C.R. Hiatt's Blog, page 7
October 31, 2012
Happy Halloween…
Happy Halloween!
Last chance to stop by and win some great bestselling #Books by some amazing #Authors…
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to everyone on the eastern coast that was impacted by Hurricane Sandy. We appreciate that a lot of kids will not be able to enjoy the holiday today, because of the devastating damage inflicted in their home towns, but we hope their spirits will be lifted soon…
October 23, 2012
Carlie M.A. Cullen – The Evolution of Heart Search: Lost
Once again, McSwain & Beck are happy to welcome Carlie M.A. Cullen. Carlie has agreed to offer a guest post as part of her blog tour, and her subject is: The evolution of Heart Search: Lost.
When CR first asked me to come up with a post about how I came up with the story for Heart Search, my immediate thought was, how can I write enough to make it worthwhile? But then my dear friend, Inspiration, came a knocking on my door.
I’d had a couple of really manic weeks where I’d been on the go from dawn till dusk, you know those sorts of weeks, right? The kind where you’re out of the house a lot and when I was home I was busy with household chores and decorating. The only thing I’d written during those weeks was a shopping list and a To Do list, so I didn’t forget anything. It was a storm before the lull.
I was relaxing for the first time in what felt like forever and listening to music, when an idea tiptoed into my head like a child sneaking to the fridge for a midnight snack. The idea was a little hazy at first, something vague about a girl whose boyfriend got bitten by a vampire. Hmmm, this has got possibilities I thought, but by then I was pretty tired and went to bed.
The following day the idea was waiting for me, lurking in the shadows until I’d had my first cup of tea and was really awake. This time it came back a bit stronger and with a little more substance. Now I had the boy disappearing after he’d been bitten and the girl setting off to find him. Now that would be a little different thought I and began trying to work out how I could write it and from what perspective.
Over the next few days the basic idea evolved and became stronger and more involved, to the extent where I felt I could actually write a basic synopsis for an outline. And that’s exactly what I did.
I then started to think about characters and before I knew it, Remy had marched into my head. I could picture her as clearly as if she were standing in front of me. A pretty girl with her strawberry blonde hair cut into a bob, warm brown eyes, the shape of her face, her height, build, the ‘whole nine yards’ as my US friends would say. I quickly wrote down everything I could see, not wanting to leave out a single thing. I now had my main character . . . or did I?
The following day, Joshua stormed into my head wearing hobnail boots (well that’s what it felt like). Again I could see him as clearly as I’d seen Remy the previous day. Quite a cute guy stood there, with slightly wavy mid brown hair and coffee-coloured eyes. I rushed to my laptop and wrote down every detail.
From then onwards, Remy and Joshua were always in my head, telling me how their story started, the initial chain of events and a few details for me to run with and explore. They began to push me to start writing, they were eager for me to tell their story; it was like having two adult children trying to nag you into doing something a little before you felt you were ready.
So to placate them, I wrote an outline for the story. When I finished and read it back, I realized this was going to be a novel-length story something I’d not attempted before and I was suddenly as eager to start on it as they were. I wrote out a chapter plan for the first twelve chapters and began writing. However, by the time I reached chapter five or six I found I was deviating from the plan I’d so carefully crafted. Remy and Joshua had taken over and they were going to tell their story their way.
New characters formed and each had to have their own profile, so I would find myself breaking off from the story to breathe life into each new face they placed before me. And then I was back to writing the story again. So it continued. My original thoughts and ideas had morphed into something extraordinary.
The original plan was to base almost the entire book on Remy and her search for her missing boyfriend. I’d decided I would write her in first voice, something I’d not done much of in the past, as I wanted to challenge myself. But Joshua wasn’t willing to be relegated to the background. Oh no, he had his story to tell too. He wanted me to write about his transition from mortal to immortal, his first foray into the dark world of the vampire, his first time feeding from a human and much more. How could I refuse him?
It was then I decided to write Joshua’s story in third voice; I wanted to differentiate between the two stories so the reader wouldn’t get confused.
By the time I was about a quarter of the way through the novel, I realized Remy and Joshua had more of a story to tell than would fit in one book and it was at that point I knew it would turn into a trilogy.
As I’m now writing book two, I’m finding more facets of their personalities and they have thrown me a few curve balls already. I can’t help but wonder what more they have in store.
Carlie M.A. Cullen
Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing. She has been an administrator and marketer all her working life and is also a professional teacher of Ballroom and Latin American dancing.
Carlie has always written in some form or another, but Heart Search: Lost is her first novel. This was launched 8th October 2012 through Myrddin Publishing Group and work has started on book two: Heart Search: Found. She writes mainly in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for YA, New Adult and Adult.
Carlie is also a professional editor.
Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. Their first anthology, The Other Way Is Essex, was published September 2012 under Myrddin Publishing Group.
Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/carlie2011c
Website: http://carliemacullen.com/
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HEART SEARCH: LOST
One bite starts it all . . .
When Joshua Grant vanishes days before his wedding his fiancée Remy is left with only bruises, scratch marks and a hastily written note. Heartbroken, she sets off alone to find him and begins a long journey where strange things begin to happen.
As Joshua descends into his new immortal life he indulges his thirst for blood and explores his superhuman strength and amazing new talents while becoming embroiled in coven politics which threaten to destroy him. But Remy discovers a strength of her own on her quest to bring Joshua home.
Fate toys with mortals and immortals alike, as two hearts torn apart by darkness face ordeals which test them to their limits.
October 22, 2012
Blog Tour for ‘Heart Search’ – Interview of Author, Carlie M.A. Cullen
Guys and gals hang onto your hats, because McSwain & Beck have a special treat for you!!
As part of her exciting blog tour, the lovely and talented, Carlie M.A. Cullen, Author of the novel ’Heart Search – Book One: Lost’, sat down recently for some Q and A’s with CR HIATT, creator of McSwain & Beck. Let’s just hope there are no injuries. I hear the characters have a thirst for blood…
Hi Carlie – Thank you for joining me today, and allowing me to be a part of your exciting blog tour. I hope you are having an amazing time.
Hi CR! Thanks so much for inviting me here today. Rumour has it you’d like to ask me a question or several . . .
1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well I’m as crazy as a box of frogs and I’ve got a wacky sense of humour! How’s that for starters? [Laughs] I know that’s a bit frivolous, but it’s the real me! Now for the more serious stuff. I was born in the East End of London and am a true cockney; I was born at 7am to the sound of Bow Bells and that is what defines a ‘true’ cockney. I moved to the county of Hertfordshire when I was about sixteen months old and that’s where I grew up. I now live in a small town in Essex. I have a daughter, who is the light of my life and am almost single.
I run a writing group called Writebulb and we meet in the next town to where I live. They are a great bunch of people and we support and encourage each other. The group has published an Anthology based on our county called, The Other Way Is Essex, with all proceeds going to our local hospice. As I lost both my parents to cancer, I know first-hand the wonderful work these places do and the fantastic support they give to patients and their families.
I’ve been a dancer since I was five years old and turned professional nearly fifteen years ago, teaching both adults and children.
I’m a professional editor as well as a writer.
2. What do you do when you are not writing?
It’s very rare for me not to be writing or editing, especially these days. On the rare occasions I do stop, I enjoy entertaining my friends or going to see them, watching DVD’s or one of the few TV series I’m hooked on. I used to enjoy teaching dance, but had to give it up earlier this year when I became disabled with spinal problems. I’m now very limited with what I can do and where I can go. I used to enjoy going to the movies and restaurants, but regrettably I can’t do that at the moment. There is a silver lining to my cloud – I have more time to write now!
3. How do you deal with writer’s block?
It depends on whether it happens when I’m just about to start writing or part way through.
If it’s when I’m just about to start writing, I usually do a free-writing exercise for about ten minutes. Using pen and paper, I pick a word at random and write whatever comes into my head connected to the word. I don’t worry about punctuation, grammar or sentence structure I just keep writing. By the time the ten minutes are up, I find concentrating on that one word has focused my mind and the creative juices begin to flow. I can then go back to my work and begin where I left off. Sometimes the first couple of sentences are a bit weird, but by then I’m back in the flow and don’t worry about it – they can be sorted during the editing process.
If I get writer’s block part way through, I’ll find something else to do for about half an hour, like watching TV, relaxing and listening to music, or something around the house like making a pot of tea and maybe a snack (depending on the time of day). Then I’ll go back to it about half an hour or an hour later and usually can get straight back into it again.
4. Do you work with an outline or just write on the fly?
When I first began Heart Search, I had a synopsis, outline and planned the first twelve chapters, but after about four or five chapters in, the story began to take on a life of its own and all my careful planning was about as much use as a bag of ice is to Eskimos. The rest of the book was written completely on the fly.
5. I find it interesting to know what environment people write in. Do you use a pen and paper, laptop? Quiet room, music or what? Are there visitors such as dogs, cats, or children?
I always use a laptop to write. Most of the time I prefer quiet, but every now and then I find music helps to inspire me. I have certain CD’s I listen to depending on what sort of scene I’m writing at the time: for action scenes or the ‘third voice’ chapters I listen to Muse; for emotional scenes it’s usually Sarah McLaughlin; and for just inspiration I put on soft instrumental relaxing/mood music.
I don’t have any pets; I live in rented accommodation and pets aren’t allowed. And as far as children are concerned, yes I have a daughter, but she’s in her twenties so she’s not exactly a distraction.
I usually write in the lounge as it’s the most comfortable place for me.
6. Is there anyone, or anything in particular that inspired you to become an author?
I’ve written for my own enjoyment since I was a child and this continued into adulthood. When I got the idea for writing Heart Search, it was the first time I felt I actually had a novel in me. After I started it and was a few chapters in, I found my daughter reading it and she was hooked. She kept pushing me, asking where the next bit was and it got to the stage where every time I walked away from my laptop, even if only for a couple of minutes, she would grab it and read what I’d just written and this continued right up until I finished it.
I’d wanted to be an author for some time, but didn’t think I would ever stand a chance of becoming published. It was my daughter’s enthusiasm and love for the story which gave me the confidence to believe I actually had some writing talent and she kept telling me to publish it. So I decided to engage an editor to see if they thought it was any good. I found a great editor who helped me whip my book into shape and she loved it too. After sending it to a beta reader who was a senior editor at a publishing company and getting great feedback from her, I then felt I had a chance to achieve my dream.
If it hadn’t been for my daughter’s encouragement, Heart Search may not have been published.
7. Who is your favorite author, and why?
I can’t actually say I have just one favourite author, There are many authors whose work I love, but can’t narrow it down to just one. But among my favourites are J K Rowling, Alison DeLuca, Stephenie Meyer, James Clemens, Connie J Jasperson, MG Wells and Charlaine Harris.
8. Why did you choose the specific genre of your first book, and why?
I’ve loved fantasy from childhood. It began with me reading Hans Christian Anderson and the tales from The Brothers Grimm and my love of the genre stayed with me. As I grew up, I became increasingly fascinated by fantasy creatures like vampires and also witchcraft. Almost everything I wrote had an element of fantasy in it somewhere. When the idea for Heart Search popped into my head, it included vampires so really my choice of genre was made for me.
9. What was your greatest obstacle when writing your debut novel, Heart Search: Lost?
As the story developed, I knew before I was a quarter of the way through it, there was going to be too much for one single book. Remy and Joshua’s journeys were too long, their individual tales too intricate so my greatest obstacle was actually deciding where to end the book.
10. What’s next for Carlie M.A. Cullen?
What’s next is Book Two – Found followed by Book Three – Coven. After I finish the Heart Search trilogy, my next project is a book about the lovely woman I use as my avatar. She gives me a great deal of inspiration and I think she deserves a book all of her very own. I do have some other story ideas written down and at the moment I haven’t decided which of those I’ll look at next, but I think I’ve got enough to keep me going for at least the next year, don’t you?
Bonus question:
On a rainy night when all you can do is cuddle up on the sofa to watch a movie, what’s your favorite genre to watch?
Hmmm, actually that would depend on my mood at the time. Obviously I love anything with fantasy in it, but I also enjoy thrillers, some action movies, films with the supernatural or paranormal in, the occasional horror (not the slasher kind, like Saw) and the odd rom-com. Nine times out of ten I would pick a fantasy one though.
Thanks so much for having me here today, CR – I’m now parched, any chance of a cuppa? 
Whew!!! I got through that interview, and I think my blood is still untouched. I don’t see any teeth marks. Do you?
Thank you so much, Carlie! It was great to learn a little more about you through this little Q and A.
You can check out Carlie’s book on Amazon.com:
First, check out what people are saying, and it was only recently published:
~~”Exhilarating paranormal romance…”
~~“The story was good, the characters engaging, and the plot was full of twists and turns that kept me turning the pages.”
~~”Heart Search: Lost is a great debut for a series and leaves you with a smorgasboard of teasers and plot threads for the next book. I was left pondering which ones are going to play a big part in book two, and which ones will mull like a good wine until book three.”
For more info on Carlie M.A. Cullen, check her out on Twitter @carlie2011c, or her website: http://carliemacullen.com/
October 20, 2012
TWICK or TWEET #TTWIN
HALLOWEEN IS COMING…
To celebrate, 8 cool authors have cooked up an awesome GIVEAWAY, just for you, our readers!!!
What’s cooler than that?
From October 20th through October 31st, 2012, the 8 of us have decided to come together with some awesome treats. We are giving away – yes, you read that right – GIVING AWAY, nine best selling e-books, and a SPOOKTACULAR GRAND PRIZE of five signed paperback editions!
Now, I know you’re asking the big question: What’s the catch?
Well, that’s the great part about it, there is no catch!!!
None.
Zilch.
Nada.
All YOU have to do is click on the link, and enter the giveaway: http://twickortweet.wordpress.com/about/
Picking up a bag full of treats couldn’t be more simple.
Get yourself a Halloween treat today… http://twickortweet.wordpress.com/about/
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
October 15, 2012
Blog Tour Stop for Author, Carlie M.A. Cullen
McSwain & Beck have a hectic schedule these days, what with sleuthing, spying, and more recently, prepping for the release of Fireworks on the 4th, which is the sequel to Gone at Zero Hundred 00:00. However, in the efforts of maintaining some semblance of sanity during their covert ops (if I tell you, I’ll have to eliminate you), they decided to take some time out of their action-adventure escapades, and are honored to host the blog tour of: HEART SEARCH – Book One: LOST by Author, Carlie M. A. Cullen.
HEART SEARCH - Book One: LOST was just recently published on October 8, 2012, but is already garnering some great reviews:
~~”I’ll warn you right now, the ending is a killer! Carlie better write fast. After finishing Heart Search I was “gobsmacked” as Carlie puts it!”
~~”Gets under your skin and won’t let go...”
~~”Totally enjoyable and addictive – cannot wait for book 2 – hope its soon!”
********************************************************************************************
For today’s blog tour post, Author, Carlie M. A. Cullen, has decided to offer up a thrilling excerpt for her exciting debut. So, without further ado…
EXCERPT:
“Did you see how easy it is?” Samir asked, his voice gloating.
“Yes.” Joshua replied, simply.
“It’s your turn next,” Samir stated. “Are you alright with that?”
“I…think so,” the reply was a little sheepish, “I’m a bit nervous, but most of all I want to get it right. I don’t want to…let you down.”
“I’m sure you will be fine – I have every confidence in you,” Samir’s response was sincere and he smiled at his young one as if to prove it.
They remained in a companionable silence while they waited for someone else to exit the hall; they only had to wait about fifteen minutes before the door opened and a man and woman stumbled through, holding hands and giggling like a couple of children.
Joshua looked at Samir in consternation. He couldn’t handle two at once – one was going to be enough of a challenge. Samir chuckled softly – too softly for the drunken couple to hear – then keeping his voice low said, “Of course I wouldn’t expect you to try and take down two at once. You pick which one you want and I’ll take the spare.”
Joshua smiled sheepishly, and then matching the volume of Samir’s voice replied, “I’ll take the man.”
“Good. Whenever you are ready then…”
Samir watched him carefully then at the first sign of a movement that was so subtle it wouldn’t have been visible to humans, they flashed across the road and came up behind their victims. Like a synchronised ballet they grabbed their prey at exactly the same moment, and without any hesitation whatsoever, they sank their teeth into their necks, drinking the torrent of blood which flooded from the punctured arteries.
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Yikes! If that excerpt doesn’t get you needing more, then I don’t think you have blood in your veins.
Whoa, maybe Samir and Joshua got to you, too!!!
You can find the book here:
UK>http://www.amazon.co.uk/HEART-SEARCH-book-Lost-ebook/dp/B009MWXU40/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t
************************************************************************
Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing. She has been an administrator and marketer all her working life and is also a professional teacher of Ballroom and Latin American dancing.
Carlie has always written in some form or another, but Heart Search: Lost is her first novel. This was launched 8th October 2012 through Myrddin Publishing Group and work has started on book two: Heart Search: Found. She writes mainly in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for YA, New Adult and Adult.
Carlie is also a professional editor.
Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. Their first anthology, The Other Way Is Essex, was published September 2012 under Myrddin Publishing Group.
Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.
Thank you for stopping by, and joining in the fun. Before you leave, don’t forget to comment, enter the giveaway and then by all means, share!
http://carliemacullen.com
http://twitter.com/carlie2011c
September 25, 2012
Trailer launch for Heart Search: Lost
Do you know what is so special about September 25, 2012?
No. They are not having the U.S. election early, so the Twitter and Facebook chatter will continue.
No. They are not putting reruns of your favorite sitcom series back on TV.
What is special about September 25, 2012?
Okay, I’ll tell you…
In honor of the launch for her upcoming blog tour starting October 8, 2012, today is the world exclusive unveiling of the teaser trailer for Heart Search: Lost the YA debut novel by Author Carlie M.A. Cullen.
[image error]
We would love it if you could help us spread the word for Carlie’s debut, by commenting and sharing this post. You can reach Carlie at the following website and twitter profile.
http://carliemacullen.com
http://twitter.com/carlie2011c
September 16, 2012
Cover Reveal for ‘Heart Search: Lost’
Next month, I will be hosting a blog tour for fellow author, Carlie M.A. Cullen’s YA novel, ‘Heart Search: Lost’. Woo hoo!!! To help in the celebration of her debut, I would like to take this opportunity to reveal her new cover, and offer you a quick, but awesome and exciting blurb:
COVER REVEAL:
One bite starts it all . . .
When Joshua Grant vanishes days before his wedding his fiancée Remy is left with only bruises, scratch marks and a hastily written note. Heartbroken, she sets off alone to find him and begins a long journey where strange things begin to happen.
As Joshua descends into his new immortal life he indulges his thirst for blood and explores his superhuman strength and amazing new talents while becoming embroiled in coven politics which threaten to destroy him. But Remy discovers a strength of her own on her quest to bring Joshua home.
Fate toys with mortals and immortals alike, as two hearts torn apart by darkness face ordeals which test them to their limits.
As the blog badge indicated, Carlie M.A. Cullen’s tour will run from October 8 through October 31. For further information, and specifics about her tour, you can find Carlie at the following:
http://twitter.com/carlie2011c
Thank you for stopping by, and feel free to help out a fellow author by sharing this page to spread the word.
CR HIATT
September 12, 2012
Fireworks on the 4th book trailer
Action-packed thrill ride…
CR HIATT
September 1, 2012
7 GREAT BOOKS – #FREE
IT’S HERE!!
The first iAiFree promotion takes place this weekend.
I am not participating in this awesome event, but some of my friends are, so why not take advantage of the great books they have to offer.
Venue: your Kindle!
Seven free-thinking authors FROM AROUND THE WORLD have teamed up to bring you a selection of quality ebooks ABSOLUTELY FREE! The event runs from September 1st to the 3rd, so head on over to http://robonwriting.com/iai-labor-day-free-reads-2/ and give your Kindle a 7-course meal to die for! If you know anyone with a Kindle, please share this with them.
You can’t beat an opportunity like that!!!
Here are some of the authors, and the great selection of books:
The Five Fortunes of Fulano by Benjamin X. Wretlind
Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift by Elise Stokes
At Road’s End by Zoe Saadia
American Goddesses by Gary Henry
Gray Justice by Alan McDermott
Lost by R.S. Guthrie
http://www.amazon.com/Clan-MacAulay-ebook/dp/B006RZ4U3K/ref=pd_sim_kstore_4
The Bones of the Earth by Scott Bury
Looks like a great selection for this great Labor Day Weekend!!
Enjoy!!!
August 7, 2012
Fireworks on the 4th
While I am behind the scenes prepping for the release of Fireworks on the 4th – which is any day now, here is a tiny excerpt to hopefully keep you enticed. As you can see, Sydney is as snarky as ever…
***
“Is this blindfold really necessary?” I whined to General Harry Wells, the mysterious man who walked into my hospital room a few weeks ago claiming to have information regarding my Father – the man I had been searching for my entire life.
I was seated in the passenger seat of a Chevy Suburban, blindfolded, and on my way to a secret location where I was told I would be meeting him. The only negative was I had to agree to come alone, which meant Detective Carter, and my childhood pals, Cody and Jaden, couldn’t tag along.
Who knew that the Google search I did on my laptop of Jake Logan – the name given to me by Detective Carter when I asked him to search for the identity of my father – would be the reason General Wells deemed it necessary to pay me a visit. At the time, I was in the hospital recuperating from wounds I received when Cody and I tried to bring down a criminal enterprise operating inside The Devil’s Door. The fact that the head honcho of the group was still at large, irked me to the core, but that was a matter for another day. Today, I was focused on meeting the father I never knew.
“Yes, it is necessary,” General Wells said interrupting my thoughts and bringing me back to the present. “As I informed you, your father requested your presence. However, his location is better left unknown.”
“If it’s top secret,” I said in a snide manner, “why take me to see him, at all? It’s not like he has been in a rush to see me in, oh like the last eighteen years.”
Noticing the hostile sarcasm in my voice, General Wells took a deep breath before speaking. He obviously wasn’t used to dealing with tempermental young women. “It was becoming abundantly clear from your creative attempts to locate your father through the years, that you were not going to let up until you achieved success. Absolutely amazing the two of you have never spent any time together…the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
It was my turn to take a deep breath. I repeated the statement to myself. The apple doesn’t fall from the tree. Was he implying I was a lot like my father? Could my childhood suspicions of the ailment I often referred to as my adventure-itus, finally be confirmed as a family trait?
“Obstinate, defiant, defies authority … the list goes on,” General Wells said while shaking his head.
Interesting, I thought. How many times had my mother called me those things through the years?
The car slowed to a stop; then turned onto what felt like a dirt and pebble road, by the way the tires moved over the surface. “You may remove the blindfold, now. There’s not much to see from this point on that would give away the location.”
Without wasting a second, I yanked the blindfold over my head, and stared out at the wall of trees that surrounded us. We were in the woods, somewhere, following a dirt road that seemed to go on for miles with nothing on the horizon that I could see. The car contnued a ways until we reached a rusted gate that was locked by a heavy duty chain and steel padlock.
“Wait here,” General Wells ordered. He stepped out of the suburban, and nonchalantly perused the area as he walked toward the gate. He retrieved a large key from his pants pocket, slid it into the lock and turned. When the latch released, he hefted the heavy duty chain off, and pushed the gate open. Back in the driver’s seat, we drove for another couple miles before we were greeted by the snarls and growls of two huge German Shephards. The sharp fangs of their teeth showed, as the dogs separated and took a position outside each vehicle door.
“Holy cow!” I said. “They look like they’re ready to rip our heads off.”
“They were highly trained to protect the property from unwanted predators,” General Wells responded. He pulled the car over to the side of the dirt road, and turned off the ignition. “We’ll walk from here.”
My eyes went wide. I glanced at the dog salivating outside the passenger door waiting for the bait. “You can’t honestly think I’m getting out of this car?”
His lips curled into a lop-sided grin. “They won’t hurt you. You’re family. Just let them smell your scent.”
To prove his point, he stepped from the Suburban and put his hand out so the dog on the driver’s side could get a whiff of him. The dog obviously thought the General didn’t pose a threat. He immediately bounded over next to his partner on the passenger side of the car, where I was still cowering inside.
I peered out at the General, and he gave me a reassuring nod urging me forward. I wasn’t so confident, but I opened the door and slowly stepped out, leaving it open in case I had to dive back in. I stood still, but slowly eased my hand out so the dogs could smell. Oddly enough, they didn’t have me for lunch, but instead their tails started to wag and they lathered me with wet, juicy kisses. Within seconds, I was lapping up the attention, and responded by petting them behind the ears. That’s when I noticed the names engraved on their silver-plated dog tags: Anna and Syd.
The dogs were named after my mom and me.
CR HIATT
