Ronda J. Del Boccio's Blog: Writing is pure Bliss, page 26
June 23, 2015
Book Review of Romance Suspense Vanished (Callahan and McLane Book 1) by Kendra Elliot
elcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
I happen to love suspenseful books, both reading and writing them. I don't mind a bit of romance, so long as the story is focused on the suspense. I read and decided to review it for you.
Vanished (Callahan and McLane, Book 1 ) by Kendra Elliot
When an eleven-year-old is abducted on her way to school, the FBI doesn’t waste a moment, sending agents to scour the area and embedding Special Agent Ava McLane with the distraught family. In the eye of the storm is local detective Mason Callahan, whose life is crumbling to pieces—he’s related to the victim, and his longtime confidential informant has just been murdered.
Both he and Agent McLane hole up in the victim’s family home. Every second counts in a kidnapping case, and the stakes keep rising the longer the girl is missing. As Ava and Mason struggle to hold the family together in their darkest hour, the two investigators find themselves drawn to each other.
Did this book work for me and keep me enthralled?Absolutely yes! I gave the book a 5 star review
An Exciting Problem
The book opens with the death of a hooker, which seems for a while to have nothing to do with anything, but it does indeed. The core challenge for the protagonists to overcome involves the disappearance of the girl just before Christmas.
You'll be reading for a while before you have a clue about who is behind the abduction and what the motive is. I like that in a book. Family members in distress and investigators struggling to find the girl populate the world of this novel.
Interesting Characters with Weaknesses
I get so annoyed when I read abook in which the characters are superb in all things and have no flaws. And while Ava and Mason are both skilled at their jobs, she an FBI agent and he a cop, they have their problems too.
Ava McLane has a deadbeat sister named Jane, and she's afraid to become her. She has trouble with men who can't handle a highly skilled woman. Oh, how I know that pain!
Mason Callahan is great t his job but shuts people out, because he thinks his problems are his burdens alone. It cost him his marriage and makes it difficult to acknowledge that his college aged son Jake is becoming an adult.
The "blended" family at the heart of the tale includes one mom who bakes when stressed and a dad/stepdad who manages not to shoot eye daggers at the first husband, Mason, Jake's dad.
The dog is great. I love dogs. Slight spoiler alert for animal lovers, just so you won't worry. I'm not giving away any major plot elements, but let me assure you that when that thing happens to the dog, he's OK. I'm one of those people who gets more upset about animals getting into trouble at the hads of humans than I do by humans suffering the same fate.
So often in romances and books that are primarily some other genre with romantic elements, the couple initially hate each other or have deep conflict. Not so with Vanished. Sparks grow in more the way life often goes, with a seemingly chance encounter and repeated exposure as the two get to know each other....
Mounting Suspense
Elliot does a great job building the suspense while giving insight into the investigation. I'm so happy the book is more about the people than the mechanics. Those investigation details provide reality without taking over. Too many authors must want to show off their research by writing what reads more like a technical manual than a novel.
I hope you enjoy the book as I did.
About Kendra Elliot
Kendra Elliot won the 2014 Daphne du Maurier award for best Romantic Suspense for BURIED, which was also an International Thriller Writers' finalist for Best Paperback Original and a Romantic Times finalist for best Romantic Suspense. She grew up in the lush Pacific Northwest and still lives there with her husband, three daughters, two cats, and a Pomeranian. She's always been fascinated with forensics, refuses to eat anything green, and loves a strong Mai Tai on the beach on Kauai. Visit Kendra at kendraelliot.com
Amazon's Author Kendra Elliot Page
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About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best 
selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
June 19, 2015
Just When I Decided It Was Time for a New Guide Dog: Leader Dog Chronicles
My first Leader Dog Chronicle was a tale of tears and longing. This is not. This is a tale of synchronicity, which means fortuitous timing, in case that's a new $100 word for you!
Tired of being dogless back in March of this year, I was just considering maybe I didn't have to train my own this time and could go get a new, fully trained dog, but I wasn't "there" yet. I woke up early one morning and mulled over it in bed. Perhaps it was time to get a dog. Maybe not.
Synchronicity
My friend Seana came to visit me. She has a hearing/mobility service dog whom she trained. We were in the grocery store when an older couple talked to us. They asked about her dog. At first they assumed it was a guide dog, which most people do unless they've seen a variety of service dogs.
I shared that I used to have a guide dog named Molly. The man, Terry, said, "We're with the Lions Club. We've been wanting to help place a Leader Dog with a blind person in this area for years."
The switch in my brain flipped into the YES position, accompanied with a long and satisfying display of sparkle, confetti and fireworks.
I could go anywhere for my dog. I didn't HAVE to choose Leader Dogs, but it fits my lifestyle well. I had decided upon Leader Dogs years ago, before I trained my first dog Thunder. At that time I was living in Colorado. This was way back in 1993. I chose them because of their strong reputation. Interestingly, I was also considering rejoining the Lions Club, of which I had been a member some years back but stopped because I could not attend any of the meetings or fundraisers due to my schedule at the time.
Now, super-charged by the great timing of meeting Terry and Patsy from the Lions Club, I knew it was time for a long think, and time to gather more info and request an application from Leader Dogs for the Blind.
Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks.
There are benefits and drawbacks for any major decision in life whether that's where to live, where to work, or whether to bring a new fur child home.
First, I made a T list with benefits and drawbacks of a dog. This is often called a "Ben Franklin Close," when used in sales. Minuses included walking the dog in the heat and inclement weather and biggest of all, they die. Plusses included help finding things like the end of a line, managing crowds better, and the special bond of having an animal.
Next, I used an emotional scale of -5 to 5. Negative 5 represented something that bothered me a whole lot, like the dog aging and dying. Positive 5 meant my very favorite things about having a dog.
I added up my drawbacks and benefits. Then I decided to add 20 per cent to the minus side, in case I was underestimating the emotional impact of the aspects of dog ownership that are difficult.
Even with the padded negative, I still came up PRO dog.
Leader Dog Application Process
When I went to LeaderDog.org I soon discovered that the application process had ddefinitely made it to the 21st Century. Here's what an applicant needs to do:
The application process, which typically takes 30 to 60 days, consists of a written application, including character references and medical information. A short video demonstrating the applicant’s independent travel skills within his or her home area is also required. Once approved for a program, assignment to a class usually takes an additional 30 to 90 days.
Here's what I would have to provide:
Application for Training
Medical History Form
Vision Evaluation Form
Consent to Release Information Form
Video demonstrating independent travel skills Source
Right after I sent for the print application, I was ready for to arrive. After dashing to the mailbox for several days from when I suspected it would arrive, I had to call and ask, "I haven't seen my application. When did it go out? Evidently, it hadn't been sent, so yet another week of waiting would ensue.
It arrived the day before my first Lions Club of Kimberling City meeting, so I was able to share the journey right from the start.
Application
These dogs are a huge investment of time and money, so I get why the process is intensive. But it's a long ap. I half expected to see a swab DNA test, a pee vial and an envelope for a shank of hair to go along with everything else they wanted.
I would have to explain why I wanted a dog and what my typical travel situations were several times. Once on paper. Once in the video, then later over the phone.
Character References
Leader Dogs requires applicants to provide 6 character references, none of whom should be family. They wanted all contact details, including mailing address, email and phone.
I had fun asking friends to vouch for me. The first 2 people I asked were my dear long-term friends Steph and Seana. They've known me since before I trained Thunder.
Chief Robert Talltree said, "Sure, I can vouch that you're a character!" Gary teased, "Do I have to lie and say good things about you?" Some friend! (kidding - he's a terrific friend). We had a good laugh about that one.
I'll say more about the form my friends received in fferent Chronicle.
Doctor, Doctor
My letter explaining my permanent condition would not do. I had to get a current evaluation with visual field test (one of my least favorites ever, as it is a painful test for me.) Since my condition is what it is, I hadn't seen an eye doc in a long time. Time to get a new one. That turned out to be a $45 copay on my insurance which I hd never used or anything..
And a medical doctor? I don't have a medical condition that requires care, and even if so, nothing relevant to eyesight. As a healthy person who doesn't do doctors, I was not thrilled. But no getting out of it, much as I would have liked to do so. That meant establishing a new doctor. I tried like crazy to dodge that one.
Dreading the Nay-Sayer
There will always be at least one nay-sayer among those who are closest to you whenever you're considering a big change. Mine also happens to be the person who most often drives me.
Yes I'm an adult and yes it's my decision, but I knew beyond any doubt that this one family ember was going to kibosh me. More on that in another post.
The Ronda Del Boccio Independent Cane Travel Movie
The video wasn't something I could do myself. Well, I could manage some of it without assistance, like showing me traveling around the property where my mom and her husband and I live. But showing handling crowds and crossings, Neither of my local family members are that great with digital cameras. Connecting with friends can be a challenge since I bus and meet them somewhere.
I recorded the parts I could manage alone, including why I want a dog and a demonstration of me going up and down stairs, crossing the road and walking a couple places near home.
Fortunately, my aunt and cousin were about to visit, so I knew I could ask for help. Valerie was glad to play videographer. So when we shopping in Branson at Tanger Outlet Mall and Grand Village, she showed me crossing the parking lot, walking through a strangely shaped commons area, passing constructions, and managing crowds.
The video is just over 12 minutes all together. Here is a snippet. Watch the video.
It took me most of the month of April to get all this together. By May 1, I knew they would have everything they needed from me, and it would be a long wait to hear about r or not I would .
Turns out I was both right and wrong at the same time. And that's a topic for another chronicle!
Please share this review all over the social web!
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Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
June 18, 2015
Cat Helps Me Give an AudioAcrobat Testimonial
One of my favorite cool tools for authors is AudioAcrobat. It's a fabulous service to record and store audios, videos, and even podcasts. I've been a happy customer for years, and I love this service.
I use it to make a backup recording of my webinars and workshops, no matter what web conferencing service I am using at the time.
So here's my cat Trippy helping me give a testimonial.
I even used AudioAcrobat to record that video. Start your free 30 day trial right now, and be sure to join in the many free classes they offer to help you make the most of AudioAcrobat.
Please share this review all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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June 17, 2015
Habits of Great Writers
What's the key to being a great writer? I suppose there are lots...and I'm certainly not a great writer...but perhaps these superstar authors will inspire you to pick a habit to try out for yourself.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
bestselling author, speaker and mentor
June 16, 2015
Book Review of Memoir As You Wish: Inconceivable Tales from the Making of The Princes bride by Cary Elwes
Welcome back to another Write On Purpose book review. Each week, I review a well-written book, highlighting what makes it good from the reader’s perspective and what writing skills and techniques make it an irresistible read. Thus, each review serves both writers and readers.
This week I depart from fiction book reviews to cover a memoir. Perhaps this is a bit selfish on my part, as I am starting to write a memoir of my own, but I haven't yet reviewed a memoir, so why not, right?
Memoir VS Autobiography
Perhaps you, like many people, have some confusion about the difference between a memoir and an autobiography. They're really not synonyms.
An autobiography covers the span of a person's life. I tell my mentoring students that unless you're a gigantic name like Oprah or Donald Trump, or unless you've had a life that is off-the-bell-curve remarkable, people probably don't want to read your entire life story.
A memoir, on the other hand, doesn't require you to be a superstar in order for people to want to read it, because it's a slice of your life, covering a particular theme or experience.
Keep in mind that book genres can be as much a blend of diverse elements as the population of the USA. Many books combine several genres. My first boo, I'll Push You Steer, with which Bonnie K. Tesh and I co-authored, is a compilation of short pieces by each of us about living with our "disabilities" in a positive way. This book can be considered a memoir. We didn't cover our lives birth to present.
so now on to the review of As You Wish by Cary Elwes, AKA Wesley in the movie The Princess Bride.
As you Wish: Inconceivable Tales from The Princess Bride by Cary Elwes
The Princess Bride is the little movie that could. Now an iconic movie and a cult classic, at the time it was a huge gamble.
Iocaine powder, "Mostly dead," the Dread Pirate Roberts, "I am not left handed," "As you wish," "Inconceivable," and so many more classic quotable lines and memorable characters are part of our culture now.
I feel so incredibly OLD when I realize how long ago this movie came out, and I have loved it since the first time I saw it.
Those of us who love the movie can practically speak the lines with the actors, but at the time, it could have been a flop.
What makes As You Wish a Memorable Memoir
1. A Peek Behind the Curtain
Ok sure, a big part of it is the iconic movie and it's phenomenal cast. A memoir of this nature gives us fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of one of our favorite films of all times.
I loved hearing about how many months of training went into creating that iconic fight scene and learning how they handled Andre the Giant's back problems so he didn't get hurt.
One of my favorite glimpses was the story of Cary Elwes breaking his toe because he just couldn't resist playing on a machine he had no business riding. BUt who can blame him for wanting an adventure?
2. The Person Behind the Character
For me what I love about memoirs is discovering the true character of the person or people involved. How did the cast deal with the various challenges on a personal human level?
Elwes shares how he broke his toe and tried to cover it up because he felt so foolish for handling a machine on which he had no experience or training. He talks about the humor and generosity of Andre the Giant.
Elwes reveals his own foibles and struggles as a person and as an actor throughout the book. He shares the human side of how the PEOPLE overcame the difficulties that arose. This made it a good memoir.
3. Something To Grow On
Good memoirs give insight into what it means to be human and how to do it just a bit better. By sharing the mistakes, mishaps and challenges overcome, Elwes imparts a few subtle teachings that might help the reader grow.
I gave As You Wish a 5 Star Review. Read it here.
Please share this review all over the social web!
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
Read More Book Reviews by Ronda Del Boccio
Looking for more book reviews? I share insights on books in most genres. See them all in the Book Review Category
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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June 15, 2015
Time for a New Guide Dog: Leader Dog Chronicles
When my amazing guide dog Molly made her transition across the Rainbow Bridge, I could barely breathe. A bright shining light extinguished. Still, almost 21 months later, I am crying as I write this. That should tell you how much she still means to me.
Early Retirement
The photo above of Molly in her harness sitting in the airplane seat, looking quite pleased with herself, is my favorite picture of her. Oh, my heart still aches after all this time! I am so very grateful she was part of my life! She touched so many lives!
I had to retire her a couple years before that last awful trip to the vet, because her joints were failing. She hurt herself umping out of an SUV because she wouldn't wait for me to help her. Thattrip was our last. I got along with a white cane.
The interesting thing was that even though she only went with me down to her Grammy's house (my mom), I could still rely on her senses through that tight psychic bond we shared.
Car rides and active guide duty were a thing of the past, but as a home owner, I could keep her and continue to shower her with love.
Grief Beyond All Comprehension
I'm surprised I didn't cry every ounce of water out of my body. the first few days without her I felt almost dizzy. Not really head-spinning dizzy, but I was reaching for a spirit no longer there and trying to use her senses to enhance my own, with nothing there upon which to lean.
My grief over my first dog Thunder was the worst grief of my life - until Molly. I kept holding out a hand to pet her, wanting to save her a bite of bacon, a morsel of meat, or my pizza crust for her. In so many little ways, a thousand times a day, reaching out to my bonded companion.
Amazing how fresh it all feels still, after all this time. Losing her tore me apart.
Dog Medicine
Dogs have a special power no human has, no matter how loving or caring that person may be. Why must they live for a decade while careless, destructive humans live eight or more?
I wasn't the only one who loved her, though our bond was strongest. People who met us at conferences loved her. My friends loved her. Her Grammy was devastated at her loss as well.
My life without her felt - and still feels - so hollow.
No more dog to walk. Good news for her, as I knew she would suffer too much through another winter with her hind quarters getting bad. Nice not having to go out in the heat or rain or snow.
But... no dog to walk.
No more silly dog rolling in the grass making stupid dog noises.
No more playtime.
No more cuddles.
No dog to share her senses with me to help me navigate the world.
No dog to love.
I didn't cope well.
I guess I'm still not coping well.
Cane Power
Oh sure, I travel well and safely with a white cane. Learning travel with a cane was the best thing I ever did in my early life.
The white cane means holding my head up high instead of gazing at the ground and yet still missing the fact that the shadow was a hole or that seemingly flat ground was a set of cement stairs gleaming in sunlight with no edge markers to warn me.
The cane tells me about obstacles, stairs, and the difference between shadows and holes.
But a cane can't help me find the end of the line at the airport or grocery store.
A cane can't take me around that construction zone so I don't have to figure out how to get past it.
A cane requires no food, brushing or et bills, but it can't help me cope with large crowds, and it can't snuggle with me at night and give me daily reasons to laugh and smile.
Time for a Change
After a year and a half of sobbing, longing, and trying to convince myself I wasn't getting another dog while living out here in the country, I couldn't take it anymore. But I didn't want to train my own again.
Training my own guide dogs meant:
I started from ground zero with a puppy.
I didn't have to leave home to get and train with a dog.
I chose the dog.
I didn't have to deal with anyone else's rules and hoops through which to jump.
I trained the dog from housebreaking to sit to stay to all the guide dog functions, like finding curbs and knowing when to cross a street.
I paid all the expenses, including replacing the underpants and shoes and power cords that got chewed.
I had to have a harness made.
I had to do all the socializing and make sure the dog could handle everything fro escalators to crowds to rural roads to city buses myself.
Getting a dog who had past unknown traumas. Molly came from a shelter and had been abused before that.
.I didn't want another puppy to housebreak and train from scratch, as I had done for my first two dogs. I'm done with puppies. Puppies should be like grandchildren. Spoil them for a little while and hand them back to their parents for all the hard work.
And while I had all sorts of great experiences to use as learning parties for my other two dogs, living rural means NO access to things like escalators, revolving doors, moving sidewalks, elevators, public transportation buses, commuter trains/Light rail, elevators, and taxis.
My sensible brain finally got my attention to remind me that I don't have to train my own from scratch. I could go to a school and get one pre-loaded with guide training. The reasons I didn't do this the first two times were not an issue anymore.
Getting a Trained Guide Dog from a School
Going to a guide dog school means:
Filling out an application.
Going to an eye doctor even though I'm no less blind today than I was decades ago.
Going to a doctor, because...why? Oh yeah...because they said so.
Jumping through hoops
Letting someone else pick out MY dog, not me.
Dropping everything and leaving home for about a month to learn how to handle the dog.
Not owning my dog for a year.
Dog bred for guide work.
Dog raised by someone else.
Dog lived in stable loving home before coming to me.
No charge for the air transportation to class
No charge for food or lodging (at most schools) during training.
No charge for the dog.
Going to class for the dog on their schedule.
Bypassing a year and a half of training, vet bills...and bonding with my dog.
And because of the school I choose, there were a couple more hoops through which to jump:
Making a video showcasing my independent travel skills with a white cane.
Asking six friends to be character references for me
Having one of the people I love most say, "That's a BAD idea" in a derisive nasal voice the moment I told her I was applying for a dog.
.I'll go into why I chose Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, Michigan, in another article. The support I have received from so many people who've met me at conferences and along my author journey astounds me.
Thank you for sharing in this adventure with me, and atch for the next episode in the Leader Dog Chronicles.
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
Read More Book Reviews by Ronda Del Boccio
Looking for more book reviews? I share insights on books in most genres. See them all in the Book Review Category
About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
Join Ronda's readers for free stories, sneak peeks at her next books and more at WriteOnPUrpose.com/read
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Time for a New Guide Dog: Leader Dog Chroicles
When my amazing guide dog Molly made her transition across the Rainbow Bridge, I could barely breathe. A bright shining light extinguished. Still, almost 21 months later, I am crying as I write this. That should tell you how much she still means to me.
Early Retirement
The photo above of Molly in her harness sitting in the airplane seat, looking quite pleased with herself, is my favorite picture of her. Oh, my heart still aches after all this time! I am so very grateful she was part of my life! She touched so many lives!
I had to retire her a couple years before that last awful trip to the vet, because her joints were failing. She hurt herself umping out of an SUV because she wouldn't wait for me to help her. Thattrip was our last. I got along with a white cane.
The interesting thing was that even though she only went with me down to her Grammy's house (my mom), I could still rely on her senses through that tight psychic bond we shared.
Car rides and active guide duty were a thing of the past, but as a home owner, I could keep her and continue to shower her with love.
Grief Beyond All Comprehension
I'm surprised I didn't cry every ounce of water out of my body. the first few days without her I felt almost dizzy. Not really head-spinning dizzy, but I was reaching for a spirit no longer there and trying to use her senses to enhance my own, with nothing there upon which to lean.
My grief over my first dog Thunder was the worst grief of my life - until Molly. I kept holding out a hand to pet her, wanting to save her a bite of bacon, a morsel of meat, or my pizza crust for her. In so many little ways, a thousand times a day, reaching out to my bonded companion.
Amazing how fresh it all feels still, after all this time. Losing her tore me apart.
Dog Medicine
Dogs have a special power no human has, no matter how loving or caring that person may be. Why must they live for a decade while careless, destructive humans live eight or more?
I wasn't the only one who loved her, though our bond was strongest. People who met us at conferences loved her. My friends loved her. Her Grammy was devastated at her loss as well.
My life without her felt - and still feels - so hollow.
No more dog to walk. Good news for her, as I knew she would suffer too much through another winter with her hind quarters getting bad. Nice not having to go out in the heat or rain or snow.
But... no dog to walk.
No more silly dog rolling in the grass making stupid dog noises.
No more playtime.
No more cuddles.
No dog to share her senses with me to help me navigate the world.
No dog to love.
I didn't cope well.
I guess I'm still not coping well.
Cane Power
Oh sure, I travel well and safely with a white cane. Learning travel with a cane was the best thing I ever did in my early life.
The white cane means holding my head up high instead of gazing at the ground and yet still missing the fact that the shadow was a hole or that seemingly flat ground was a set of cement stairs gleaming in sunlight with no edge markers to warn me.
The cane tells me about obstacles, stairs, and the difference between shadows and holes.
But a cane can't help me find the end of the line at the airport or grocery store.
A cane can't take me around that construction zone so I don't have to figure out how to get past it.
A cane requires no food, brushing or et bills, but it can't help me cope with large crowds, and it can't snuggle with me at night and give me daily reasons to laugh and smile.
Time for a Change
After a year and a half of sobbing, longing, and trying to convince myself I wasn't getting another dog while living out here in the country, I couldn't take it anymore. But I didn't want to train my own again.
Training my own guide dogs meant:
I started from ground zero with a puppy.
I didn't have to leave home to get and train with a dog.
I chose the dog.
I didn't have to deal with anyone else's rules and hoops through which to jump.
I trained the dog from housebreaking to sit to stay to all the guide dog functions, like finding curbs and knowing when to cross a street.
I paid all the expenses, including replacing the underpants and shoes and power cords that got chewed.
I had to have a harness made.
I had to do all the socializing and make sure the dog could handle everything fro escalators to crowds to rural roads to city buses myself.
Getting a dog who had past unknown traumas. Molly came from a shelter and had been abused before that.
.I didn't want another puppy to housebreak and train from scratch, as I had done for my first two dogs. I'm done with puppies. Puppies should be like grandchildren. Spoil them for a little while and hand them back to their parents for all the hard work.
And while I had all sorts of great experiences to use as learning parties for my other two dogs, living rural means NO access to things like escalators, revolving doors, moving sidewalks, elevators, public transportation buses, commuter trains/Light rail, elevators, and taxis.
My sensible brain finally got my attention to remind me that I don't have to train my own from scratch. I could go to a school and get one pre-loaded with guide training. The reasons I didn't do this the first two times were not an issue anymore.
Getting a Trained Guide Dog from a School
Going to a guide dog school means:
Filling out an application.
Going to an eye doctor even though I'm no less blind today than I was decades ago.
Going to a doctor, because...why? Oh yeah...because they said so.
Jumping through hoops
Letting someone else pick out MY dog, not me.
Dropping everything and leaving home for about a month to learn how to handle the dog.
Not owning my dog for a year.
Dog bred for guide work.
Dog raised by someone else.
Dog lived in stable loving home before coming to me.
No charge for the air transportation to class
No charge for food or lodging (at most schools) during training.
No charge for the dog.
Going to class for the dog on their schedule.
Bypassing a year and a half of training, vet bills...and bonding with my dog.
And because of the school I choose, there were a couple more hoops through which to jump:
Making a video showcasing my independent travel skills with a white cane.
Asking six friends to be character references for me
Having one of the people I love most say, "That's a BAD idea" in a derisive nasal voice the moment I told her I was applying for a dog.
.I'll go into why I chose Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester Hills, Michigan, in another article. The support I have received from so many people who've met me at conferences and along my author journey astounds me.
Thank you for sharing in this adventure with me, and atch for the next episode in the Leader Dog Chronicles.
Follow your B.L.I.S.S.
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 best selling author, speaker, and Amazon Top Reviewer
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About Ronda Del Boccio
Ronda Del Boccio is an award-winning and best selling author of both fiction and nonfiction. She tells transformational tales and helps visionary authors turn their dreams and imaginings into published books. See and order Ronda's books on Amazon.
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June 12, 2015
Writing Skills Book Review: Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Point of view is perhaps the most difficult skill to develop. SOme writers have more trouble with it than others, but whether trying for deep POV or not-so-deep, it tends to vex every writer to some degree. So if you find it a challenge, you're in good company!
I came across this book and decided to read it so I could see if it's a worthy resource for you.
Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
Deep point of view is so fully in a characters mind that the reader doesn't just read your book; she lives the story. Go deep enough and your rreader will feel the joys and sorrows so completely that those people on the pages come to life.
Yet there are so many ways, subtle and not so subtle, that an author can ruin the mood and come out of the character's perceptions so much it annoys the reader.
How is this book organized? Have a look at the table of contents.
Reading those chapter titles, you may be thinking, "OK, got it. I don't need this book. Show don't tell and avoid tags and thoughts."
Wrong you are! Deep point of view isn't simply about avoiding "she thought" and "he said." It's about knowing your characters so well your reader experiences the entire story through their worldview.
This book is well organized with good and bad examples so you can see and feel the difference. I would recommend it even for seasoned writers, as you may discover you fall into a shallow trap now and again.
I like that there are sub-sections of each chapter with bold headlines, so it's easy to see each part. Also, each chapter ends with a worksheet so you can answer questions about your stories and/or technical questions to demonstrate understanding of the writing skills under consideration.
This book will help you avoid head hopping or being too much on the surface. It's short and to the point, and also affordable at $$3.99, or free with Kindle Unlimited.
Get your copy now
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
best selling author, speaker and mentor
June 11, 2015
Make Being Lost FUN?
I don't like being lost. I doubt most people do! But here's a video I made for my "404 page" which means the page that says you got to a page that doesn't exist. You're welcome to use it if you like!
June 10, 2015
Does Your Character Have a Hobby?
Does your character collect bugs? Is she a sommelier? Is he a witty knitter?
In my upcoming book They All Died Smiling, Kassidy loves to bake.
Here are some possible hobbies for you to give your protagonist or other characters.
Follow your BLISS,
Ronda Del Boccio
#1 Amazon best selling author, speaker and mentor
Writing is pure Bliss
- Ronda J. Del Boccio's profile
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