Amy Shojai's Blog, page 81
June 26, 2016
Shojai’s Cat Facts Wins Muse & Cornell Awards
Shojai’s Cat Facts Wins Muse & Cornell Awards
CAT FACTS WINS AWARDS:
MUSE MEDALLION & CORNELL AWARDS
This past weekend at the Cat Writers Association Awards Banquet, my book CAT FACTS won two prestigious awards. WOW!
The CWA Muse Medallion was presented to CAT FACTS for the best health care book of the year.
This was a wonderful honor and surprise for me, especially since my book was nominated alongside two amazing colleagues and their books, and I urge y’all to take a look at Sandy Robbin’s book Buffy the Cat, and also check out Louise Holton’s book Alley Cat Rescues Guide to Managing Community Cats.
The book also won a special award. The Dr. Jim Richards Cornell Feline Health Center Veterinary Issues Award Winner, Sponsored by Cornell University’s Feline Health Center. It’s presented to the highestquality entry on the topic of technological advances, research, new medical developments, or innovations in feline veterinary medicine. Qualifying entries include single newspaper, magazine, or newsletter articles; columns or series of articles (print or online); blogs, a website, single books, or radio/television broadcasts. The award consists of $500 and a commemorative award.
This Cornell award is named for someone very special to the CWA and to me personally. Dr. Jim Richards was always available to me (and many other writers) whenever we had need of an expert quote or explanation of feline issues. He gave so much of himself, and was one of the inspirations for creating CWA, and Jim even gave the keynote banquet address some years ago at an awards banquet. At the time, he presented what was then called simply the Cornell Feline Health Center Award.
And then, Jim tragically died in a motorcycle accident. We presented him posthumously with the Shojai Mentor Award, because he did mentor so many of us. So this past weekend, to have my book honored with an award presented in his name…well, I’m rarely speechless but this nearly did it. 
June 23, 2016
Thriller Thursday: A Front Page Affair by Radha Vatsal #ITWBlog
Thriller Thursday: A Front Page Affair by Radha Vatsal #ITWBlog
Chills, thrills and spills with Thriller Thursday by Amy Shojai
THRILLER THURSDAY is a new occasional feature of Bling, Bitches & Blood. As a member of International Thriller Writers and alumni of the ITW Debut Author Program, it is my honor to showcase select ITW authors and books participating in the ITW Bloggers Program. If you love reading great books as much as I do, check out my Spotlight Guest Radha Vatsal!
When this blog releases, I will be in Phoenix herding cats…literally! I’m coordinating the CWA Conference in conjunction with BlogPaws, and besides wonderful bloggers and writers, there will be dogs, cats, and other critters onsite. So with my “paws” full with that event, I’m delighted to have a guest post from Radha. Take it away, Radha!
A Front Page Affair is the first in a series featuring Kitty Weeks, a journalist with society connections. Weeks is particularly positioned to have access to all of walks of life. Her society connections get her into the parties and Upper East Side penthouses off-limits to the average journalist and her press pass allows her access and movement that women in 1915 New York would not have enjoyed.
INSPIRED BY CHRISTIE & FRANCIS . . .Growing up, I loved to read mysteries, particularly those by Agatha Christie or Dick Francis. They made me feel happy at any time, but especially on rainy days when I could think of nothing I’d like more than to lie in bed and read one from cover to cover. Agatha Christie was my introduction to the genre and Dick Francis taught me that mysteries could draw me into a world that I knew nothing about—in this case horseracing—and teach me a lot.
For some reason, which I can’t explain, my desire to write seriously was tied to writing a mystery novel. Perhaps part of me thought that the “rules” of mystery writing would make the process easier. Was I mistaken. For me, as a reader, a book has to hit certain marks. I’ve been trained to expect certain things to happen at certain moments—a murder, a plot twist, a doubling back—and for the plot to keep humming along. As a writer, you have to make those same things happen and make them happen effortlessly. You have to follow a format that’s been done thousands of times but make it different. And that’s no easy task.
WHY THIS TIME FRAME?
I chose the mid-1910s for the setting of my first novel because so much was happening then—culturally and politically—and yet it remains a relatively under-explored area in fiction. New York became the location because I love all the facets of the city and it happened to be home to a fascinating array of historical characters. Settling on a heroine was a harder: she had to be someone who could carry a series and who was able to undertake an investigation, but at the same time, she needed to be part of her milieu. She couldn’t flaunt all the rules that applied to women during the 1910s because that would take away some of the tension and the fun.
So, she became a reporter for the Ladies’ Page of a newspaper and after much deliberation I decided to name her “Capability”—because it speaks to her character—but also because it could be shortened to Kitty, which is far less threatening. Her ability to navigate different worlds makes her effective at what she does. Meet Kitty Weeks, Ladies Page reporter at the New York Sentinel. I hope you will enjoy A FRONT PAGE AFFAIR, her first outing in 1915 New York.
WHAT READERS SAY?
“This lively and well-researched debut introduces a charming historical series and an appealing fish-out-of-water sleuth who seeks independence and a career in an age when most women are bent on getting married, particularly to titled Englishmen. Devotees of Rhys Bowen’s mysteries will enjoy making the acquaintance of Miss Weeks.” —Library Journal (starred review), Debut of the Month
“Vatsal deftly intertwines the tumult of the era, from emerging women’s rights to spreading international conflict, into this rich historical.” —Publishers Weekly
AUTHOR BIO
Radha Vatsal grew up in Mumbai, India, and came to the United States to attend boarding school when she was sixteen. Her fascination with the 1910s began when she studied women filmmakers and action-film heroines of silent cinema at Duke University, where she earned her PhD from the English department. Vatsal lives with her husband and two daughters in New York City. A Front Page Affair is her first novel.
CONNECT WITH RADHA & HER BOOK HERE!
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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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 21, 2016
Take Your Dog to Work Day!
Magical-Dawg and Karma-Kat wear themselves out, they work so hard!
I’m incredibly fortunate that I get to share my office space every day with my cats Seren-Kitty, Karma-Kat and Magical-dog every day all year long. When I’m having a particularly hectic day, getting a purr fix, or doggy wag of encouragement does wonders. Surveys indicate that one in five companies allow pets in the workplace. People who bring their pets actually work longer hours! You can get started on this pet-revolution this Friday.
2016 marks the 18th annual celebration of Take Your Dog To Work Day and event creator Pet Sitters International reflects on the growth of pet-friendly policies and encourages companies to “make it their business” to help pets in need on June 24.
TAKE YOUR DOG TO WORK DAY!
Pet Sitter’s International’s Take Your Dog To Work Day® (TYDTWDay) was first celebrated in 1999, and created to spotlight what terrific companions dogs are, and encourage adoptions. The annual event encourages employers to experience the benefits and value of pets in the workplace, and to support and celebrate the pet community. Pet Sitters, animal shelters, and business of all kinds join in this fur-tastic Friday event.
A 2015 Society for Human Resource Management survey found that 8 percent of American workplaces allow employees to bring pets (up from 5 percent in 2013). Actually, on Friday, I’ll be at a pet-friendly conference, Cat Writers Conference and BlogPaws, where the hotel has made accommodation so that the writers can bring their dogs, cats, ferrets, rats, pigs, you-name-it, to WORK with them at the event. Those of you on Twitter can follow the fun events by watching #catwriters and #blogpaws hashtags.
“Testing your office chair…it’ll take a while to be sure it’s okay.”
WHY PETS AT WORK?
PSI offers a number of reasons why it’s a good idea to “go to the dogs” this Friday. TYDTWDay offers a positive, unique opportunity to increase community involvement and establish new community ties. Businesses can partner with a local animal shelter, rescue group or humane organization to host a special event.
The free event toolkit offered by PSI provides step-by-step instructions for planning an event, a sample “dogs at work” policy and customizable forms that companies can use for their events. The toolkit also includes tips about partnering with local pet-rescue organizations and working with local professional pet sitters to assist with the day’s activities.
DOGS IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY–I AIN’T A-WOOFIN’ YA!
Studies have shown that dogs in the workplace increase productivity and creativity, decrease absenteeism and improve co-worker relationships. Participation in TYDTWDay is a fun, low-cost “pet perk” to offer employees at a time when some businesses are forced to cut jobs and decrease benefits.
TYDTWDay is for a good cause—to promote pet adoption. This fun day of celebrating the great companion your dog makes could encourage co-workers to adopt a new best friend of their own. Besides, pet lovers love to show off their dogs!
ALTERNATIVE CELEBRATIONS
Even if you can’t have dogs in the workplace, consider alternate celebrations such as having employees bring photos of their pets. How about asking your company to host a fundraiser for an animal shelter in your community? Think about hosting contests, such as best pet outfit or owner/pet look-alikes (for pictures) or best trick (if dogs get to attend). Maybe a hot dog luncheon or a Pet First Aid “Lunch and Learn” session would be appropriate.
Ask a local shelter or rescue organization to join your event. Invite them to bring adoptable pets or information to your workplace. Maybe you could hold a silent auction or other fund raiser to benefit the shelter—or set up a “Good Samaritan” fund for people unable to afford emergency pet care during these times of financial challenge.
TYDTWDay is the perfect opportunity to educate employees about all things pets. Maybe a local veterinarian, PSI member or other pet professional could present a pet care session or offer dog-walking service during the event. Visit PSI to find a member in your area.
If you’re fortunate to be able to bring pets on Friday, be sure to handle the pet situation responsibly. Dogs should be kept on a leash, or otherwise confined in the employee’s office or area. Baby gates work well to cordon areas to keep pets confined. You can also designate “pet free zones” such as the lunch room or bathrooms.
For more tips how to convince your boss, set up a program, and celebration ideas, visit TakeYourDog.com. Now excuse me…I’ve got to go consult with my furry office mates.
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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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 19, 2016
Vacations & Choosing Pet Sitters
Vacations & Choosing Pet Sitters
I’m traveling this week to the Cat Writers’ Association and BlogPaws conference, and would love to travel with pets along the way. Many attendees will bring their cats and dogs on this working vacation, but those who leave pets at home must make other arrangements.
This past week, I also received a message from someone planning for a possible future absence due to surgery, and concerned about their beloved rescue cat, Larry. Like many kitties, this little guy is fearful of strangers. I applaud his owner’s forward thinking, to help the little guy feel comfortable. So it was perfect timing to revisit this topic.
VACATIONING WITH & WITHOUT PETS
When the holidays or business travel rolls around, pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog or cat. Many of us will travel to visit family and friends, have folks visit, or spend vacation time away from home. Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members.
Good vacation plans depends on the individual pet, and your special circumstances. Does your dog love meeting new people, hide, or become hyper around strangers? Perhaps Chance the cat enjoys riding in the car but your brother’s dog hates kitties, or Grandma is allergic. Are pets more comfortable at a kennel, away from your nephew’s hair-pulling fingers? Or does your pet go on a hunger strike if boarded?
HOME ALONE?
In general, cats tend to prefer staying in their home amid familiar surroundings. Some do well if left alone for a day or two when provided with adequate food and water, and extra litter boxes. That’s not appropriate for kittens, cats older than 10 years, or any cat with a health issue that needs attention, though.
No pet should be unsupervised for longer than a couple of days. Make arrangements to have a friend, a neighbor, or a professional pet sitter visit at least once a day to clean the toilet facilities, check food and water (and medicate, if needed), and perhaps play or cuddle with the cats.
Leaving dogs at home is also an option. But unless your dog is litter box trained (yes, it can be done!), people visits must be more frequent for potty breaks and meals. Some dogs eat four-days’-worth of food at one time if it’s all left out at once.
BOARD or BORED?
Many dogs and some cats are fine when boarded at kennels. Reputable kennels require proof of adequate health care, so get vaccination proof from your veterinarian in advance.
Be sure that the cat space is out of sight and sound of the doggy facilities, to reduce feline stress levels. Some state-of-the-art facilities now provide pets with sofas, play times with other dogs, cat trees, videos of squirrels and birds to watch—and even close-circuit television monitors owners can access over the Internet while on vacation, to keep an eye on their furry friends.
Veterinarians may have kennel space available for dogs or cats with health issues that need monitoring. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding boarding facilities or pet sitters.
“I miss you…”
PICK A PET SITTER
Pet sitters are the ideal choice. You can search via professional organizations such as National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International to find members in your area. Check out the pet sitter’s credentials, how long they’ve been in business, if they’re bonded/insured, what services they provide, and be specific about fees. Find out how much time the pet sitter spends on each visit—average is 30 minutes but for dog walking (especially multiple pets) or grooming/medicating it may take more time and require a higher cost.
Ask for references (and check them!) before you decide if the service or individual is a match for you and your pets. It’s also important to see if the candidate interacts well with your cats and dogs. Some pet sitters specialize in special needs animals. For instance, they may be able to medicate your diabetic cat or “pill” your reluctant dog.
Be sure to leave caretakers with detailed information about each pet’s care needs, veterinary contact information, and emergency phone numbers where you can be reached. Leave your pets’ leash, medications and other “must haves” in an easy access area and show the pet sitter where to find them.
Alert the neighbors that a pet sitter or family friend will be coming and going from your home so they won’t be alarmed at strangers in the neighborhood, and give the pet sitter your neighbor’s name and phone number. Talk with your veterinarian about signing a “just in case” authorization for medical care (you can designate the dollar amount). That way, emergency care is available and funded even if you are unavailable to give your okay in person.
PREP YOUR PETS!
Of course, you can’t ask your cats and dogs about what THEY want when you’re gone. So do your best to prepare them for the absence. Even the most dedicated and friendly pet sitter may not be accepted by a fractious or fearful pet. Gradual introductions are key, and it may be love at first sight (YAY!) or could take some time for especially shy felines to accept that stranger in the home.
Plan for your vacation or absence at least a couple of weeks in advance, especially for cats. Ask the pet sitter to meet with your pets, to see how they get along. A savvy pet sitter knows what pets expect and won’t push the fur-kid past limits. For instance, they won’t force petting, or close interaction when the dog or cat prefers distance. Over time, though, when the “stranger” visits several times and perhaps plays a favorite game or drops treats for the pet, a more positive association develops. You can find more detailed tips in my short quick tips guides, MY CAT HATES MY DATE as well as MY DOG HATES MY DATE.
Preparing for your pets’ comfort during your vacations gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy your time free from worries. After all the joy they bring you throughout the year, don’t your cats and dogs deserve happy howl-adays, too?
So…do you contract with a pet sitter, or perhaps a neighbor or family member to care for pets when you’re gone? Or do you board the dog? How does that work for you? How many readers take the dog along for the trip–or even the kitty? What tips and tricks make the travel problem free? Please share!
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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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 18, 2016
Thriller Thursday! Marla Cooper & Terror In Taffeta #ITWBlog
Thriller Thursday! Marla Cooper & Terror In Taffeta #ITWBlog
Chills, thrills and spills with Thriller Thursday by Amy Shojai
THRILLER THURSDAY is a new occasional feature of Bling, Bitches & Blood. As a member of International Thriller Writers and alumni of the ITW Debut Author Program, it is my honor to showcase select ITW authors and books participating in the ITW Bloggers Program. If you love reading great books as much as I do, check out my Spotlight Guest Marla Cooper!
Hey there, Sweet Peeps! I know it’s not Thursday….but I didn’t want to wait to share about this debut from a great new writer. This fun mystery published March 22, 2016 by Minotaur Books is definitely on my summer TO-BE-READ pile. Heck, Marla’s originally from Texas and she lives with a polydactyl tuxedo kitty. ‘Nuff said.
AUTHOR BIO
Marla Cooper, Author
MARLA COOPER was astonished when she realized people could actually get paid to write things. So she switched her major from business to advertising—much to the relief of her accounting professor—and began her career as an advertising copywriter. After moving to San Francisco, she became a freelancer so she could take advantage of perks like working in her pajamas, and it was while ghostwriting a book on destination weddings that she found inspiration for her first novel, Terror in Taffeta. Originally hailing from Texas, Marla lives in Oakland, California, with her husband and her polydactyl tuxedo cat. Visit her at www.marla-cooper.com.
FIND & FOLLOW MARLA & THE BOOK HERE:
Chicks On The Case Blog
Amazon
Barnes And Noble
Powells Books
WHAT READERS SAY…
“This mystery novel is a real roller coaster with twists, turns and dips at every corner. Just when readers feel like they know who the bad guys are, their world is rocked by more information and more suspects. The end is unpredictable but believable and readers will be all too delighted to go on this ride that the author has masterfully crafted.” – RT Book Reviews
“Feisty and funny, Marla Cooper’s debut novel shines as she encapsulates the best the genre has to offer, with a quick-witted heroine, a puzzling page turner of a plot, and a cast of quirky characters like no other. I highly recommend this terrific first in a series!” – Jenn McKinlay, New York Times bestselling author
READ A SAMPLE: TERROR IN TAFFETA-EXCERPT
Synopsis: Wedding planner Kelsey McKenna is just a few hours away from wrapping up her latest job: a destination wedding in the charming, colonial Mexican town of San Miguel de Allende. The reception is all set up, the tequila donkey is waiting outside, and the bride and groom are standing on the altar, pledging their eternal love. But just as the priest is about to pronounce them husband and wife, one of the bridesmaids upstages the couple by collapsing into a floral arrangement (a definite wedding “don’t”).
Kelsey soon discovers that the girl hasn’t just fainted—she’s dead. Losing a bridesmaid is bad enough, but when the bride’s sister is arrested for murder, the demanding mother of the bride insists that Kelsey fix the matter at once. And although Kelsey is pretty sure investigating a murder isn’t in her contract, crossing the well-connected Mrs. Abernathy could be a career-killer. Before she can leave Mexico and get back to planning weddings, Kelsey must deal with stubborn detectives, a rekindled romance, and guests who didn’t even RSVP.
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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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 15, 2016
BORN TO LOVE: A #LeiCrimeKW Novella
BORN TO LOVE: A #LeiCrimeKW Novella
I am DELIGHTED to introduce you to Keiki and her trainer Lia, my very first novella in Toby Neal’s Lei Crime Kindle Worlds. I told you about this opportunity last year, and have been hard a work along with a host of other fantastic authors.
GO TO THE AMAZON BOOK PAGE HERE!
In fact, we’re holding a FACEBOOK PARTY on Monday, June 27, from 6-8:00 pm EDT with a whole bunch of fantastic give-aways, everything from free books and Amazon gift cards to….BLING! Yes, in addition to a paw-tographed book AND the chanc
e to have YOUR pet star in a future novella, I’ll be giving away this:
So who is this Rottweiler? Keiki is a police dog in Toby Neil’s wonderful Lei Crime series that’s set in Hawaii. When she first appears in the first in the series, Keiki is already two years old. What, I wondered, happened in the two years before Keiki joined Lei?
And so my novella BORN TO LOVE tells Keiki’s backstory. Or should I say, KEIKI tells her own story! *s* Y’all know how much I enjoy writing in canine viewpoint and I had a ball writing in puppy-viewpoint. Here’s a taste.
Can the past unlock the future
and love preserve a life?
A puppy’s job is to learn. Keiki relishes the sights, sounds and smells of her world, but people frustrate and confuse her. Why do humans control all the good stuff?
Lia Corazon channels her energy and emotions into the dogs she trains in her North Texas kennel. She especially enjoys four-month-old Keiki’s enthusiasm, but the pup’s owner makes her uneasy. There’s something very…wrong about him.
When a vicious storm, violent flood, and scary creatures menace Keiki, her Rottweiler bravery comes through. But what can a good-dog do when a human enemy threatens? Keiki must use all she’s learned if she’s to save Lia from a killer.
You can “adopt” the new puppy-book here, and I can’t wait to read your reviews! And…don’t forget to join the Facebook Party, win some prizes, find out about some great books–and maybe get YOUR pet featured in a future story!
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I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Please note that I earn a small percentage from affiliate links to books or other products which are mentioned from time to time in my posts. 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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 9, 2016
Adopt A Cat Month & Complete Kitten Care On Sale for 99-cents!
Adopt A Cat Month & Complete Kitten Care On Sale for 99-cents!
It’s ADOPT A CAT MONTH in June, and because it’s kitten season…again…and in an effort to help out all the kitten lovers out there, I’m running a sale on one of my best-selling Ebooks ever! COMPLETE KITTEN CARE was the winner of THREE CWA Muse Medallions and a Special Award the year it came out, and since that time, the book has been continuously updated.
For those who prefer the print version, well, I plan to have a couple of copies available for paw-tographs at the upcoming Cat Writers’ Associaton & BlogPaws conference, so track me down there.
COMPLETE KITTEN CARE usually sells for $5.99 (compared to the print version’s $14.99), and my publisher has slashed the Ebook price to…
ON SALE FOR 99-CENTS!
This will only last for a very short time so be sure to get your copy asap (and tell your kitten-loving friends). Here are all the links:
Oh, and usually the Audible version of COMPLETE KITTEN CARE runs $24.95, but you can get that at a discount of $1.99 after you download the Kindle version (wow, a Kindle book and Audio book for just $2.98!). And you can here ME read the book. *s*
Here’s an extra bit of catnip from the PAW-some folks at AAFP, an infographic with 5 considerations when adopting a cat. CLICK the image, below, for more info.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Please note that I earn a small percentage from affiliate links to books or other products which are mentioned from time to time in my posts. 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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
May 29, 2016
Amy Shojai Releases Cat Facts & Dog Facts Series!
Amy Shojai Releases Cat Facts & Dog Facts Series!
As promised last week in this post, the first installments in the CAT FACTS, THE SERIES #1 and DOG FACTS, THE SERIES #1 are now available! They are only $2.99 and are also FREE to those with a Amazon Prime membership.
CAT FACTS and DOG FACTS, THE SERIES offer economical treat-size sections to make it easy to choose only the specific information you need. Each of these CHAPTER A (#1) installments provides these detailed topic entries covering what to do, home care, vet care and more.
In addition to the gorgeous full color pictures and illustrations alongside the alphabetical “A” list of various conditions and cat or dog specific topics, you’ll find:
Charts that list symptoms for a particular condition, the corresponding home care or first aid, the comparative veterinarian and holistic treatments, and preventive advice
A symptoms/conditions table that helps you identify what ailments might be bothering your cat
Breed-At-A-Glance chart to compare personality, looks, care challenges and other issues when choosing your pedigreed cat
Contact information for dozens of cat organizations and veterinary resources
I hope the launch of each of these series brings the information in a more economical and accessible way to more cat and dog “pet parents” and helps y’all celebrate the wonderful companions that share our lives! (Please SHARE this with anyone who might benefit…)
These two series consist of each individual excerpted chapter & the appendices from the complete books CAT FACTS: The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia and DOG FACTS: The Pet Parent’s A-to-Z Home Care Encyclopedia.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Please note that I earn a small percentage from affiliate links to books or other products which are mentioned from time to time in my posts. 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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
May 26, 2016
Get The Facts! Cat Facts & Dog Facts FREE with Amazon Prime
Get The Facts! Cat Facts & Dog Facts FREE with Amazon Prime
That’s right, both CAT FACTS and DOG FACTS can now be accessed for FREE through the Kindle Unlimited lending library, for Amazon Prime members. And…you can join for your first month free, Woot!
Of course, I’d love for pet parents to invest in a permanent copy of the book, too. But I feel the information is so important, I want it shared far and wide. And I’ll be honest, here…maybe after reading for free, you’ll decide you want the whole book, or will recommend one of my books to other pet parents.
Cat Facts
and DOG FACTS
are designed not only to entertain but also to save pet lives, save YOU money, and improve the health of your peaceable kingdom (including your peace of mind). In order to make the books available for the Kindle Unlimited program, though, the Ebook versions had to be made exclusive to Amazon. Sorry, gang, but they’re now only available on Kindle, and (of course!) in print versions. You don’t need a Kindle, though–there are free desktop and phone apps available. Win-win!
CAT FACTS & DOG FACTS, the SERIES
Here’s something else in the works. Again, in an effort to make the information more accessible (because I get it, sometimes you only need or want one specific nugget of info), going forward, I also will offer each chapters at a stand-alone discounted price, on Kindle. That way, if someone is only interested in learning about Feline Infectious Peritonitis, for example, they could download “CAT FACTS Chapter F.” Or when interested in a tick disease, they could download “DOG FACTS CHAPTER L” for Lyme disease.
Each part of this chapter series will be the excerpted chapter from what you’d see in the full Kindle Ebook chapter (same pictures, same text). However, every individual chapter of this series will also include the back-matter (breeds at a glance charts, resources list, and symptoms/conditions chart) so readers have that important information.
I plan to release a dog and cat chapter every 10-14 days or so with the first ones (CAT FACTS SERIES, Chapter A and DOG FACTS SERIES, Chapter A) set to release this weekend. I will announce them here on the blog. But to stay up to date on all the new book releases, you can follow me on my Amazon Author Page, and they’ll send out notices, too.
What do you think? It’s an experiment so if folks decide this doesn’t work for them, there are always do-overs. Are you a subscriber to the Amazon Prime program? Do tell!
Oh, and for those with other Ereaders feeling left out–remember that my pet-centric thriller LOST AND FOUND is free on ALL ebook platforms. *s* Get the first chapter to LOST AND FOUND by texting THRILLS to 44222.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Please note that I earn a small percentage from affiliate links to books or other products which are mentioned from time to time in my posts. 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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
We Are Not Alone–THE VILCABAMBA PROPHECY by Robert Rapoza
We Are Not Alone–THE VILCABAMBA PROPHECY by Robert Rapoza
Chills, thrills and spills with Thriller Thursday by Amy Shojai
THRILLER THURSDAY is a new occasional feature of Bling, Bitches & Blood. As a member of International Thriller Writers and alumni of the ITW Debut Author Program, it is my honor to showcase select ITW authors and books participating in the ITW Bloggers Program. If you love reading great books as much as I do, check out my Spotlight Guest Robert (Bob) Rapoza!
Readers who enjoy action packed, suspenseful thrillers that include conspiracies, mercenary/military components and a bit of science fiction will want to check out THE VILCABAMBA PROPHECY. When Bob said it appeals to readers who enjoy stories in the tradition of James Rollins, Matthew Reilly, Clive Cussler and Andy McDermott, I immediately hit the “buy” button and can’t wait to read this story. After all, it also has overtones of X-Files, The Blacklist and Raiders of the Lost Ark (with an Ancient Aliens theme…). This is my kind of thriller! Read on to learn more.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Robert Rapoza is the author of THE VILCABAMBA PROPHECY, a 2015 Adventure Writers Competition Semi-Finalist, released on April 10, 2016, by Ravenswood Publishing. THE VILCABAMBA PROPHECY, an action packed thriller set in the Peruvian jungles, is the first adventure of archaeologist Nick Randall and his daughter Samantha Randall.
His second thriller, OPERATION ICE HAMMER, continues to follow Nick’s exploits as he is joined by his son Johnathan. This recently completed work finds Nick and John searching for clues that lead them from the sunny Bahama Islands to the frigid Antarctic continent. The third book in the series, THE DEVIL’S HEART, is a work in progress.
Born and raised in Southern California, when not writing novels, he enjoys hanging out with his wife Holly, daughter Heather, son Ryan and dog Bandit. He and his family enjoy the outdoors, taking bike rides along the beach and camping along the California coast. A die hard Red Sox and Patriots fan, when not watching sports, he also enjoys coaching his son Ryan, a pitcher and 1st baseman.
A member of the Southern California Writers Association he was recently selected to the 2015-16 Debut Authors program of the International Thriller Writers Association and will be among several new authors featured at the Debut Author session at this July’s ThrillerFest in New York City.
The ideas for his novels are drawn from his interest in archeology and science and his love of adventure stories. Bob has always been drawn to these topics and is fascinated by the technology utilized by ancient civilizations. This interest has provided fertile ground for his entertaining books. History is rich with mysteries waiting to be solved and Bob enjoys asking questions about these mysteries and offering ideas about what they might mean.
Bob is represented by Mark Gottlieb of the Trident Media Group. Learn more about his books at www.robertrapoza.com and find him on FACEBOOK and follow him on TWITTER.
HERE’S WHAT READERS SAY…
“Move over, Indiana Jones! A fabulous action series debut!” — Laurie Johnston
The Vilcabamba Prophecy had me on the edge of my seat! This is a very action packed read; it’s full of plot twist and turns that keep you guessing the outcome… Superbly done! –Jill C
This is a roller coaster ride of a read! Exciting, thrilling, and a definite page turner. I loved it and you will too! Wil S.
2015 Adventure Writers Competition Semi-Finalist
SYNOPSIS:
What would you do to uncover the truth?
When a mysterious benefactor funds archeologist Nick Randall’s research, he departs on an expedition to find the lost city of Vilcabamba. Hidden deep in the Amazon, Randall believes this legendary city holds proof that his controversial theories are true. Upon arriving, he disappears.
When Randall’s beautiful daughter Samantha learns of his disappearance, she is forced to make a difficult decision. An accomplished archeologist herself, she must decide if she will set aside her career to search for the man she blames for her mother’s death.
But someone else is looking for her father as well. Francis Dumond, a shadowy man with unlimited resources, will stop at nothing to find Vilcabamba and use its secrets to control the world. It’s a race against time to see if Sam can find her father, prove his theories and stop Dumond before a stratovolcano destroys Vilcabamba and all of them as well.
(Note: Strong language and violence in this story.)
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Please note that I earn a small percentage from affiliate links to books or other products which are mentioned from time to time in my posts. 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, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter. Stay up to date with the latest book give aways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
