Maggie Fogarty's Blog, page 4

RIP Leda, true friend and best ever dog minder…

Hi from Bonnie the very Cornish cockapoo…

This time around I’m going to dedicate the blog to my late friend and regular minder, Leda.

I first met the lovely Leda in July 2015, when my rents were looking for somewhere for me to stay while they were away. (I know – how can they bear to leave me? That’s another story).

Leda had always loved dogs but after her own much loved spaniel died, she didn’t want to take on a full time dog again. Enter little ol’ me, all bushy tailed and happy to play the role of a part-time mutt.

Let’s just say we hit it off from the start. Leda adored long walks and there was a fabulous beach right on her doorstep. She also loved to teach me tricks, like balancing a chocolate drop on my nose and retrieving a hidden slipper.  ‘Seek it out!’ she’d yell, while I tried to find out where she’d put the damn thing.

I got to do stuff at Leda’s that wasn’t allowed at home. For a start, she would let me have breakfast sitting on her bed while she listened to her Italian language tapes and I swear I picked up a bit of Italian as I munched away. ‘Bellissimo Bonnie’  she’d always say.

She put on a birthday party when I turned two, with cake and wine for the rents and delicious doggy treats for yours truly.

She even gave a BBC radio interview about me and was proud as punch when I passed the tests to be a ‘Pets As Therapy’ dog.

Leda bought me a heated pad for my crate, a giant bean bag to lounge on and matching Cornish tartan leads so I could look smart on our walks.

And boy did we enjoy those walks and runs on the beach. Whatever the weather, we were out there strutting our stuff and having loads of fun.

It wasn’t all exercise though. Leda loved to read, especially when the sun was out and she could take a book out into the garden. I’d sit there guarding, watching out for predators and those pesky rabbits. If anyone came our way, I’d be ready to defend the patch – well send out a warning anyway.

When the rents went off to Bermuda last January for a whole three weeks, me and Leda had the best of times. Log fires, long winter walks and occasional trips to one of my favourite pubs, the Sand Bar in Praa Sands. If I had to be way from my rents, this was definitely the cosiest place to be.

Then something happened last February. Leda had been feeling a bit unwell and had to go into hospital for treatment. She put up a hard fight against the illness but in the end it took her away far too young.

Me and the rents will never forget Leda. Her smile, her playfulness, her generosity and she was the best minder a little dog could ever wish for.

Of course our hearts are broken but we’ll focus on all the good times we had and, as her middle name was ‘Rose’, there will be a rose planted in our garden named after her.

RIP Leda from your little pal and thank you for being the amazing person that you were.

To quote that song at your funeral a few days ago ‘enjoy yourself…it’s later than you think…’

So, remembering all those fantastic times we had, woof and out…

The post RIP Leda, true friend and best ever dog minder… appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

London Calling and Doggy Talk

Hiya  folks,

Another post from Bonnie the very Cornish cockapoo…

Back from my big trip to London and didn’t I cope well?

Let’s face it, the city is a bit different from my usual Cornish seaside patch. Hell, I even put up with the long drive down – isn’t the traffic around Knightsbridge just hideous darlings? By the way, that last bit is me putting on my posh city voice.

Still, once there it was straight on to another balcony with a water view. The rents kept cooing over the fantastic views across the Thames and something called Millenium Bridge. Me? Just couldn’t stop looking at the river boats and all those people crossing the bridge.

I was given my own comfy bed to lounge on thanks to the lovely Kevin and Angela who own the apartment. They also treated me to a stash of Waitrose doggy sausages – I was especially taken with the Venison ones. I mean, how pampered can a girl get?

Talking of upmarket, I also got to stay with Kevin and Angela in their gorgeous place on the opposite side of the river. Even more stunning views – their terrace is enormous – and I got to wander around like a celebrity. (Trust me, there are several real celebs connected to that building).

While the rents were off doing their own thing, I went for a stroll with my new best mates to Tower Bridge.

For some reason they wouldn’t let me go into the pubs I fancied the look of – as you know I like a good pub – but it was great to be strutting around the big city.

Yes, think a gal could get used to it, even though I love a beach. What I really need is the best of both and take it from me, this Cornish mutt will be happy to hit those city lights again.

No sooner got back to my seaside patch, when it was time for the rents to give a talk about little ol’ me and my work as a visiting ‘Pets As Therapy’ (PAT) dog. The room was packed out and I got to meet some lovely people from the St Just Memory Cafe. If I could have given out autographs I’d have done so but instead had to make do with lots of pats.

It must have gone down well because me and the rents have been invited to do some other appearances. At this rate I’ll be getting even more star struck if that’s possible.

Now just remind me again – which is my best side for photos?

Woof and out…

The post London Calling and Doggy Talk appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Bonnie the Cornish cockapoo celeb…

Hiya folks,

Bonnie the very Cornish cockapoo is back again and what a crazy few weeks it has been!

Lots of people dropping by on their Cornish holidays, garden party planning, little ol’ me featured on the front cover of rent Maggie’s new box set of books. If this wasn’t enough, I’ve been invited to a talk about ‘Pets As Therapy’ (PAT) dog duties.

Well I could go on but you get the idea.

Summer is whizzing by but so far the Cornish weather has been – dare I say it? – a bit of a dogs dinner. One day sunny, the next pouring down and sometimes both on the same day. Yikes – I’ve even had to wear a rain coat when I should be rolling around in the warm sands. Come on, this ain’t good enough and I’m not even down here on holiday.

So I’m putting out a Bonnie cockapoo ‘cosmic order’ for a whole lot more sun. There, have done it and we’ll see if it works.

As for me on the front of the books box set, guess what?

Got masses of  ‘likes’ on Instagram – here’s a snapshot of them…

I’ve said it before, us mutts on covers get a fantastic response.

It’s not quite a first doggy modelling assignment – ahem, a little reminder that I do have my own favourite west Cornish pubs calendar – but judging from the latest Instagram response, I think there’s scope for a whole lot more. Just saying.

Not really sure what I’m expected to do at the PAT dog talk. I’m guessing that the rents will do the chit-chat bit with me in charge of the ‘meeting and greeting’. There’ll probably want more photos but let’s face it, I’m getting used to that.  Just have to make sure that this gal is camera ready for her close up.

Hey ho, it’s fun being a mini celebrity and there’s no complaints on that front.

The rents keep saying that I get treated better than them in the local pubs and restaurants and that’s true. They do know how to roll out the red carpet for us mutts in this part of the country. Bowls of water and free snacks are available in loads of places. One pub even offered up some scrummy left over beef from the Sunday roast menu, while the rents had to make do with a few tired looking Yorkshire puds.

Yeah – the priorities are bang on here. Now give me that order for more sun and it will be a Cornish paradise. Just get on with it though, cos we’re losing patience here.

Woof and out….

The post Bonnie the Cornish cockapoo celeb… appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Writers, a coincidence and a namesake cousin!

First a short message from Bonnie the very Cornish cockapoo…

‘Ahem folks, I know I’m supposed to be the doggy star of the blog but this time rent Maggie is grabbing back the slot. So here is a quick piccy of me to be going on with and trust me, I’ll be back!’

So over to me, to tell you all about the Dublin Writers Conference, a bizarre coincidence, and meeting my namesake cousin for the first time.

Starting with the conference. It was my first experience of this type of writer event and I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a journalist and television producer, I’ve covered lots of professional gatherings – everything from probation workers, doctors, police, child care workers – but attending as a participant, (rather than detached observer), is a completely different experience.

There were great opportunities to pair up with writers in our own book categories – mine being crime mystery and family saga – and my chosen writer ‘buddy’ was Norah Deay. We hit it off straight away and were both left stunned by a truly amazing coincidence but I’ll keep you waiting for a short while on that one.

My aim was to learn more about book marketing, what works and doesn’t work, straight from the mouths of other writers. I wanted hear about what they had tried, tested, developed and discarded. In other words the ‘who, what, why, when and where?’ of book visibility tactics in a fiendishly crowded market.

On that score the Dublin conference didn’t disappoint.

All the speakers I heard were informative, sharing their highs as well as the inevitable lows. Best selling Irish author, Patricia Gibney, described her own journey from taking up writing after the death of her husband, to the trials and tribulations of finding a publisher. Then several years down the line, the holy grail of top spots in the UK/US Amazon crime fiction listings.

The message? Be persistent, be patient, be prepared to rewrite and fine tune. Far from feeling discouraged, I actually came away feeling energised and upbeat.

It was reassuring to know that there are some things I’m doing right – blog, Twitter, Facebook etc – but it all needs to be done much smarter and in a more disciplined way.

In other words, as a writer you have to put in the regular hours on social media, hold book events, give talks wherever you can. While there is no magic bullet, the old saying that ‘the harder I work, the luckier I get’ seems to apply to those authors who have punched through on book sales.

Like any business, you have to speculate to accumulate, spend on marketing and get additional help where it is needed. Along the way, I met some great fellow writers – to name but a few: journalist Nick Rippington, Allie Marie, Ray Ronan and of course the indefatigable Norah Deay.

And speaking of Norah, here’s that heart stopping coincidence I spoke about. We were paired together because our books were in a similiar story category, yet when we got talking we realised that the central theme of my ‘Dilemma Novella’ trilogy – adoption and reunion – actually mirrors Norah’s own life. She too has experienced a family adoption and is hoping for a reunion. What are the odds of that happening in a pairing of two writers? We are certainly going to stay in touch as we see how her real life quest turns out and on that score we both agreed that we were meant to meet up.

Would I recommend the Dublin Writers Conference? Absolutely. Meantime, I’ll be setting a realistic budget while trying to get that elusive bang for my ‘books’ – all the time keeping a beady journalistic eye on the results and of course, blogging about the journey.

After all the writer talk, there was still a little time left to do a bit of  city exploration and to look up some relatives.

On that note, I met my namesake cousin ‘Mags’ Fogarty, (married name Moore), and we talked for Ireland. Isn’t it funny how you can meet a relative for the first time and the connection is already there – hardwired in the family DNA? So here is a pic of my namesake and by the way,  another theme explored in my novel ‘My Bermuda Namesakes’.

Isn’t life darn well eerie sometimes?

 

The post appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Busy Summer Ahoy!

Hi folks,

Time for another posting from little ol’ me, and not before time!

The weather is getting better and it seems that a good chunk of the country is making its way down to my Cornish patch. Talk about busy and we haven’t even hit summer yet…not that I’m complaining.

Looks like we’ll be getting some visitors of our own in the middle of June and already my rents are planning where to take them. As usual I’ll be centre stage and lets face it, my very own pub calendar would be a good starting point. ‘Walkies first, drink afterwards’ is how it goes and take it from me, there are lots of great places to choose from.

Rent Maggie then takes off to Dublin at the end of the month, heading to a ‘Writer’s Conference’ whatever that is. I think it’s got something to do with those books she’s written and there will be lots of authors, book marketing bods and the like. She’ll also be seeing some relatives and it’s a shame I can’t go over there as well. I’d love to wander around the place and chill out in some of those Dublin bars. Though not sure if they’re all that mutt friendly over there, unlike Cornwall which is pretty damn good to us pub loving dogs.

Hey ho, me and rent Paul will just have to stay put and hit the beach. Talking of beaches, there have been lots of photos featuring yours truly recently – seems like they’re going to be used in a book marketing campaign – and I keep being nagged about not looking directly at the camera. I mean – come on. How can a gal be expected to stare at a boring bit of kit when there’s all those lovely views around to distract?

Now, what else should I mention in passing? Oh yes, rent Maggie has written a magazine feature on sailing supremo, Sir Ben Ainslie. It was done out in Bermuda earlier this year – that’s where the America’s Cup yacht race is now taking place. It has to be said that those boats look fantastic though I’d be happy with a more gentle sail across my local Mounts Bay, hint, hint.

Anyway, here’s a couple of pics of ‘you-know-who’ to be getting on with.  You’ll see in the first one that I’m looking (or should that be snoozing?) straight at the camera and the secret is a doggy choc reward. Simples…

The post Busy Summer Ahoy! appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Bonnie the Mutt Blogger Calling….

Hey – it’s little ol’ me again, Bonnie the dog blogger.

Just got back from a great break away with my rents – we stayed in a cottage right up in the Malvern Hills, so lots of great walkies and pub visits. (You guys know how much I love a good long stroll followed by a drop into a pub). Let’s face it, the two go together like – er – chicken and kibble or Tui my Havanese friend and me.

Saw lots of peeps and met a few new pals too. You’re never short of a friend when you’re out with a cute dog like me. That’s what my rents say anyway, so I’ll take the compliment thank you.

Now it’s back to work and there’s lots of stuff for me to do around rent Maggie’s books.  With the three novellas all done and dusted, it’s full speed ahead so watch out for me with my ‘marketing mutt’ hat on.

Trust me, by the time we’re finished I’ll be even more of a celebrity than I am now!

Anyway, here’s a piccy of yours truly sizing up the job.

Look good don’t I? Next week there’s a proper photo shoot lined up with beautiful Cornish back-drops. Yes, sun, beach, Bonnie and (must not forget!) books. Never mind whether you are summer body ready yet. The real question is, are you holiday book ready? Just sayin…

That’s it for now folks and keep an eye out for those great snaps. When you spot them, let me know what you think because this gal just loves a bit of feedback.

Woof and out….

The post Bonnie the Mutt Blogger Calling…. appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Bonnie the dog blogger

‘Hey – bet you thought you weren’t going to hear from blogger Bonnie again. How wrong were you?

Things have been a bit busy in my world, so I’ve got my excuse in early!

First, the rents headed off on a trip to London, staying at some amazing river side apartment belonging to friends. I’ve seen the photos and trust me the views are to die for. Take a look below, to give you an idea. That’s the Millenium bridge to the right and the Tate Modern straight ahead. Not bad eh?

Me? I stayed in Cornwall with my lovely minder, cos I’m not much of a city girl. The rents drove all the way down – the apartment has its own underground parking – and lets face it, a five hour journey doesn’t suit little ol’ me.

Nah, give me the beach and sea air anytime. The folks were laughing because a London restaurant they visited had a Cornish themed menu! Fish, cheese, the lot – yes, my little bit of the world was right there on the foodie map. If they’d stayed put, they would have got things much fresher. Just sayin…

Now for my main blogger job this month. My rent Maggie has told me that I’ve got to say something about her latest book, a thing called a ‘novella’, which is available today and you can get it on Amazon either in Kindle form or as a paperback. It’s called ‘Backwards and Forwards’ and it will be the last one for a while, so I’m told. I like the pink cover – check it out below – but think she’s missed a trick by not putting yours truly on the front.

I mean, us mutts are a great draw aren’t we? If you think I’m joking, try going out for a walk or a visit to the pub with mini me. Someone said recently, that I get treated like a rock star whatever that is.  Hell, I love all that attention and what girl wouldn’t?

Apparently, I’m going to be in some of the publicity photos for the book so I’ll have to look my doggy best, smiling for the camera. I don’t mind as long as I get a decent wage, (biscuit currency will be fine), along with walks in some of those scenic locations. If there’s a pub visit involved as well, all the better.

On the suject of fab scenery, now that the weather has improved, there’s talk about trying some of the walks in a friend’s latest publication – she’s called Sue Kittow and  her book is ‘Walks In The Footsteps Of Winston Graham’s Poldark’ www.sigmapress.co.uk. Grab hold of a copy if you are coming down to Cornwall and fancy some good old fashioned outdoor exploring on two or four legs. I’ll keep you posted on how we get on.

Well that’s me done for now, I like to keep things short and sweet. Check out the new novella and watch out for the tie-in publicity – did I mention I’d be taking part? Whoops, a repeat bit of information, ahem, ‘accidentally’ slipped in.

Woof and out…’

 

 

 

The post Bonnie the dog blogger appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Dog Blog – Bonnie the very Cornish Cockapoo Takes Over!

Hiya folks,

If you’ve been reading this blog spot, I’m usually the little ‘footnote’ – the bit that comes after my rent Maggie’s piece.

Not any more though! From now on, Bonnie’s the star of the show and about time too if you don’t mind me saying so. (Tough if you do).

Anyway, for those of you not already in the know, here’s a bit about little ol’ me, the west country cockapoo with attitude…..

First off, I’m not really that old – just three at the end of next month – and I’m a Cornish gal through and through. (Born in St Austell).

I now live with my rents in Marazion – just across the road from an awesome beach and St Michael’s Mount – and I’ve got loads of local doggy friends including my bestie, a handsome Havanese called Tui. More about him later.

When the rents Maggie and Paul are away, (how they can even bear to leave me is still a mystery!), I stay with my lovely minder, Leda. over at nearby Praa Sands. There’s another beach to die for and even more doggy pals to run around with. Leda teaches me tricks and it’s like a holiday when I stay there – a deep memory foam mattress in my overnight crate and a new comfy bean bag to lounge about in. Of course I miss the rents – I have to say that don’t I?- but Leda’s place is something else, a real home from home.

Once a week I go visiting a care home as a ‘Pets As Therapy’ dog and it’s great seeing everyone there. I always get loads of treats and pats and I’m told that I make everyone smile, which is no bad thing to do in life.

What else should you know about me? My favourite snack is ‘a Smart Bone’, especially the beef flavoured ones, and I love a bit of roast Lamb if the rents have it on the menu. Just saying.

I’ve also featured in a Calendar with me posing outside my favourite Cornish dog friendly pubs. Some people have already asked for a copy of it for their holiday guests, so I think I’ll be pushing the rents for royalties. (Actually I’ll settle for a few extra Smart Bones as an early negotiation tactic).

Tui, the handsome Havanese, is my ‘boyfriend’ but I only see him from time to time because he’s taking a while to recuperate from a back injury.  Still, absence makes the heart grow fonder don’t you think? Roll on summer when we can hit the beach and share that specially made doggy ice cream he introduced me to.

My favourite room in the house is the new conservatory which I’ve named ‘Bonnie’s Crib’. Not far to run out into the garden but nice and cosy when it’s wet and windy outside. Rumour has it that I’ll be having a birthday party in there soon – I suppose you could call that ‘fake news’ but I’m putting it out there anyway and we’ll see what happens.

Well, that’s about it for now folks apart from some necessary pics of me, the newly appointed dog blogger. Can you believe it? Just writing that makes me blush. (Like hell it does – I just love my new opportunity to ‘paws’ for thought and write it all down).

Woof and out….’

The post Dog Blog – Bonnie the very Cornish Cockapoo Takes Over! appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Out with the old and in with the new – dog blog!

Are you one of those people who gets excited by the arrival of a New Year?  Me too, despite the uncertainties and horrors that haunt the world stage.

Let’s face it, most people are fundamentally good even though the bad ones usually punch well above their weight – often literally.

So here’s to 2017, whatever it brings.

It’s also time to hand things over to Bonnie dog with the launch of her very own ‘dog blog’. (Of course, she’ll be giving snippets of news about her ‘rents’ from time to time).

Bonnie’s already quite a star in her own patch of west Cornwall – she’s been out with me on TV film sets, is a Pets As Therapy (PAT) visiting dog, has been mentioned in a BBC Radio interview, has been a charity collection magnet at our local supermarket and has her own ‘Bonnie’s Favourite Cornish Pubs’ Calendar. There’s even been a request for one to be made available to local visitors so they can see what dog friendly pubs she recommends!

So from now on, she’ll also be a lone blog star! Move over Maggie and make way for….drumroll….Bonnie the Very Cornish Cockapoo!

But before the mutt takes over completely, a few final thoughts. I’m currently coming to the end of the third novella in the Dilemma Novella triology – the one where the ongoing family dilemma saga comes to a conclusion. It will then be sent out to test readers for their reactions and published in March. A wee bit later than planned but it has to be right, with all those loose ends tied up good and proper.

I wasn’t entirely sure how the story would pan out but it has taken on a life of its own and endings are always the hardest to get right.

Writing a ‘serial novel’ has been a steep learning curve and I’m grateful for a story lining course I did a few years ago at the National Film and Television School, with Yvonne Grace who has worked on  Coronation Street and  other top dramas. Her advice on serial story telling was insightful and inspirational.

Once this latest book is out, the novel writing will be put on indefinite hold for a while. After writing a book a year since 2012  – including a number of short stories – on top of other work, it’s now time to focus on marketing and getting the books to a bigger readership. On that front there could be some exciting news in 2017 but that’s all I’m saying for now!

Unlike television production which is a team effort, writing can be quite lonely so it’s been great to get feedback from readers and book clubs. Another very successful novelist told me recently that she always cherishes those early book reviews – the ones she got before things really took off – and the fantastic support she received from other writers.

It’s amazing how people will line up to give congratulations once they sniff success by way of accolades and sales.  As my author friend said, it’s the people who’ve supported you on the rocky road up that really deserve appreciation.  Too true and that goes for all aspects of life .

Now for Bonnie’s big announcement – in her own words…

Hiya folks,

Well, well. I was gob smacked to hear that this space will now be handed over to little ol’ me.

I mean, who’d have thought it? Me the doggy blogger, with her own space to rant and rave. Yeah!

Now I’ve gotta think of things to write for my followers. That’s gonna be the hard bit but I’m sure I’ll cope.

Still basking in the glow of my Calendar, I’ve started to get a bit of interest from outside the friends and family. My handsome Havenese beau Tui can now look at me every day and see what’s he’s missing. Actually, he’s recovering well from his back injury and we’ve even had a few play dates recently.

Still, I’m playing hard to get because there are another few potential suitors lurking around. (Not naming names Tui  – but you just might know some of them!)

Anyway, time to get the thinking cap on for future blogs. While the rents are off on holiday later this month, I’ll be staying with my lovely minder Leda over in Praa Sands. I’m sure I’ll get inspiration there and I’ll be raring to go by the time you hear from me again.

Woof and out for now…’

The post Out with the old and in with the new – dog blog! appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.

Builders, reader groups and doggy ice cream

There’s been a bit of a gap between the last blog and this one. Blame the building work, visitors and writing deadlines. A feeble excuse I know, but life really has been extra busy recently.

Take the builders. They’ve been a great bunch and have done a fantastic job. Like anything in life, a good job takes time and for the best part of two months, various workers have been doing their bit to build our new Conservatory. As someone quipped the other day, a Conservatory is basically an extension – with a bit more glass – and I have to admit that a lot of skilled work goes into the construction. It’s all been worth it though and we now have an extra sitting room with a pleasant job of choosing the furniture.

Bonnie dog has already made herself at home on the new rug and once the inside decor is finished, we’re going to have a ‘grand opening’ – with Champagne and cutting of a ribbon! Think we deserve a celebration which of course will include the guys who did all the hard work.

Despite the temporary chaos, we’ve welcomed several visitors, including a former work colleague who I hadn’t seen for over twenty five years. It’s funny how you can go a long time without seeing someone and within minutes are chatting away like old mates. There was a lot to catch up on but we’ve agreed to stay in touch. She also recommended that I put the first of my novellas, ‘Dear Mr DJ’, out to a Birmingham based readers’ group she’s involved with.

It’s not something I’ve done before, so told her to go ahead and held my breath. Wisely the group wasn’t told that she knew me – we didn’t want them being nice about it just because I was  a friend of hers. The response went way beyond my expectations and has given me an extra push to get the final of the trilogy finished. Then the complete book series can be marketed next year and on that front, I’m calling on the professionals . Believe me it is much easier to get someone else to market your book rather than to do it yourself.

As for Bonnie the very Cornish cockerpoo, she’s doing a great job as a ‘Pets As Therapy’ visitor to our local Leonard Cheshire Disability home and will be helping with some fund raising in November. So now over to her for a Bonnie update….

‘Hiya folks,

Been meeting quite a few new peeps since my last posting. Lots of builder chaps and other people passing by. Can’t say I remember all of the names but I’m a social type of gal so I’ve been loving all the attention.

Now for a great bit of news. I’ve finally tasted that doggie ice cream – it’s called Frozzys – and I got a Cranberry flavoured one as a present from my handsome Havanese Pal, Tui. Definitely a few steps up on the taste front from my usual treat of crushed ice. It’s a frozen yoghurt really but now I’ve had a lick there will be no going back!

I want to try the other flavours, so I need to get this one finished double quick. Sorry Tui but this little tub is all mine!

Got to say that I’m loving the new room at the back of the house and have decided that its a great doggy flat. Nice new fluffy rug, sofa and an easy run into the garden. What’s not to like? The rents just need to put a sign over the door saying ‘Bonnie’s Room’ and I’m all set. Yeah life is good!

Woof and out….’

 

 

 

The post Builders, reader groups and doggy ice cream appeared first on Maggie Fogarty.