SQUEEE! cute pet-astic videos at the bottom, too. It’s fascinating to think how dolphins communicate–and compare it to they parakeet chatter. I’ve also included another Thrillerfest video from the awesome MEDICAL THRILLER panel. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Could Chocolate Save Bookstores?
CJ Lyons, Does Free Still Work?
5 Ways to Fix Publishing from The Daily Beast, a long but good article
How to Write Historical Novels
Publisher Stealing Series? oh my goodness…actually I once submitted a proposal my editor declined and then later saw that same book written by someone else published by the same house. Ulterior motive? or great minds thinking alike?
What’s In Store for Penguin Random House the new guy in charge speaks
Stephen King on First Sentences
Misery Molecule neat info for possible plot point?
B&N Can Thrive…IF! a great piece on how to resurrect this great store
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Interview with New AVMA President the first woman in this position!
How to Give Nebulizer Treatment to Asthmatic Cat
Cat Exhibit in Brooklyn Museum
CreditCare Called Into Question is the interest too high?
Wigglebutt 2014 Fundraiser fun stuff! on the furry heels of the Wigglebutt Wedding, this is the next incarnation.
20-Year-Old Dog Schoep Passed Away
Fostering Love of Animals a quick tip article from BecomeANanny, do you agree with the advice?
Your email:
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 26, 2013
Catnip Clues & STARE-’o-DEATH!
Okay, my blog “burped” last Saturday…and posted this blog early. So if you already read it, sorry about that.
I’m repeating this blog covering catnip and why dogs stare from 2011 because…well, I’ve got a whole bunch new followers, AND the schedule for fiction-ing leaves me little time these days. Besides, it’s my blog and I make up the rules as I go along. So there! Also, I figured the blog needed a serious influsion of sparkle-icity to keep with the “bling” theme. I’ve not posted any “new” Ask Amy videos in a while but that’s on my to-do list so please offer suggestions for topics in the comments.
To start things out on the right paw, today I’ve posted two. Here’s one about cats and catnip:
And just to offer equal fair play, here’s an Ask Amy about doggy eyeball communication:
Please share–do your cats carry the “catnip gene?” How often do they get a kitty fix? Did you get ‘em on film? *snicker*
And for the dog-matic followers, have you ever experienced the canine stare-’o-death? Of course my Magical-dawg also stares at me when he wants me to read his mind…. “Time for a car ride, yes yes yes???!”
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 24, 2013
What Is Alternative Pet Care?
This gorgeous pup has fun in the “natural” undergrowth…but poison mushrooms are natural, too! Image Copr. D. Garding/Flickr
Many pet products companies have joined the “natural” revolution but is this because they truly feel that’s better for our cats and dogs–or is it simply a marketing ploy? And how can pet parents decide what’s best for their cats and dogs, and see through all the hand-waving hype?
Some year’s ago I wrote a book for Rodale Press titled New Choices in Natural Healing for Dogs & Cats which I believe now is out of print. Before that assignment I really didn’t know a lot–or think very much of–the “natural” wave of pet care since I’m a prove-it-to-me-with-science kind of person. But after interviewing dozens and dozens of scientific-type researchers and veterinarians who embraced some or all of these new-but-old-fashioned modalities, I not only learned a lot but began to respect the alternative viewpoint.
As with any trend, though, there are those who take advantage and dish up quackery alongside the quality options, so it’s still very much up to us to “vet” our pet care. The same is true for conventional medicine, too. There’s a reason they call it the PRACTICE of medicine–it is as much an art as a science, and what’s the best choice for my animal companions may be the wrong one for yours.
To offer an overview of some of the big-picture ideas in holistic/alternative pet care, I posted several new articles to my puppies.about.com site. Find out more about:
What Is Holistic & Alternative Veterinary Medicine
Veterinary Acupuncture Answers
What Is Veterinary Homeopathy?
What kinds of “natural” care do you use for your fur kids? Why did you choose to go natural–or do you ascribe to the best-of-both-worlds with “integrated” veterinary medicine approach? How do you work with your veterinarian to give your pets perfect care choices for your situation? The affiliate link (below) offers holistic, homeopathic and other “natural” pet care products.
Dognition celebrates National Hot Dog Day (yesterday!) by offering 50% off their dog personality test through the end of the month. Customers just need to use code HOTDOG during check out.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 22, 2013
Monday Mentions: Thrillerfest Debuts, Videos & Pet-astic Links!
Here’s the Thrillerfest Debut Authors after the breakfast–Image copr. Alan Jacobson
I’m head-down in the midst of writer-icity, working on the sequel to my thriller, HIDE AND SEEK so this will be a brief check in. I’ll catch y’all on Facebook and Twitter throughout this week but plan to be scarce everywhere but inside my head, LOL!
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the awesome videos from Thrillerfest at the bottom, too. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Thriller Awards! Here are the winners
More Thriller-icity from August McLaughlin
Exploitation via Penguin Random House Merger a well researched blog by the savvy David Gaughran
Tips from Bob Mayer for Authors
Rowling Undercover so what do you think? Was pub’ing as an “unknown” her idea (“it was liberating!”) or a nifty marketing ploy?
How To Get Reviewed DO and DON’T tips from a reviewer
10 Tips for Great Critique Partnerships from the always awesome Jenny Hansen
Building Mail Lists One Reader At A Time
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Morris Animal Foundation Cat Heart Disease Study
Bear Cam! Live video feed of bears and salmon fishing and here’s one of Mom-Bear protecting 3 cute cubs!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 19, 2013
Cooling Kitten Play Aggression
Even sweet kittens develop “the crazies” …they just cain’t hep it! Image Copr Maria Magnus/Flickr
It never fails when a new kitten arrives. We oooooh and ahhh and the lil’ snuggle baby seduces us with purrs and sweet whisker kisses, and looks so darned innocent when she falls asleep on our lap.
And then that wide eyed wonder turns into the DEVIL CAT with claws out ambushing ankles and launching from hidden spots. When Seren was a baby (gosh, that was 16 years ago!) she used my legs as move-able scratching posts. Ouch!
The spring crop of kittens by now has reached the age when kitten play aggression takes over. If you don’t have other cats for her to learn better claw-and-teeth manners, you’re in for a rough few weeks. But she WILL outgrow the behavior. Meanwhile, the Ask Amy tips below will help you keep your sanity.
I’ve lots more kitten care tips in the book Complete Kitten Care as well as the ComPETability: Cats behavior book. Your turn. I know a number of very cat-savvy folks follow this blog. What tips can you share about managing the kitten’s juvenile delinquent behavior? Do tell!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 17, 2013
Saint Spot Syndrome & Puppy Development
Maybe the baby-dog “channels” Saint Spot…to do you both honor. Image Copr. Dave Garber/Flickr
I notice a lot of increased interest lately in “new puppy” information including puppy development. It must be all the cute lil’ guys that arrived in homes this past spring and summer. There’s nothing cuter than a baby dog (or baby anything, really!), and I am totally convinced that puppies are made that way so we’ll forgive them all the silly-crazy-stoopid-destructiveness that comes with them.
Are you familiar with Saint Spot Syndrome? Well…probably not because I just made that up. 
Basically, Saint Spot Syndrome refers to comparing the new clueless cute puppy to that heart-dog that may still share your heart and home, or maybe awaits you across the mystical Rainbow Bridge. Any little pup will suffer mightily in the comparison.
Remember that you spent many years together with the other canine, and likely had rough spots together, too. But time churns the memory cream until the sweetest butter remains and the sour stuff drains away–so give the newcomer a break. Heck, maybe Saint Spot sent him/her to you. Among trainers there’s a saying that we always get the dog that we NEED at that moment in time.
I like that notion.
Here’s some hope for getting past some of the puppy-icity angst. You can learn what to expect in this article about puppy development birth to 12 weeks and then puppy development 10 weeks to adult.
So do you have a young-ish canine giving you fits? How do you reconcile the differences between New Boy and your beloved’s memory? Or does it matter to you?
I want to welcome my newest affiliate to the blog, too–find fun pet-themed gifts for yourself and your pets at the ASPCA Store!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 15, 2013
Monday Mentions: Thrillerfest & Bunny Slippers with Teeth
I’m just home from Thrillerfest. What an amazing experience! This wasn’t my first attendance but was special and a stand-out in so many ways. That’s me at the Debut Author table on Saturday morning with 26 others in our class who were able to attend the July 13 breakfast. There were 60 in the whole class this year–wow! Here’s a Library Journal article.
Each of us had 60-seconds to say anything we wanted. Many talked briefly about themselves, their book, and their journey to reach that wonderful goal, and I was so honored to be among these talented writers, and inspired by their dedication and effort. And yes, a little teary that I’d managed to climb that thrilling mountain, too. Six years ago, I sat in the audience and felt lost…and truly didn’t believe I’d ever have that opportunity. But I went home, put on my bunny slippers and wrote the thriller I’d always wanted to read. LOST AND FOUND was born at Thrillerfest and because of ITW, today my bunny slippers have TEETH and I write Thrillers With Bite!
And yes, I wore my bunny slippers with pointy teeth to the breakfast–you’ll notice the ears also have bling. Enjoy a few of the pictures from the weekend (below) and then you can click on the Thrillerfest 2013 Set for more pictures. Be sure to scroll down to catch the short video from the banquet–I will have some more fun video from the weekend soon, too!
My roomies–Carol Shenold and Paula Lanier. Thursday evening dinner outside at a terrific restaurant owned by Paula’s friend David.
The always classy Steve Berry graciously allows a photo op.
Lee Child at the Friday evening “Fan Fest” (one of my many fan-girl moments!)
Again at the FanFest event, that’s me with the gorgeous thriller gals–August McLaughlin, Carol Shenold, Paula Lanier
More famous authors! August, Doug Lyle, Carol, moi and the gorgeous Twist Phelan. (Can you tell Doug is in heaven?)
We were guests at FanFest courtesy of the WONDERFUL Diane Capri (far right). We even color coordinated…great minds. *s*
Me with the WANA-Mama Kristen Lamb!
Paula, John Land and me…our “annual photo shoot.”
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. Check out the Simon’s Cats pet-astic videos at the bottom, too. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
Ways to Boost Books After Awards Wins
Reading/Writing Boosts Cognition well…duh!
Marketing Maze–A Guide Through the Jungle?
Kristin Nador’s Blog with some important videos for keeping your writing hands healthy
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Outsmarting Cats by my colleague and terrific writer/artist Wendy Christensen, is an update of her 2004 terrific Outwitting Cats. You won’t want to miss her terrific illustrations (and great info!).
Iran Bans Dogs in Public Places
Planet Dog Foundation Gives $1 Million! I love this company, they donate a portion of every sale to service dog organizations…and they make GREAT products! (Magical-Dawg luvs their schtuff)
Dr. Sophia Yin’s Guide to Low-Stress Handling hey y’all, it’s FREE for a limited time!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 12, 2013
Cats, Books & Litter-ary Tastes
As you read this, I am in New York at Thrillerfest, celebrating the best writing in thrillers around. It seemed appropriate to offer a post today about the relationship between cats and books–since felines figure so much in my own writing. What’s the deal with cats and reading material, anyway?
In my line of work, my most successful autograph parties happen at dog or cat shows. Invariably I end up with kitty kibitzing in terms of the felines choosing their own pick-of-the-litter-ary selection. How about you?
Do your cats enjoy books? What’s their relationship with reading material? Even with my Kindle, Seren-kitty insists on planting her furry nether regions on top of the screen. Why do cats like to SIT on books? For my answer…scroll down to the video Ask Amy, below. Enjoy!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 10, 2013
Hot Weather Water Games
Yikes! It’s hot-hot-hot here in Texas, nearing triple digits and the Magical-Dawg is NOT happy. He misses his daily Frisbee marathons but with the temperatures so warm, I’m afraid for him to over-do. Heatstroke is a reality in 
this weather. Learn the signs and first aid for heatstroke here.
Meanwhile, the video (below) gives a taste of not only the Frisbee fun he loves, but Magic’s other most-favorite-summer-game. In fact I think this past Sunday he searched out another SKUNK so he’d get a bath again, so he could play water-tag. Thank you to the nice folks at Lambert Kay for sending me samples of their new Skunk-Off products to review. And yes, it did a fine job–check out the skunky redux blog and brief review here.
How do your dogs deal with the weather? Please share your tips for keeping hot dogs cool customers!
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
July 8, 2013
Monday Mentions: Desk Treadmills, Thrillerfest & Persian Problems
On Thursday I get on a plane to fly to New York City and attend Thrillerfest–YEEEE-HAW! Yes, I’m just a wee bit excited. I have my camera packed and will bring back lots of photos and some short videos of various writer-icity sessions to share on future Monday Mentions blogs.
LifeSpan Treadmill Desk
In fact, I spent the last several days writing blogs, newspaper columns and puppy-licious content ahead to clear my calendar (and my head!) in preparation for head-down writer-icity on the next thriller. I have no doubt that when I return from Thrillerfest, the inspiration will carry me through the rest of the month and beyond. Stay tuned for pictures and videos from the event!
What do you do to inspire your writing (or other) goals? Go for walks? Sing in the shower? Play Frisbee tag with a furry friend? These days I’m walking-while-writing on that neato-torpedo desk-treadmill. And since I only use it while working in my office, it’s totally tax deductible! Yep, I can still put in the 8-12 hour writing days while logging anywhere from 1-4 hours walking at the same time. How do you stay in shape–while fighting the desk-spread-blues? Do share!
Monday Mentions is the mash-up-day of all the neato-torpedo writer links and videos, pet schtuff and bling and writer-icity crappiocca collected over the past week. For new followers to the blog, welcome! and you can expect more cat and dog specific schtuff later in the week on Wednesday and Friday.
WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF
B&N Shelves PubIt! yes, it’s shutting down on July 10
Penguin & Random House Marriage
Why FB Shouldn’t Replace Author Websites from the always insightful Jane Friedman
Hachette To By Disney’s Adult Trade Imprint Hyperion
All About Ingram Spark take a look at the platform here and another discussion here.
Poetry Society of Texas Conference July 12 & 13
Spotify for Books? oooh this could get testy
Avoid Publishing-Assisted Suicide
Coffitivity are you kidding me? ambient coffee house sounds for the creatives
Killer Nashville August 22 – 25 if you missed Thrillerfest, check out this great conference with lots of literary agents and editors
How To Tell A Story this is an inspiring 20-minute TED TALK video writers really need to see
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Cats “Play Dumb” to Survive here’s a fun and intriguing article that…well…cat owners knew this already but it’s nice science finally agrees!
American Humane’s Hero Dogs Awards plan now for this October bash!
CH InTheWind Peadar Ronan of Donegal (Ronan)
Ronan’s Big Heart Do you love Persians? Have a longhaired kitty friend? adore cats in general? All felines benefit from studies to treat and ultimately eliminate hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart ailment that took Ronan’s life August 2012. Ronan’s beloved human, Jeanne O’Donnell, is passionate about this cause for her own Persian beauties and pet cats everywhere, and calls this endeavor RONAN’S BIG HEART in honor of this lovely fellow. The genetic marker HAS been found for Maine Coons and Ragdoll cats–funding is all that stands in the way for studies to continue for Persians.
HCM Ricky Fund Brochure & Form for Persian research
Along with Jeanne, I urge you to spread the word in the pet cat community to make a donation to Persian Research via the Ricky Fund, allocated through the Winn Feline Foundation. She says, “Your participation can add miles to this research endeavor and help to ensure the future of the Persian cat breed.”
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, check out weekly FREE PUPPY CARE newsletter, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my THRILLERS WITH BITE!
