Category Archives: interview

Presenting: Tamera Alexander and Jack!

Le: Hi, y’all! I’d love to introduce you to Tamera Alexander! She just won the RITA award, so congrats, Tamera! And she brought her special friend along today. Her silky terrier, Jack. So, Tamera, let’s get started. What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

TA: I’m a dog lover all the way. I don’t wish cats harm, by any means, I just wish them “away” from me. But only because I’m horribly allergic to them. I’m also allergic to most dogs too . Jack, our silky terrier, has hair instead of fur so that’s the defining difference.

Le: I suffer allergies to cats as well. Not fun. How many pets do you have today?

TA: Only one. A ten-pound silky terrier named Jack Brennan Alexander. Named after a character in Remembered, which I was writing when we got Jack.

Le: Ahhh! Love it! Have you ever rescued an animal?

TA: Joe and I were taking a walk not long ago and we heard something “bawling,” and not in a good way. We followed the sound and came upon a baby goat with his head stuck in a fence. I provided moral support while Joe pried the wire open so the goat could get his head out. I know that’s not what you meant by rescuing, but that’s as close as I come.

Le: Oh, no! Rescuing can be many ways! It’s taking the time to do something that is what is important! That poor little goat! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

TA: My hero, Daniel Ranslett, in From a Distance had a sweet beagle named Beau. The scenes with Daniel and Beau together were really fun to write.

Le: Ahh! I like writing those kind of scenes too. What was your favorite character animal?

TA: Hmmm…I’d have to say Beau in From a Distance. Since he’s the only one so far!

Le: Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

TA: Not yet. So far I’ve written Colorado historicals (1870s) and a “Jack” dog would have been an appetizer for the coyotes. But maybe someday.

Le: LOL! Not so funny actually. And you have to be true to the time period. Is there a secret that only your pet knows?

TA: Yes, but I can’t tell you what it is.

Le: Ah, no fair! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

TA: That I won’t give him more table food.

Le: I hear that a lot! What is your pet peeve about your pet?

TA: He freaks out over squirrels and geckos, and scares the next sentence right outta me!

Le: LOL! Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Jack a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hiya, Jack! Aren’t you cute! What would be the title of your autobiography?

JA: It’s a Ruff Life

Le: LOL! Good one! You’re very clever. If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

JA: Probably not. She’s not exciting enough. All she does is sit around all day and write.

Le: I hear that a lot about writers. So, what’s your favorite movie?

JA: Whatever Mom is watching.

Le: Very good. What musical instrument would you like to play?

JA: A chicken flavored clarinet.

Le: Love it! I wonder if they make those. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

JA: Love ’em all! I especially love to run with the big dawgs!

Le: Oh, then you should come visit at my house! Where do you sleep at night?

JA: Anywhere I want to.

Le: Good for you! You have your friend trained very well. What do you do when your friend is writing?

JA: Sit and stare out the window, then back at her, then out the window, then back at her, then out the window, then back at her, then…

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

JA: Never having to hear the keys jangle, followed by the words “Mommy will be back!”

Le: Oh, that’s so hard to hear, isn’t it? What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

JA: Taking me to Sonic.

Le: Ooh! That sounds like fun! Maybe you can get her to take you there today. Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear? And congrats, Tamera, on your latest book that just released!

Presenting: Susanne Lakin and Coaltraine

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I’d like to introduce a fun author, Susanne Lakin, I met at Mt. Hermon this past spring and I also got to meet her puppy, Coltraine! So let’s get started! Hi, Susanne! Thanks for stopping by with Coltraine! Should I hazard a guess here…what is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

SL: It’s a toss-up between dogs and cats. I’m right on the boundary line. They each have their own specialness that endears me. Some days I’m a cat person, other days a dog person.

Le: How many pets do you have today?

SL: I have a new black lab puppy named Coaltrane and three rescued kitties: Skritz, Thelma, and Louise.

Le: LOL! I love those names! I guess I have the answer to the next question: have you ever rescued an animal?

SL: Yes, our kitties and our former dog, Sweetie, were all rescues. I worked with a rescue organization up in the mountains and found it very rewarding to help find homes for abandoned pets.

Le: Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

SL: I do. My contemporary novels rarely have animals, but my fantasy series has a plethora of them. In fact, many of my animals speak—some quite well-educated and others a bit rough around the edges. My fat white pig, Winston, in The Map Across Time (releasing spring 2011) was lovingly patterned after the tour guide who took us to Stonehenge and postulated that the stones were set up by aliens. His verbiage was pretty hilarious so I had a great time making him a predominate character in my book. (He’s really not a pig, but I’m not going to tell anything more.)

Le: Funny! What was your favorite character animal?

SL: I like Disney’s Pluto—kinda feel sorry for the chump, and I like Tweety bird and Tasmanian Devil.

Le: All animated. Interesting! Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

SL: Ah yes! Aside from some of my animal characters being inspired by humans, my book, The Wolf of Tebron, releasing now in August 2010, was very much inspired by many dogs I have known collectively, but Sweetie did influence me as I wrote the book. The wolf embodies many characteristics of a loving, loyal God, so I felt it would be the best animal to use to portray God’s unfailing love.

Le: How cool. And readers, run out and buy Susanne’s book! So, what is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

SL: Well, they sure do a lot of funny things. I once had a kitten that likes to sleep in a small wooden box. She fit just fine as a six-week-old kitten. But when she was full grown, she was determined to keep sleeping in that tiny box. She’d stuff part of her back into it, with limbs all hanging out—head too, and somehow manage to nap. They must get very confused as to why objects like that tend to shrink over time!

Le: I would imagine. All my pets think my lap has shrunk, when the opposite is probably true, because no matter their size, they climb in my lap constantly. Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

SL: The Bible says all creatures know their maker. Here’s a cute story. Once Lee and I held hands and Lee prayed over dinner. While our eyes were closed, Sweetie placed her paw on our hands and closed her eyes too. I’m sure her prayer was a little different from ours: “Lord, please move their hearts to hand over their plates…that chicken smells divine.” When I asked Sweetie if she knew God, she just looked at me and her eyes said, “Well, duh!” On a sadder note, the hour we got ready to take Tracy, our old Dalmatian, to the vet to have her put down, we were praying and crying and holding hands. Tracy rested her chin on our hands through the prayer and it sure seemed as if she was telling us she understood and it was okay that we had made this tough decision. It’s the only time in her whole life she’d ever done that.

Le: Ahhhh. You’re gonna make me cry. What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

SL: The cats are mad that I love the dog. The dog is annoyed I show attention to the cats. Thus, the war continues. They all take walks together though with me around the golf course.

Le: I bet that is quite a sight! What is your pet peeve about your pet?

SL: I wish they could take care of themselves for a week so Lee and I could go on vacation.

Le: Wouldn’t that be nice! Or if we lived next door to each other, I’d watch Coltraine and the cats. But you might not want to reciprocate and watch The Hilo Monster. ☺ Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: hey, there Coltraine! You are very well behaved. Maybe you could come teach The Hilo Monster. What would be the title of your autobiography?

C: Actually, I’m the fictionalized character in a novel my human is writing entitled” A Dog after God’s Own Heart.” My character’s name is Fido 57 and he’s in the pound about to be put to death. Sure glad it’s not really me!

Le: Oh, dear! I guess so! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

C: Not sure which friend you mean. I have tons! Even some cats are my friends, but shhh, don’t tell any of my canine pals.

Le: A friendly sort! I like that! What’s your favorite movie?

C: Babe, for sure!

Le: I love that movie! What musical instrument would you like to play?

C: Definitely NOT the saxophone. My owner’s husband plays that thing and it makes my ears hurt. I howl and screech! I think I would like to play the piano, as it’s fairly easy to make some cool music just walking across the keys.

Le: What do you think about cats? Dogs?

C: Well, I love all other dogs. I’m very social and love to play. I love cats too, but for some weird reason, they just don’t seem to want to play. And when I jump on them, they hiss at me, Just what is their problem, anyway?

Le: I don’t know. Our cat is persnickety that way too. Where do you sleep at night?

C: On the floor on a bunch of blankets next to Lee. In the early morning, once I go out to pee, I get to climb in bed and snuggle in all the down comforters. It’s my favorite thing!

Le: Sounds perfect! What do you do when your friend is writing?

C: I bug her so much she doesn’t get anything done. But she tells me I’ll grow up someday and hang out on the deck and leave her alone. Ha! In her dreams!

Le: Maybe you and The Hilo Monster have more in common than I thought! What is your idea of bliss?

C: Endless food.

Le: LOL! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

C: Same.

Le: Knew I liked Susanne! Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

Interview with Nancy Mehl and Watson

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Please welcome, author Nancy Mehl and Watson!

Le: What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

NM: I love all kinds of animals, but I’m probably drawn more to dogs than anything else. They are so loyal and unique. Every dog I’ve owned has had a different personality.

Le: How many pets do you have today?

NM: Just one now. Last year was tough. We lost two dogs that had been with us for many years. Rosie was fourteen, and Eddie was only nine. He had cancer. He was my best bud.

Le: Oh, I am so sorry. I know how hard it is to lose our beloved pets. I lost a cat two years ago and I still miss her. She was our rescue kitty. Have you ever rescued an animal?

NM: Every pet we’ve ever had except one was a rescue animal. Our current dog was rescued from the Humane Society.

Le: That’s terrific! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

NM: Yes. In fact, I can’t think of a novel that hasn’t had an animal! LOL! I have two new series debuting this year. In my Harmony series, there is a cat named Snicklefritz and a dog named Buddy. Buddy is fashioned after Eddie. And in my Curl Up and Dye series, there is a dog named…Watson! Funny thing is, I wrote the book before we got “our” Watson. And I’d totally forgotten about the fictional Watson since publication of the book was delayed for a while due to changes with the publisher. It was quite a surprise when I remembered the connection!

Le: Oh, how fun! What was your favorite character animal?

NM: Oh, my. When I was a child, I’d have to say it was Black Beauty. Now, it would be hard to pick one, although I adored Eddie, the dog in Frasier.

Le: I love Eddie! Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

NM: Yes, Eddie is Buddy in my Harmony series. And although the Watson in the Curl Up and Dye mysteries is an eight-year old pug, and my Watson is a one-year old puggle, they are definitely connected.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

NM: They’ve all been rather funny, but Watson is really hysterical. He’s the first dog we’ve had who watches TV. If any kind of animal comes on, he runs to the TV, stands up on his back legs and stares at them. Many times he barks too. (One day he put his paw up to touch a dog and changed the channel!) Oh, just thought of something else. We have a fireplace stove with a glass door. One day he saw himself in the door. He stared at the image for a while, and then he peeked behind the stove, trying to find the dog he saw looking back at him from the glass! LOL!

Le: That’s funny! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

NM: Too many to mention.

Le: Not fair! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

NM: Well, he doesn’t like it when I won’t play “tug the rope” with him. He keeps tapping my leg with his rope until I give in.

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

NM: We’re still trying to convince him that he doesn’t have to protect me when my husband wants to hug or kiss me! LOL!

Le: Ah, how sweet…and uh…well, not so sweet. Funny though. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us, Nancy! Now, I’d love to ask Watson a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Hi, Watson! You are sooo cute! What would be the title of your autobiography?

W: The Long Walk by Watson Mehl. (Yes, I know Stephen King wrote a book with the same title, but walks are my very favorite thing! Besides, I don’t think he wrote about the same kind of walk. Although I wouldn’t know because I can’t actually read.)

Le: If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

W: Yes, the main character. I love her sooooooo much. She’s my best friend.

Le: That’s so sweet! What’s your favorite movie?

W: I’ve only seen one movie. My owners checked it out just for me. It was called “Hotel for Dogs.” I loved it. I barked a whole lot. Even though it’s not a movie, my favorite TV show is “The Dog Whisperer!”

Le: That is a good show! I haven’t seen the movie but I’ll have to rent it for my doggies. What musical instrument would you like to play?

W: Hmmmm. Well, I toot a lot so I guess a trumpet. But I’m not really talking about that kind of “tooting.”

Le: LOL! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

W: I love all of ‘em, but cats are a little different. There’s a cat in our neighborhood that comes right up to visit with me. I like him, but if I get too close, he makes a funny hissing noise. I don’t like that.

Le: Where do you sleep at night?

W: In bed with my owners. Where else would I sleep????

Le: That sounds like the perfect spot. What do you do when your friend is writing?

W: Sometimes I like to sit on a special seat she put in her office just for me. I can look outside while she works. Sometimes I take a nap on the seat, and sometimes I take a nap by her feet. But other times I get bored and go downstairs. Then I take a nap in her special chair.

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

W: Hmmmm. A walk with my owners. And cuddling up with my best friend while she snoozes in her favorite chair.

Le: That sounds lovely. What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

W: Cuddling up with me in her favorite chair – after her writing is done for the day!

Le: Now that does sound perfect! Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

W: I will. I promise. One other thing – my friend typed all these answers for me because I don’t know how to use a computer and I don’t have fingers. Just wanted to be honest about it…
Le: Well, I appreciate that Watson. And your friend is a professional at the typing thing. 😉

Shades of Morning

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SHADES OF MORNING
By Marlo Schalesky
Published by Waterbrook-Multnomah Publishers
Shades of Morning is Marlo’s third “Love Story with a Twist” (think a Nicolas Sparks type love story with an M. Night Shyamalan type twist!).
A BIT ABOUT THE BOOK:
Marnie Wittier has life just where she wants it. Quiet. Peaceful. No drama. A long way away from her past. In the privacy of her home, she fills a box with slips of paper, scribbled with her regrets, sins, and sorrows. But that’s nobody else’s business. Her bookstore/coffee shop patrons, her employees, her friends from church – they all think she’s the very model of compassion and kindness. Then Marnie’s past creeps into her present when her estranged sister dies and makes Marnie guardian of her fifteen-year-old son—a boy Marnie never knew existed. And when Emmit arrives, she discovers he has Down syndrome – and that she’s woefully unprepared to care for him. What’s worse, she has to deal with Taylor Cole, her sister’s attorney, a man Marnie once loved—and abandoned. As Emmit—and Taylor—work their way into her heart, Marnie begins to heal. But when pieces of her dismal past surface again, she must at last face the scripts of paper in her box, all the regrets and sorrows. Can she do it? Or will she run again?
FROM ROMANTIC TIMES:
Top Pick! 4 ½ Stars! “Schalesky has a knack for weaving a surprising spiritual twist into her tales. The touching plot will make readers examine how they deal with past regrets, and how God moves them through it. A not-to-be-missed, stunning novel!”
A BIT ABOUT MARLO:
Marlo Schalesky is the award winning author of numerous books, including her latest novel Shades of Morning, which combines a love story with a surprise ending twist. Marlo’s other books include the Christy Award winning Beyond the Night, and its sequel If Tomorrow Never Comes. Marlo is also the author of nearly 700 articles, the mother of 5 young children, and holds her Masters in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary. When she’s not changing diapers, doing laundry, or writing books, Marlo loves sipping Starbucks white mochas, reading the New Testament in Greek, and talking about finding the deep places of God in everyday life.
FIND OUT MORE:
www.marloschalesky.com/fiction
www.facebook.com/MarloSchalesky

Rachel Hauck and Lola

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Please welcome my sweet friend, Rachel Hauck and her dog, Lola, today!

Le: What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

RH: Dogs! I love, love dogs. Mostly because I grew up with them, and have had four since my husband and I got married. But I think if I’d had a horse my answer might be different. I like animals that can “relate” to me. Like, my dog is voice trained so it’s like having a kid. Only she doesn’t talk back. 😉

Le: Doesn’t talk back? Wow, I like that. My sister had a Siberian Husky and she definitely talked back. My Hilo Monster does too. Maybe it’s all in the training. 😉 How many pets do you have today?

RH: We have a mini Schnauzer and an 18 year old cat. We love him, too. He’s out lived three other dogs. He’s king of the house.

Le: Wow! 18 years. That must be more than 9 lives, huh? Have you ever rescued an animal?

RH: I kind of rescued our dog Pal, a Sheltie-Beagle mix. Our friends had him from puppyhood, but they were not pet people. So my husband and I took him in. After all, our dog Jack was his dad. A-hem. But we didn’t want two dogs and I thought I’d find a good home for him. Never, ever, ever put an ad in the paper, “free dog.” All the weirdos come out of the wood work. Lesson learned. I rescued Pal from that situation a few days after I gave him away. We did have a few more responses to the ad that sounded like really good families, but I couldn’t bear to give him away again. He died a month before his 10th birthday.

Our Schnauzer I kind of rescued. I found her walking down the road. A few days later, the owner responded to my “found dog” ad in the paper and gave her to me.

Le: Oh, how sweet! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

RH: Yes! There’s a dog in The Sweet By and By who I just loved.

Le: I can’t wait to read that book! What was your favorite character animal?

RH: Bugs Bunny. Hobbs.

Le: My kids love Hobbs too. Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

RH: Not really. I suppose the dog in the Sweet By and By is a combination of all my dogs.

Le: Gotta use those experiences, don’t we? What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

RH: The list is long and varied, enhanced by the fact my husband and I picked up a trait of my brothers: talking for the animals. We’ve had some fall down laughs talking for our cat, then watching the cat “do” what we “said” he was doing.

The funniest thing though was with our cat and our Sheltie, Blue. One week we noticed Blue hanging back when it was bed time. He wasn’t crossing the living room into our bed room. We’d call him and he wouldn’t come. Finally, one night my husband decided to walk him to our room. As Blue passed by the darkened dining room, Red the cat (yeah, we know, Red the cat and Blue the dog, but my parents named the dog) jumps out of the shadows, paws waving, attacking the dog.

Blue darts into our room, growling, and jumps on the bed. Red, casually, oh so casually walks in as if he had NO idea what was going on. He sat at the foot of the bed catatonic. Suddenly, he jumps up and whaps the bed right by Blue with his paw. “Wam! Wam! Wam!”

Oh, it was so funny. He was intentionally hiding from Blue, leaping out to spook him, then taunting him.

Le: That’s hilarious. Love it! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

RH: They know nothing!

Le: Hmmm. Sounds like they know a lot. Can’t wait to talk to Lola. 😉 What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

RH: What? They adore me!

Le: What is your pet peeve about your pet?

RH: The cat comes in my office every night and meows really, really loud. It’s really nerve wracking when I’m on deadline.

Le: I bet. Those kind of yowls can go right to the base of the spine, can’t they?
Thank you so much, Rachel, for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your pet, Lola, a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Lola! So good to have you here today. What would be the title of your autobiography?

RH: My Mom is the gweatest!

Le: Ah, I love to hear that! If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

RH: She would be the kind Queen of the Universe.

Le: Rachel is one of the nicest people I know. What’s your favorite movie?

RH: Hm, we don’t watch many movies but I wuv the dog Eddie on Frawsier.

Le: Oh, yeah. Frasier is a hoot! What musical instrument would you like to play?

RH: I’m a singer. Ooowwwwwllll

Le: And quite a lovely voice you have! You should help Rachel with worship. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

RH: Dis is Lola, da dog. Cats bug me. Dogs annoy me. I wuv peoples.

Le: And peoples wuv you. Where do you sleep at night?

RH: Between my parwents.

Le: A very good place indeed! What do you do when your friend is writing?

RH: Sleep at her feet. She needs me.

Le: I’m sure she does! I bet you’re good at brainstorming. What is your idea of bliss?

RH: Widing in the car wif my mom to McDonalds. Especially of the top is down.

Le: Does she give you any fries? She should. ☺ What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

RH: Same as mine of course.

Le: Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend, Rachel, now, ya hear?

RH: Thanks for having us!!

Le: My pleasure, Rachel! And Lola too!

Robin Lee Hatcher and her dog, Poppet!

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Hi, y’all! Sorry I haven’t blogged in a couple of days. I was out of town and fell behind, then fell sick. But I’m better now and so excited to have Robin Lee Hatcher here with us today! And also, her adorable dog, Poppet! Please help me welcome them!

Le: Hi, Robin! Thanks so much for being here today! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

RLH: I have owned lots of different kinds of pets (dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, parakeet). I like most animals, although I prefer to keep a distance from snakes and mice. But if forced to choose just one favorite kind of pet, I guess I would have to go with dogs because they truly want their humans’ company. As much as I like cats, they are often perfectly content to never see their humans, as long as they have food and water.

Le: That is so true. How many pets do you have today?

RLH: Just one.

Le: Have you ever rescued an animal?

RLH: Yes, a number of my pets over the years have come from the local shelter.

Le: Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

RLH: Frequently. Dogs, cats, and horses mostly. And one of my dogs was included on the cover of one of my books , and that really endeared that cover to me.

Le: I bet! How wonderful! What was your favorite character animal?

RLH: LOL! I’m laughing because in my second book, the reader is put into the POV of a wild stallion. Had to love that, especially now that I see it as a “slight” POV problem. I suppose that my favorite animal character would have to be the Irish wolfhound “puppy” named Joker in my historical, When Love Blooms.

Le: I think we’ve all got things like that in our earlier novels. ☺ Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

RLH: Yes, my border collie Misty was the inspiration for the dog in Dear Lady.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

RLH: Sometimes Poppet will get all wound up with excitement and will race around the house, hopping onto the sofa and then down the hall and then looping back to do it all over again. In my previous home, she could run a full circle going from room to room (living room, hall, kitchen, dining room, living room). She runs as fast and low to the ground as a rabbit or a fox. She’ll run like crazy until she’s exhausted and lays down.

Le: Ah, that’s so cute! Is there a secret that only Poppet knows?

RLH: Maybe she’s the only one who knows if I snore since she sleeps with me?

Le: I love her name by the way. What is Poppet’s pet peeve about you?

RLH: That I don’t just drop everything to play with her when she wants to.

Le: What is your pet peeve about your Poppet?

RLH: She loves to bark at any activity going on outside (people walking or talking, car doors closing, UPS or FedEx trucks, the mailman, other animals). And her bark has a very high pitch to it, so it hurts the ears.

Le: I can understand that! I have three that bark at everything. Even butterflies. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask Poppet a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Poppet! You are so cute! Come here and let’s talk. What would be the title of your autobiography?

P: SHE’S SO CUTE! Because that’s what everyone said when they met me as a puppy and lots of humans still say when they see me today.

Le: It is very fitting indeed! If you were to write a novel, would Robin inspire one of the characters?

P: Sure. My human is my best friend.

Le: That’s so sweet! What’s your favorite movie?

P: My Dog Skip.

Le: Oh, that’s a good one! What musical instrument would you like to play?

P: Drums. They’d go nice with my barking.

Le: Ah-ha! You like to make some noise, don’t you? What do you think about cats? Dogs?

P: Cats should not be allowed to tease and torture me from the other side of my fenced yard. If I could get to them, I’d teach them that.

Dogs are usually okay, as long as they understand I’m the alpha female in the neighborhood and should be obeyed at all times.

Le: Of course! Where do you sleep at night?

P: In my human’s bed, against her hip while she’s reading, then I move over to my own space when it’s time to sleep.

Le: What do you do when Robin is writing?

P: Usually I lay on the floor nearby.

Le: What is your idea of bliss?

P: Chasing the Frisbee or tennis ball in the backyard.

Le: What is Robin’s idea of bliss?

P: Being with her kids and grandkids and other family members.

Le: I’m sure being with you brings her bliss too. You’re a cutie! Thanks for being with us today! You take care of Robin now, ya hear?

Deborah Raney and Biscuit

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This week I’m pleased to welcome Deborah Raney and her adorable cat, Biscuit!

Le: Hi, Deborah! Thank you so much for stopping by today with Biscuit! What is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

DR: I love cats because they are so independent––like a well-behaved teenager, and because they add such warmth and personality to a home.

Le: How many pets do you have today?

DR: We have three cats in the yard: Frosty, Biscuit and Sundae.

Le: Have you ever rescued an animal?

DR: Yes, our cat Biscuit showed up on our doorstep about 4 years ago. She presented us with 9 kittens (2 litters) that summer and fall. We kept one of the kittens, Sundae, and the others all found good homes––thanks in part to author Kim Vogel Sawyer, who adopted Maizie herself and found homes for several other of the kittens.

Le: Oh, I love that! Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

DR: I try to put a cat or dog in almost every book. Sometimes it just doesn’t suit my characters, but usually a pet adds a wonderful spirit to a book.

Le: What was your favorite character animal?

DR: I loved the rabbits in Watership Down, especially Hazel. My newest book has two dogs that have been adopted by homeless shelter residents. Sparky and Boss end up bringing my hero and heroine together rather delightfully, I think.

Le: That’s terrific! Makes me want to read your book even more! Although, I always want to read your novels. Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

DR: I tend to write cat characters more than dogs, mostly because we are currently cat people. I grew up with a wonderful series of dogs on the farm, but haven’t owned a dog since early in our marriage.

Le: What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?
DR: We have an old black cat named Frosty and when Biscuit showed up on our doorstep, he wasn’t exactly pleased. My husband had built a large “dog” house on the back deck, but Frosty refused to share with Biscuit. When Biscuit was about to give birth to her kittens, we set up a makeshift shelter for her (built from Styrofoam coolers). One day that March, I went out to the deck and discovered Frosty in the Styrofoam hut. Sure enough, Biscuit was in the doghouse with newborn kittens!! I have no idea how that all went down––either Frosty is more of a gentleman than we knew, or Biscuit put her foot down.

Le: Good for her! That’s hilarious! Is there a secret that only your pet knows?

DR: See above. ☺

Le: I like that. Maybe Biscuit will share later. ☺ What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

DR: That we don’t let them in the house more often. They have all the comforts of home…a beautiful fenced garden, a cat door offering free reign of the house. But they prefer the kitchen.

Le: My cat likes the kitchen too. I think she wants to be near us. What is your pet peeve about your pet?

DR: They shed too much!

Le: I hear ya on that one! Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us! Now, I’d love to ask your Biscuit a few questions. Don’t forget to give your sweet pet a treat afterwards. ☺

Le: Hi, Biscuit! You are so pretty! Thanks for stopping by today. Tell us, what would be the title of your autobiography?

Biscuit: Three Cats in the Yard, Life Used to Be So Hard

Le: If you were to write a novel, would your friend inspire one of the characters?

Biscuit: The brave and beautiful heroine, of course.

Le: Deborah would make a wonderful heroine! What’s your favorite movie?

Biscuit: Homeward Bound

Le: I like that one too. What musical instrument would you like to play?

Biscuit: Actually, I DO play the piano. With four paws, I can play duets single-handedly!

Le: I love it! Do you play on Deborah’s computer keyboard? My cat Miracle likes to do that sometimes. What do you think about cats? Dogs?

Biscuit: Four words: cats rule, dogs drool (that’s actually a line from my master’s next book.)

Le: Very good! My cat would agree! Where do you sleep at night?

Biscuit: On a cushion in the garage. I take catnaps on the kitchen windowsill.

Le: What do you do when your friend is writing?

Biscuit: When I was a kitten, I slept on her lap while she wrote, or on top of her manuscript. The day I tried to help her with some typing and “accidentally” erased a chapter was the day I was banned from her office.

Le: Oooh! I can understand that. Sorry, my cat would be out then too. What is your idea of bliss?

Biscuit: Licking yogurt lids.

Le: Yum! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

Biscuit: Watching my kittens play.

Le: Ahhh. I’d like that too. Thank you so much for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

Author/Pet interview…please welcome Elizabeth Goddard!

1 Reply

Welcome, Beth Goddard and Dekker! So glad to have you both here.

Hi, Elizabeth! Thanks for dropping by today! This is my first author interview! So I guess you could say you’re my guinea pig. But I do appreciate you playing along! I hope readers will enjoy seeing a different side of their favorite authors! So, Elizabeth, what is your favorite kind of a pet? Dog, cat, guinea pig? And why?

I love animals—but I’m severely allergic to them. Hence, I must take five different allergy medications in order to exist with our pets. Not my choice, mind you—my husband is an animal fanatic. I’ve often wondered—why did God put me, a person allergic to animals, with this man? But, allergies don’t change the fact that I love pets and I think my favorite pets are dogs. The reason? I think of the movie “UP” where Doug (the main dog character) says, “I just met you and I love you.” Is there anything better than that?

I’m allergic to cats, and I have a cat, so I totally understand! How many pets do you have today?

Five! A female hamster named Oliver, a dwarf hamster named Lulu, a cockatiel that was first named Balthier but then HE laid an egg so my son renamed her Fran, a quaker/parrot named Pickles and then our new puppy named Dekker (yes after Ted). We recently lost our Jack Russell named Captain Jack Sparrow because of his patched eye.

Oh, so sorry about losing Capt. Jack Sparrow. Love the names of your pets! And Dekker is adorable! Have you ever rescued an animal?

Turtles off the street.

Do you ever incorporate animals into your novels?

Sometimes. My mystery romance—THE CAMERA NEVER LIES—releases in December and Murphy is a Jack Russell who actually plays a role in solving the mystery. The character, Polly, named him Murphy after Murphy’s law—you can figure out why. ☺

What was your favorite character animal? I love Murphy, though he’s really in the background—not even physically present in the story—my character thinks about him a lot because she misses him.

Has one of your own pets been the inspiration for a pet/character in a novel?

Jack, the JRT who recently died, was the inspiration for Murphy. Years ago I watched “Wishbone” with the kids and fell in love with him. Finally we got our own Jack Russell but he turned out to be much more cantankerous than Wishbone.

What is the funniest thing you’ve seen one of your animals do?

My daughter used to sing “opera”—just playing around of course—and our cockatiel would literally open her beak at the right moments, making it appear like she was singing the opera. Also, my daughter was able to get Jack to say I love you. Uh huh, it’s true.

Wow! Those are great stories! Is there a secret that only our pet knows?

Perhaps. But let’s keep it that way. LOL

I completely understand! What is your pet’s pet peeve about you?

Pickles the parrot is jealous of me because he loves Dan. I can’t sit near Dan or talk to him, if Pickles is out or he will bite me. Yikes! But let’s talk about Dekker too. He’s a fairly new puppy and has only been with us a few weeks now. I think his pet peeve is that while I’m eating my bacon for breakfast, I won’t let him on the sofa next to me.

Poor Dekker! So deprived. I bet my Hilo Monster could teach him a few nifty tricks to get that bacon. What is your pet peeve about your pet?

My pet peeve is the reverse of the above—I hate that he has to be next to me while I’m eating breakfast, or any meal for that matter. I don’t particular like having him stare at me while I’m eating.

It’s the old guilt-trip at work. Thank you so much for taking the time to be with us, Elizabeth! Now, I’d love to ask Dekker a few questions. Hi, Dekker! Down! Really come on, get DOWN! Now, what would be the title of your autobiography?

WHERE’D THAT MESS COME FROM?

I bet that’s a common one that my pets could relate to. You should write it! Now, if you were to write a novel, would your friend, Elizabeth, inspire one of the characters?

I don’t know about friends, but Pickles the parrot would end up my favorite chew-toy.

LOL! What’s your favorite movie?

UP. . .

Oh, that’s a good one! What musical instrument would you like to play?

Juice harp

I would definitely like to see that, Dekker! What do you think about cats? Dogs?

Cats–I haven’t met one that I didn’t like—translate, I haven’t met one yet. I’ve only met two dogs—the one next door named Chloe and she doesn’t like me, and the one behind the mirror—he’s really something and I like him a lot.

Dekker, you are so cute! Where do you sleep at night?

In the bedroom with the boys, inside my comfy crate with all my blankets and pillows.

That sounds nice and cozy. What do you do when your friend is writing?

I keep jumping on the funny black box that she has in her lap instead of me.

Good going! The Hilo Monster would be proud of you! What is your idea of bliss?

Laying on my back and having my belly scratched.

Nothing better than that! What is your friend’s idea of bliss?

She loves to eat chocolate and it’s so rare and special, that she won’t share it with me.

I think she’s trying to protect you. Thank you, Dekker and Elizabeth, for being with us today! You take care of your friend now, ya hear?

Elizabeth has a new book out called Disarming Andi! Here’s a little info about it:

Disarming Andi

Vance Young inherits a missile launch site—a relic from the cold war buried beneath the plains of North Dakota—from his great-uncle, a man he never knew. An astronomy fanatic, Vance needs free access to the night skies, so he doesn’t consider staying in the underground dwelling until he meets the woman responsible for remodeling it into a lavish home.
Upon meeting the late Vance Erickson’s namesake, Andi Nielsen may have just gotten her second chance to discover what her grandfather hid inside the old missile base decades before when he served as a missileer. Is she prepared to detonate her growing feelings for the new owner in order to find the hidden treasure? When Vance remotely discovers a cybercrime involving his classified software, can he solve the crime and keep the woman he loves safe?

You can learn more about Elizabeth at bethgoddard.com.

Come back next Wednesday for another author/pet interview!