Amy Shojai's Blog, page 115
June 3, 2013
Monday Mentions: Thrillerfest, Debuts & Dreams-Come-True
I’m a DEBUT THRILLER AUTHOR!
Late last week I got the notice from ITW that the Thrillerfest Schedule has been posted here. I missed the very first Phoenix event in 2006, but have attended every one since. If you read thrillers/mysteries/suspense or write them–THIS is the conference for you!
I’d just about decided to quit writing altogether, because of changes to publishing, when ITW started making some noise. So I took a chance and invested the $$ (it’s not inexpensive!) and traveled to NYC.
July 13, 2007 I was in the audience at the Debut Author’s Breakfast and was incredibly moved and awestruck by the talented group who today are household names in the thriller lexicon. And I wondered…what would it be like, to someday sit up there on the dais as a debut thriller author? Pipe dream, right? Well you gotta dream it before it can happen!
At that first Thrillerfest in 2007, I met my future editor Jen Talty (we were strangers but became roommates!), met my future publisher Bob Mayer, met MANY of my writing heroes including James Rollins and Doug Lyle who offered this debut author incredibly generous cover endorsements.
On July 13, 2013 exactly SIX YEARS after my first Thrillerfest experience, I will be on that dais, one of nearly 30 authors in the Debut Thriller Class of 2012-2013.
This would not have happened without International Thriller Writers, Thrillerfest, my publisher Cool Gus Publishing and dozens of generous established authors (too many to mention!) as well as my “bunny slippers” debut gang who inspired me, offered insight, and mentorship along the way. And it would not have happened without YOU, the readers, who took a chance on this nonfiction writer’s dream of exploring fiction-icity through dog viewpoint.
ITW and Thrillerfest showed me the possibilities. But readers made it a reality. Because of my PAW-some readers, my debut thriller LOST AND FOUND is the beginning of a new career and adventure.
Thank you! And now–please please PLEASE take a chance and follow your OWN furry dreams!
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 ROSES VIDEO at the bottom–a glimpse around my house (please forgive the weeds!) 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
Agents & Editors Conference in TEXAS
Craftfest & ThrillerFest in NYC
Lights! Cameras! Action! Media Training for Writers (and Others)this is the next Webinar I’m presenting June 15
Interesting Blogger Survey what bloggers want in brand relationships…do you agree?
89 Awesome Book Marketing Ideas wowzer…lots to ponder and incorporate!
Hybrid Author Sylvia Day…on Ebooks & Writing Careers this is a must-read, folks
6 Reasons Writers See No Value in Facebook …and ways to overcome the perception
10 Reasons NOT to Be A Writer dare ya NOT to laugh!
Techie Helps & Hinders for Modern Sleuths
National Book Awards Submissions Due June 3
Laws Governing Give-Aways BLOGGERS THIS MEANS YOU!
Novel Writing Master Class from former senior editor (Random House)
5 Ways to Market (While You Write More)
Poetry Contest…just sharing, I know nothing more about this *s*
7 Deadly Myths of Digital Publishing
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
Compounded Meds for Pets AT RISK! check this out
Morris Animal Foundation CAPTION THIS! Contest, what fun!
What’s He Feeling? Dog Photos & Human Interpretation Spot-On
Dog Bite Statistic Infograph some very important issues YOU need to know!
Weird Wonderful Pet Fanatics another fun info-graphic
Morris Animal Foundation Wildlife Research Grants including the Betty White Wildlife Project that includes research into sea lion pup deaths, wow!
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!
May 31, 2013
Cat Breed Traits
What’s the typical breed personality of a Toyger?
Many folks think ALL CATS ARE ALIKE…*hisssssss* and of course we know better. There may not be as many cat breeds, but they are just as unique and interesting as the dogs. And not everyone is aware that there are a few breed tendencies when it comes to kitty personality and temperament.
I’d love to get your input–and please SHARE SHARE SHARE this over the blog-osphere and Facebook and Twitterverse to get pet people’s input.
In the comments section, I’d love for you to state your cat’s breed — if s/he’s a mix, and you know the combo, include that. Or for fun (let’s get REALLY creative) include the color and/or coat pattern and maybe we’ll get some trends of personality linked to coat color/type. And then please describe your cat’s personality. Finally, say whether this an expected personality for the breed.
So for Seren, I’d say she’s a mix (Domestic Shorthair), and a “seal point” wannabe Siamese pattern. She’s confident, dislikes strangers, incredibly devoted/bonded to my husband and me, and talks constantly both with meows and tail-semaphore. The talky bit and pushing cat behavior are a trait of Siamese.
Oh, and she currently has singed whiskers because she got too close to candles a couple nights ago when a storm blew out our electricity. Guess that means she’s “hot stuff,” right?
Your turn! Oh, and if I end up using your quote I’ll include your pet’s name (and yours if you like) in the updated book (if I can ever get the sucker finished)!
Oh, and on another note…maybe you noticed I’ve updated the blog? What do you think? 
The old theme didn’t play nice with a new plugin (check out the BOOK TABLE page). Hope to get all my books added soon–AND include some “recommended” books from colleagues. Feel free to list in the comments some of your favs you think that I should include.
Final note–check out details about the Ebooks For Writers Webinar (tomorrow) plus a free online class here.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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!
May 30, 2013
Ebooks For Writers & FREE Blogging Class!
SUCK IT UP! Publish Your E-book!
Yes, I’m updating my blog design–mostly to accommodate the nifty new plugin BOOK TABLE to spotlight my own and (hopefully) other folks’ books that I recommend. This all happened because I took the Ebook plunge–and you can, too!
Two weeks ago I presented EBOOKS FOR BLOGGERS at the awesome BlogPaws.com conference, but I only had 20 minutes to share 90+ minutes of info. So I promised folks to repeat the FULL session as a Webinar (use the code BLOGPAWS to get a discount!).
EBOOKS FOR WRITERS, Saturday, June 1st from 2-3:30 Eastern Time
Ebooks for Writers is designed for beginning or experienced writers who are new to”indie” publishing, scared to take the plunge but frustrated by the state of publishing. This seminar is a live 90-minute class with Power Point (and lots of SQUEEE! cute animal picture illustrations!). It answers your questions and gives you a life-preserver to keep you afloat as you dive off the self-publishing cliff. You will learn:
Pros & Cons of Ebook Publishing compared to “Tradititional”
Options Available from DIY platforms to for-hire services
Costs involved (including free options)
Resources for helpful self publishing software, editorial assistance and cover design help
Practical step-by-step how-to “Kindle-ize” your manuscript
Formatting tips for illustrations, covers, sidebars and table of contents
Promotional must-knows including DO’s and DON’TS!
Further information, available as a down-load/handout.
Learn how to monetize your work–I’m earning more royalties now than I ever did pub’d by “New York.”
FREE! FREE! FREE! for BLOGGER-ICITY!
FREE BLOGGING FOR BEGINNERS
Some of y’all remember when I transferred my wordpress.com site to a self-hosted one — courtesy of Blogelina (she also specializes in changing from Blogger to WordPress). I just got a notice that she’s offering a FREE beginners course on blogging, woot! Who doesn’t like free? I like her services so much that I just joined her Affiliate Program (yes, I do get a referral fee). But when it’s a FREE course, I love sharing the info! Just “click” on the image over there
Just a reminder: This offer ends this weekend!
Blogelina is once again offering her very popular 4-week blogging class — for FREE!
If you sign up for this free class, here’s what you’ll get:
A class manual – packed with 60 pages of information that will help take the overwhelming out of starting your own blog
4 weekly online class sessions where you can ask your questions and get personalized feedback
A FREE year of web hosting .
Blueprints, step-by-step tutorials, networking with other bloggers - Everything you need to grow your blog.
Save yourself a lot of time, trouble, and money – learn from my own experiences what to do and not to do.
Go here to sign up for the FREE 4-week blogging class.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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!
May 29, 2013
Maddie’s Fund Hosts Mega-Adoption Events June 1-2
Are you looking for a new furry-best-friend? Now’s your chance to give a needy pet that forever-home you both yearn for.
They’re always there, ready to join your family and seek out that just-right-sleeping-spot on your lap…and make themselves at home in your heart. Each and every one is a missing puzzle piece that will make some special human whole again. Betcha didn’t know you had that hole in your heart…the solution is near. So what are you waiting for?
“Black and white, brindle or tabby,
Merle or brown, sable, Abby
Persian, Collie, whole or fixed,
Rainbow pets…your perfect picks…” *
Maddie’s Fund calls the upcoming June 1-2 adoption event a “Super Bowl for Second Chances.” If you’re like many of us in the pet community, you know that spring brings boatloads of kittens and puppies that fill area shelters to bursting. Prepping for this furry bounty means making room for the newcomers. To do that, the current cat and dog residents need new homes.
The two-day adopt-athon aims to match-make pet-people connections for 5,000 cats and dogs in eight communities in five states. WOW! More than 150 pet shelters and rescues are taking part, and Maddie’s Fund ® is dedicating $4 million to this “free adoption” effort. Find participating shelter locations here.
“Whoops or planned, shown or banned,
Shelter, rescue, foster, pound,
Bottle babies, purebred ladies,
Perfect, damaged, all are found.” *
“Human nature is to procrastinate and the free adoption weekends, with all their high-energy and media attention, encourage people to do what they’ve been planning on doing for a long time—adopt a pet,” says Richard Avanzino, Maddie’s Fund president. Check out some of the purr-sonal face to furry-face stories here! I encourage all my pet blogger friends to pick up and RUN with this story…or just re-blog this. Go ahead…I double dog (and cat) dare ya!
You still need to meet the shelters’ adoption requirements, of course, to make sure the match-made-in-heaven lasts. Maddie’s Fund gives organizations from $500 to $2,000 per adoption to help defray the cost of having cared for these needy animals–and the more care involved (sick, older, injured) the bigger the gift. But that also means the greater your PAW-some feeling of saving a life!
“Blond or blue, calico, curly,
Pointed, smooth, wirehair, surly,
Sweetheart, bold, or shy thereof,
Rainbow pets–they’re yours to love.” *
As Avanzino says, “Maddie’s Fund wants to give all healthy, senior, and treatable shelter dogs and cats loving homes.”
Free pet adoption events have a proven track record of making that happen. My colleague and friend, nationally known pet expert Gina Spadafori, points out that the University of Florida Shelter Medicine study revealed that people care JUST AS MUCH about pets they “pay for” as pets they get for free.
Amen!
More information on participating shelters can be found at Maddie’s Fund website.
Even if your local shelter isn’t on the list, don’t let that stop you. There are needy pets waiting for you in your own neck of the woods all year long. Don’t let them wait too long . . .
***
Maddie’s Fund (www.maddiesfund.org) is a family foundation endowed by the founder of Workday® and PeopleSoft, Dave Duffield and his wife, Cheryl. Maddie’s Fund is helping to achieve and sustain a no-kill nation by providing solutions to the most challenging issues facing the animal welfare community through Maddie’sGrant Giving and Maddie’s InstituteSM . Maddie’s Fund is named after the family’s beloved Miniature Schnauzer who passed away in 1997.
*(Lyrics from Rainbow Pets, Copr. Amy Shojai/Frank Steele, all rights reserved)
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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!
May 27, 2013
Monday Mentions: Tornadoes, Ebooks & Tasmanian Devils
Seymour TX , 10 April 1979, looking NW. This tornado was rated F2 by NSSL survey teams. The next tornado from this supercell was even larger and would devastate Wichita Falls within an hour. (Photo courtesy NSSL)
Do y’all remember the old Bugs Bunny cartoons that included the Tasmanian Devil that moved around in a tornado of energy? Honestly, I’ll take the critter–and there’s some video of baby Taz’s below–compared to the real funnel cloud. Here in N. Texas we’re all still reeling from the devastation in nearby Oklahoma and folks will continue to need help for some time. I provided quite a few links to info here. Bad weather is enough to prompt gray hair, but you can help–and stay safe, too. Today’s blog has some more info I hope you’ll share.
MEMORIAL DAY…
Today I’ll be singing America, The Beautiful and The Star Spangled Banner at an event honoring our Veterans. I hope that I can get through without choking up. God bless our troops and our country. That is all.
EBOOK WEBINAR!
Writing your first book is another hair-pulling experience but it doesn’t have to be. The “Ebooks for Bloggers” session I presented last week at BlogPaws was great fun but I only had about 20 minutes for the (usually) 90-minute session. *sigh*
Check out the full presentation via Webinar THIS SATURDAY JUNE 1st from 2-4:00 Eastern Time (recorded version available, too) . . . you can wear your bunny slippers, I won’t tell! Oh, use the code BLOGPAWS at checkout to get half price and share that with other interested folks. Here’s the direct link to the Webinar Ebooks for Writers.
Oh, and here’s a link to future Webinar courses on other writerly subjects like media training, niche writing and more. Please share with anyone interested!
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. 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
French Copyright Grab, really???
Infographic for Synopsis Writing this is way kewl!
The Art of Frequency for small biz (includes authors, folks!)
5 Key Book Publishing Paths with awesome infographic from Jane Friedman
Author Ann Patchett Riles “Indies” so what do you think?
Bowker Launches SelfPublishedAuthor.com
Yahoo to Acquire Tumblr for $1.1 Billion
Penguin Finally Settles…for over $90 Million!
How to Share Ebooks with Our Troops
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
American Humane’s Tornado Tips to keep you and pets safe. DISASTER ALERT Red Star Emergency Team onsite now in Oklahoma, thank you!
Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love TM Disaster Relief Network offers assistance during an emergency. Shelters can contact Hill’s at DisasterRelief@hillspet.com.
State of Pet Health click on the link, go to YOUR state for some good info
10 Common & Expensive Pet Issues awesome infographic at Dakota’s Den
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!
May 24, 2013
How To Bathe Cats
Bathing a cat, are you INSANE?! Well…not really. Besides, I found that picture and just had to share. But just because the cat says, “No way!” doesn’t mean it’s not possible.
Why risk life and limb bathing your cat? Does it really matter that she’s gray instead of snowy white? Well, if the kitty gets into something, you may need to suds her up. A bath stimulates the skin and removes excess oil, dander, and shed hair. But bathing too often can dry the skin. As a good rule of “paw” bathe shorthaired cats no oftener than every six weeks; two to three times a year during shedding season should suffice unless Kitty gets really grubby, or is a show cat. Longhaired cats benefit from more frequent baths, and felines appearing in shows learn as kittens to accept baths.
Kittens should not be bathed until they are at least four weeks old–learn more about kitten care in my book. Elderly cats or extremely ill cats may be stressed by bathing so follow your veterinarian’s recommendation in these instances. These days Seren plays the “age” card to keep her fur dry.
How To Bathe Cats–Plan Ahead
Should you decide to take the plunge–pun intended–your cat should be thoroughly brushed and/or combed ahead of time. All mats must be removed before bathing, because water will just cement mats in place.
The bath area should be warm and draft free. The bathtub will do, but your knees will thank you for using a waist-high sink. Move all breakables out of reach, and push drapes or shower curtains out of the way or they may spook your cat and end up shredded.
For routine cleaning, you only need a simple grooming shampoo labeled specifically for cats. Human baby shampoo or dog products can be too harsh and dry the skin or in some cases prove toxic.
Assemble your shampoo, several towels, and washcloth near the sink or tub, and run warm water (about 102 degrees, or cat body temperature) before you bring in the cat.
Wear old clothes. Expect to get wet. Seren clutches my shirt, pressing her face to me as I wet and soap the rest of her.
Also, close the door to the bathing area, or you risk having a soapy cat escape and leave suds and a wet cat print trail throughout your spanking-clean house.
Cats hate the insecure footing of the slippery surfaces so place a towel or rubber mat in the bottom of your tub or sink. That does wonders for cat confidence and often reduces yowls and struggles by half.
The Bucket Method
For small kitties the bucket method of bathing often works best. Use the double sink in the kitchen, two or more large roasting pans, or a couple of buckets or wastebaskets set in the bathtub. Fill each with warm water.
Gently lower your cat into the first container to get her wet. Let your kitty stand on her hind legs and clutch the edge of the container as you thoroughly wet the fur.
Then lift her out onto one of your towels, and apply the shampoo to her body.
After lathering, dip the cat back into the first container to rinse. Get as much soap off as possible before removing and sluice off excess water before rinsing in subsequent containers of clean water or use a low-level spray closed to the body with the sink attachment.
If the cat acts scared of being dunked or the spray attachment, use a cup or ladle to dip water. Use the washcloth to wet, soap and rinse the face area. Keep one hand on the cat at all times to prevent escapes.
Rinse beginning at the neck and down Sheba’s back; don’t neglect beneath the tail or tummy. When the water finally runs clear and you know she’s clean, rinse once more just to be sure.
Wrap the squeaky-clean cat in a dry towel. Shorthaired cats dry quickly, but longhaired felines may need two or more towels to blot away most of the water. Seren prefers to dry herself. If your cat tolerates or enjoys the blow dryer, use only the lowest setting to avoid burning the cat. Combing long fur as you blow dry will give “oomph” to the longhaired coat.
Have you ever bathed your cat? What would cause you to dare the impossible? My colleague Tim Link had to bathe a feral cat, yikes! I used to bathe Seren at least once a year just to prove to us both it could be done. She’s only 6 pounds so I figure that I’m the biggest “cat” in the house…but I think this year she may win the contest.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered–post in the comments. 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!
May 23, 2013
The Reinvented Writer Webinar
I met social media maven Kristen Lamb about three year’s ago and she changed my writing world at a time when “blogging” wasn’t really on my writerly radar. Now I’ve come back from the awesome BlogPaws blogger conference for pet peeps, and recognize just how visionary she is. I’m pleased to have been invited to teach at Kristen’s “virtual writer’s college” WANA International, and share with other writers some of the hard-knock lessons I’ve learned.
I made these head-banging mistakes so you don’t have to!
Kristen asked me to guest post about this Saturday’s class (details below). I presented THE REINVENTED WRITER as a lunch workshop at the OWFI Conference earlier this month and wanted to make it available to a wider audience who maybe couldn’t afford the hotel room or time away from home. So you’ll be able to attend from the comfort of your sofa with a laptop and headphones…or telephone…and can wear bunny slippers if you like! (Shhh, nobody will know!). There’s also a deep discount if you put in the code.
Here’s the guest post about this Saturday’s class and details, below, about the webinar. Hope to see you there! (I may even SING!)
THE REINVENTED WRITER WORKSHOP Saturday May 25, 2:00-4:00 pm Eastern Time
The Reinvented Writer workshop helps newer writers avoid mistakes, and established authors (especially those “traditionally” published) to reevaluate, re-energize and re-emerge stronger than ever in the always-changing “new world” of publishing.
Today authors must be masochists in order to endure both the real and imagined slings and arrows of writer-icity bullying. The time for head-banging frustration and gnashing of teeth is over. In this class you’ll learn how to put on your big-boy (or girl)-panties, suck it up–and succeed!
This live two-hour fun Power Point presentation offers easy to use tips on how to “brand” yourself; the benefits of collaboration; ways to build “tribes” and why you should; how to leverage nonfiction to transition into fiction; ways to create diverse revenue streams; and how to use multiple platforms (blogs, YouTube, kindle, POD, audiobooks and more) to build your audience and career. Oh, and you’ll see some cute puppy and kitty pictures, too. (Use the code “OWFI” for $25 off!)
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!
May 22, 2013
HELP OKLAHOMA TORNADO VICTIMS!
They need our help…
Last week I flew out of Texas and just missed the Texas tornadoes to the south. Over the long weekend at BlogPaws we had a ball (check the recap here), but kept an eye on the weather back home. Sure enough, homecoming brought a rash of more Texas and Oklahoma tornadoes.
I live in TORNADO ALLEY…that is, North Texas. And I have many friends who live in Oklahoma. Tornadoes are a way of life and we respect and don’t take weather for granted. We do know all the risks and emergency prep stuff. Because the land shifts so much, our home can’t have a basement (few in this area do), so the “safe spot” is in the pantry under the stairs…center of the house, and large enough for the two humans, Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty. Yes, I spent some time there over the past couple of days with flashlight and other emergency gear.
But when a “monster” visits the area, no amount of prep helps.
We were blessed and missed the storms. Friends in Moore, OK were not so fortunate. Some lost property or were injured. Sadly, more than 20 lost their lives. Countless animal companions have been displaced.
The folks who live with that cloud over their heads have a special kind of resilience, though. Neighbor helps neighbor, relations grow stronger even when the wind blows a hole in your hopes and dreams. Moore, OK will survive and rise stronger than before–but those of us who dodged the danger THIS time can speed up the recovery.
Blogger Disaster Response Network
I’ve been flooded the past couple of days with AWESOME pet products companies announcing donations to help with pet food and funds. I would love to list them all but am sure to miss someone. I’m a member of the Blogger Disaster Response Network, to help spread the news via caring individuals throughout the world whenever disaster strikes. After the wonderful celebration this last weekend it’s not surprising that BlogPaws, Pets360 and World Vets have teamed up to offer aid.
My special passion is for the animals–and believe me, having a pet survive and stand alongside you during recovery helps the emotional healing more than anything else. Right now, what’s needed most of all are funds to help administer what needs doin’ and World Vets knows better than many exactly what’s involved based on their past disaster help.
Donations will be collected by World Vets here through 11:59 PM Tuesday, May 28th. The collective donation will be announced when the money is ready for delivery. Just click the button, below, if you can help.
Also TODAY, Freekibble is donating 100% of the Halo kibble raised today to homeless dogs & cats impacted by the tornado in Oklahoma. IT COSTS YOU NOTHING BUT A VISIT AND CLICK! Visit www.freekibblekat.com to answer the trivia question and that’s all you need to do to add to the tally.
Here’s a list of more resources how you can help–what donations are needed–and where to look to be reunited with lost/found pets.
Sometimes terrible, awful, suck-icity schtuff happens to good people and their pets. But miracles also happen–as in the video, below. Maybe we can be part of someone else’s miracle.
BlogPaws 2013: PAW-SOME Video, Pix & More
Some pets had better hair than the rest of us!
I wasn’t sure what to expect at BlogPaws 2013. You see, I’ve attended and spoken at several dozen “writer” conferences over the years such as the awesome OWFI event and Thrillerfest in New York. I’ve also gone to many veterinary conferences that included hands-on-the-fur sessions. Pet-centric behavior conferences such as the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) conference allowed dogs to attend–bliss! And even a few of the IAABC (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants) and the Cat Writers’ Association (my fav!) often include our animal companions.
After attending, I wanted to share a newbie’s-eye-view of the event…so check out photos, and the fun VIDEOS below for a taste!
Lap dogs were welcome, too.
All of these other conferences offer outstanding information to their target audience. A small number are what I’d call “newbie friendly” and embrace pro and beginner alike (ain’t that as it should be?) while some tend to clique-icity and can be daunting to a newcomer. So as a relative newcomer to the world of blogging (although I’ve been a writing pro far longer than I care to admit), I wasn’t sure what BlogPaws had to offer me–or if I’d be more on the outside-looking-in.
I finally got to meet Carol Bryant! (Next year, I’m bringing my Seren-kitty and Magical-Dawg stand-ins.
What a marvelous surprise to discover the atmosphere and “culture” similar to my beloved CWA conference, in which helping one another, mentoring and celebrating each others’ success are founding principles. PAW-some!
Remember the “lion” that terrorized the neighborhood profiled on CNN last year? Charles the Monarch attended…and soon after this pix, he slipped his leash and made a mad dash away to find his ‘dad.’ (He was easily corralled *s*)
Mee-WOW and oh-my-doG, this was a fun event! It had the best of all furry (and feather-y…perhaps even scaley) worlds! More than 500 bloggers attended, each dedicated to providing pet-specific information for, about, or even BY animal companions (yes, in the ferret’s voice, for instance). Not only were the speakers outstanding, those just a wee bit shy could calm themselves by schmoozing with one of the many critters in attendance.
Some pets took notes during the sessions on their “paw-top” computers.
Pet products companies provided information and samples, plus a priceless opportunity to speak one-on-one with folks as passionate about our animals as we are. The food was terrific–and yep, we got to take meals alongside the dogs and cats and bunnies–pets were well behaved, and the high fashion couture was to-die-for (and I’m talking about the pets!).
Proof that Deborah Barnes (Chronicles of Zee & Zoey) likes dogs, too!
Those who know me are aware that I enjoy a bit of bling-icity, so I felt right at home during my Ebook Publishing For Bloggers talk (although there wasn’t nearly enough time to get in all the info I wanted). It was also an opportunity to finally meet face-to-face some of the bloggers I’ve loved reading.
Debbie Glovatsky, (GloGirl), Kimberly Gauthier (KeepTheTailWagging) and me…
BlogPaws Conference 2014 will be just outside Las Vegas May 8-11, 2014 and I’ve already registered because…well, this year was terrific. But I happen to have some EXTREE-SECRET-SPASHUL-AWESOME-SAUCE info that means it’ll be even MORE outrageously good!
Need more convincing? Check out the three short videos, below. Magical-Dawg and Seren-Kitty are vying for who gets to go next year!
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!
May 20, 2013
Monday Mentions: Blogpaws, Cat Font Fun & Writer-icity
I’m still recovering from the wonderful experience at BLOGPAWS! It may take a while to get caught up, but I plan to post some more pictures/video and recap on Wednesday’s blog so stay tuned. Suffice it to say–it was lots of furry
(SEE MORE Cat Font Fun!) Thanks to Romeo-the-Cat.
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. 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
Amazon Kindle Singles Submissions
What’s Your Novel Worth? figure it out here!
Twitter Self-Serve Ads oh really? one more place spend $$
Microsoft offers $1 Billion for Nook Media!and there’s more info about it here.
Screenwriting Consultants taking out all the creativity? Hmnnn
Author Exploitation it just gets better and better NOT! and from the same author (he’s great!) a new book for writers, Let’s Get Visible!
Get Shortlink for Amazon Ebooks for ALL Territories great for those with a book listed in many countries
Literary Pets! wasn’t sure where to post this one, but fun stuff!
PET-CENTRIC SCHTUFF
“Kiss Me, I’m Rescued” Photo Contest benefits your fav nonprofit pet organization…like Winn Feline Foundation
Which is Healthier–Purebred or Mix (you may be surprised!)
People & Dogs & Nutrition, Oh My! Evolution and digestion, pretty darned interesting
5 Ways to Include Cats in Emergency Plans from the great folks at Catalyst Council
Hedgehogs & Salmonella how can something so cute be so dangerous? Great post and cautions (hmmn, plot for a thriller?)
Lyme Disease Education from PetCareRx important info for pet parents!
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!
