When I read a book, I often wonder if there’s a mini story tucked into the main one. And the reason for my curiosity is that I’ve been guilty of sneaking in some personal allusions in my books. I know I’m not alone. Even one of my writer friends included me as a character in her last book. Lee was a flower seller–a small cameo role–but a role nonetheless. She said it was her way of saying an additional thanks for my support. I loved it.
In Not Guilty, I wrote in a dog named Buddy. Buddy was a real dog. He had his own website with tales of his adventures and his favorite human, Mike. I was so sad when Buddy died. I felt as if he and Mike were good friends of mine. I asked Mike if he would mind if I paid my own tribute to his beloved Canine Couch Potato, and he not only didn’t mind, he loved the idea. Here’s the way I thought of Buddy.
From Not Guilty: By nature, Buddy was a people-loving retriever-mix who had come to him by some unknown chain of dog owners. He had a long history of being in and out of the pound. Their first day at the beach together, Devon found out why. Buddy hated water. He even hated wet sand under his paws. It took a lot of convincing to get Buddy on the sand that first day. Then they’d no sooner settled on the blanket when Buddy let out a yelp and hightailed it back to the asphalt. His leash whipped behind. People jumped out of the frantic dog’s way. Devon didn’t catch him until they’d run the length of Sugar Cove. Over the next few years, Buddy finally agreed to walk on the dry sand, but he never became the beach buddy Devon had imagined. And Frisbees could sail overhead all day without a single blink. He was a failed retriever, but he wasn’t a failed friend.
Now moving on to the matters of the First Wednesday on the Second Wednesday. Here’s #IWSG!
THE BIG NEWS IS WE’RE ONCE AGAIN IN TOP 100 WEBSITES FOR WRITERS! CHECK OUT THE LIST ON THE WRITE LIFE.
This month’s optional question – What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just “know” suddenly you wanted to write?
The co-hosts for today’s posting of the IWSG are T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!
A news article kicked off my writing journey–at least the one that led me to publishing my first book. The 
article reported that a high percentage of students on three Ivy League campuses admitted to some sort of self-abuse. I wanted to know what would cause a young, intelligent, and–to all appearances–successful person to cut or otherwise harm themselves. When I found out, I wrote Sliding on the Edge. This book was supposed to be my writing career– end of stories, but the publisher asked me for my next one, which I didn’t have, but I side-stepped that little problem and said I’d get back to them. I did, with The Princess of Las Pulgas. By then it was too late to stop, so I didn’t. I’m nine published books into this with three waiting on my C drive and one out to a publisher who asked for a full. I’ve promised to stop soon, but then I did that twelve books ago.
Many of you know about this contest, and we’ve announced the amazing winners, but here’s the cover and a synopsis to give everyone a better idea of what’s coming May 5.
Voyagers: The Third Ghost
An Insecure Writer’s Support Group Anthology
Journey into the past…
Will the third ghost be found before fires take more lives? Can everyone be warned before Pompeii is buried again? What happens if a blizzard traps a family in East Germany? Will the Firebird help Soviet sisters outwit evil during WWII? And sneaking off to see the first aeroplane – what could go wrong?
Ten authors explore the past, sending their young protagonists on harrowing adventures. Featuring the talents of Yvonne Ventresca, Katharina Gerlach, Roland Clarke, Sherry Ellis, Rebecca M. Douglass, Bish Denham, Charles Kowalski, Louise MacBeath Barbour, Beth Anderson Schuck, and L.T. Ward.
Hand-picked by a panel of agents, authors, and editors, these ten tales will take readers on a voyage of wonder into history. Get ready for an exciting ride!
Release date – May 5, 2020
Juvenile Fiction: Historical (JUV016000) / Action & Adventure (JUV001000) / Fantasy & Magic (JUV037000)
Print 9781939844729 / EBook 9781939844736
I’d like to give a shout out to another anthology that features some of my writer friends. I’ve known Janet Gurtler since I first started publishing books and Cheryl Rainfield is another wonderful writer and human being I’ve had a long online relationship with. I read this book last year and loved reviewing it.
You Too? by Janet Gurtler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This collection of short stories reveals a sad truth about our society where young women are still objectified, and in some cases, abused. Each story is different, but there are underlying themes that run though many of them. “It’s the woman’s fault” is one, guilt is another, and shame. Some made me cry, some made me angry, but all of them made me aware.
Quote of the Month: “The trouble with writing fiction is that it has to make sense, whereas real life doesn’t.” Iain M. Banks Scottish Sci-Fi-Fi author.
Hi Lee. ‘Something called WEP.’ Sounds like fun! I’m always inspired by Vincent van Gogh, so this is going to be my favorite challenge of the year … well, maybe there’ll be other interesting ones. But this one captured my imagination. And yes, I agree with you on your reasons for writing flash fiction. I’m sure my writing would suck majorly without 10 years of honing my craft, editing to the word limit, and learning from other writers.
See you soon for Cafe Terrace. And thanks for posting about it.
Denise
There’s always repairs and remodeling when you own a home isn’t there? I think of the Money Pit when I think of my daughter’s home. Built in 1913 so you can imagine. YOU have a great one.
Your daughter has me beat. My husband and I built this one in the 70s. It survived the ’85 Loma Prieta earthquake, three forest fires and–in the good old days–threatened mudslides. Now age has finally caught up with it. The challenge is will age get me faster and sooner than the repairs? I’ll let you know.
It is an awesome tribute to the dog.
Aw, love how you incorporated Buddy into one of your stories. He sounds like such an adorable dog. (I often put real-life allusions into my work, too.) Also love reading about your writing journey–so fascinating to see how it has unfolded since your first book!
And your allusions must be fascinating, Heather. Love your characters.
How fun that you ended up as a character in someone’s book!
Buddy must’ve been a great dog. That’s nice that you put him in a story.
A small homage is always fun.
I do like ministories and cameos too! I know I include them in my own writing. 🙂 I always enjoy learning about those tidbits too. I love that you included a dog, Buddy, you knew via blogging. 🙂
I’ll be you have some interesting cameos to tell about.
Those short cameo roles I think are quite common. When I was in Virginia City NV as a student pastor, I got to know the late-Don McBride, the owner of the Bucket of Blood saloon. He was very proud to point out that he had appeared as a bartender in Louis L’Amour’s book, “Comstock Lode.” L’Amour had spent time in his saloon when he was researching the novel.
Now that’s an exciting tribute!
I loved the passage about Buddy, Lee, especially thheart-warming last sentence. You tackled a difficult subject in your first book. Obviously you tackled it well, because look what has happened since. Happy recharging, and then happy writing!
Hi Louise, Great to see you here. Thanks for the comment.
What a great tribute to that dog!
As for your writing journey, I’m sure it was much harder and much more complicated than it sounds in your simple retelling. You must be an optimist.
Well, this journey is truly different than any I’ve taken and full of surprises. Some good. Some not so good.
What a wonderful tribute!
I’ve always said writing is more like an addiction than a job!
That’s such a lovely story about Buddy and a wonderful way to pay tribute to him. I even had to utter a happy sigh.
After following his adventures for so many years, I felt I knew him. I was really pleased when Mike said I could put Buddy into my book.
Love the quote. And don’t stop writing! xo
Even if I do, I’ll still read. That will always be a big part of my life.
Wow, what a terrific way to start a career! You’re obviously a talented writer, I’ve never heard a story like that before. 🙂
I think I have a pattern to everything I undertake. I kind of back into it, look around and then decide if it’s worth staying! I’m late in getting around to everyone this month. Another power outage took a whole day away. I’ll stop in to your place later.
What a wonderful tribute to Buddy and from your friend to you. 🙂 I’m enjoying reading how everyone became a writer. Everyone’s journey is so different, and yet we all find we love it. Have a great new year!
It is interesting, isn’t it? I like these questions and most often find I can answer them.
That’s a lovely tribute to Buddy. Losing a pet is so devastating.
I absolutely love Iain Banks’ quote. Truer words were never spoken.
That’s interesting that your first project was about self-abuse. I once wrote an investigative journalism piece about the same thing, where I interviewed several “cutters.” Not an easy topic. I’ll have to check out that book.
Happy New Year! All the best in 2020.
It’s disturbing topic and really frightening because it afflicts so many bright, young people.
Hi, Cheryl-Lee!
I was on the road and dealing with family responsibilities most of of the day yesterday, arrived home exhausted, needed a nap and went to bed early. The upshot was that I had little time left for blogging. I have come to see you this morning and hope 2020 is off to a fine start on your side of the screen.
It’s quite an honor for you to show up as a character in another author’s book. I like the idea of creating cameo roles for inspiring people and pets. Thanks for answering the question of the month and revealing the news article that launched your writing career. Just now I examined your list of titles on Amazon. My takeaway is that you are masterful in selecting compelling titles and signing-off on the cover art, producing a winning combination that is hard for readers to resist.
Thanks for reviewing the You Too? short story anthology and for posting the quote of the month. Reading them has compelled me to risk all by going political on you and sharing the experience Mrs. Shady and I had yesterday on our car trip across the state. At one point in our journey we found ourselves in traffic congestion boxed-in for miles behind a pickup truck displaying a series of hateful bumper stickers, banners and decals. They included “Gun Control Means Holding It with Both Hands,” “Facts don’t lie… liberals do,” and a cartoon showing Donald Trump urinating on the CNN logo. With those hate slogans jammed in our faces mile after mile, proudly displayed on someone’s passenger vehicle, we felt like we had passed through the looking glass into a disturbing “bizarro world” that makes no sense. “This can’t be America,” we lamented. “This can’t be who we are.”
I wish you all the best in 2020, dear friend Cheryl-Lee!
Thanks for the high praise about titles and covers. It has always been tricky for me to come by those.
As to the political mess we’re in right now, I’m in a quandary as to how we’re going to come around and back to the reasoned discourse stage. I blame social media with its often partial truths and mis-information as well as the immediacy of all thing terrible. More than ever, Americans need to read widely and think clearly. Get rid of the “hate” that’s blurring judgement and get back discussing how to fix this mess.
What a wonderful surprise to learn Buddy’s backstory. He seemed real because he was! I completely relate to the closing quote. And said by a Scot, no less, the quintessential authority on reality. (Channeling my Celtic spirit).
The Celts have a close connection reality. I agree with that. Glad I made Buddy real to you. I wanted him to live on.
It’s great to know that Buddy was a real life character. That’s why he seemed so real. I’m sure all of us have bits and pieces from our life and experiences turn up in our stories. Sometimes I ask myself – where did that come from – then I recall…
Happy New Year Lee!
The best to you in 2020, Denise. I know it’s going to be quite busy with WEP and all of the other projects you have going on, but I think it will be a very productive year for you. I’m sure you tuck a lot of your life experiences into your stories.
Hi Cheryl, “It’s too late to stop” I love it! Here’s to a healthy and prosperous New Year to you and yours!
Same to you Stephen. Hope your year is full of good things.
I love your quote at the end of the post! And your story about beginning to write is inspiring–you knew what story you needed to tell, and why! And then… you learned it’s addictive, didn’t you? 😀
As addictions go, it’s not a bad one, but it does consume you. I’m sure you know all about that.
You just couldn’t stop. There’s nothing wrong with that.
I guess not. Stopping sort of seems like quitting, I guess. Yet, I do get darned tired–not of the writing, but of the promotion. That’s what I have to fortify myself to do.
I love that you put Buddy in your story, as others have said. And I’m so glad you kept writing. Looking forward to your latest.
Thanks, Beverly. I’m twisting in the wind on the next one. We’ll see what happens as we both always do, right?
Things sure do seep in to many writings. Mine have them. It is interesting to see if one can figure it out. Sad that so many turn to self harm, but kicking off your writing is a silver lining, if there is one to such things.
I’ve always wondered about that silver lining. Why not gold or platinum? Are they a tad more valuable? Anyway, that aside, I’m sure you have a few hidden sub-stories in your work. You’ll have to reveal a few one of these days.
I always feel so privileged to get a peak into writers heads and processes.
Loved learning a little more about Buddy. I suspect that most (all?) things a writer sees/feels/reads feed into the mix. What emerges later may or may not be immediately recognisable, but the seeds were sown.
I am so very glad that you continue writing, and feed this greedy reader.
Like you, I love some of the inside story, and thanks for being such a greedy reader.
I fell in love with Buddy. ‘Nuff said. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
Aw, thanks. I know his best pal, Mike, will appreciate that.
Loved hearing your story about how you got into writing. It’s really awesome how it all worked out for you.
It was kind of a shock, but I’m glad it happened. I’ve met a lot of wonderful writers and readers. You’re one.
That is sweet you put Buddy in your story.
I just had to have him somewhere.
What a sweet tribute to Buddy. It is an interesting thing–when real people cameos and bits and pieces of the real author’s world sneak in. –How fun that you had a cameo in a book!
I’m sure there’s a lot of it. Kind of an inner-circle thing. When I stumble on those stories, they enhance the main story for me.
Happy New Year!
I don’t think you will stop writing. It’s in your blood.
Have a great start in the new decade. There are many out there who need to read what you write.
Shalom aleichem,
Pat G @ EverythingMustChange
I think I am in a bit deep now, Pat, so you may be right. I hope this new year treats all of us well. Thanks for hanging in with me all this time.
What wonderful backstory, Lee. I love the info about Buddy. He was so real in the story, it’s nice to know he’s someone’s best friend.
Thanks, Jacqui. Mike, his best friend, was really happy to have Buddy make an appearance in Not Guilty.
We have our fair share of self-abuse in our students. It hurts my heart to see this. I want them all to love themselves.
Teresa
That is truly sad, but the percentage of young people who self-abuse is still on the rise as is suicide. Very disturbing.
One of our foster kids was a cutter and it opened my eyes as to how many kids do it. So sad.
What startled me was how many kids I knew who came to me after they read my book. I had no idea they were cutters. The parents were good friends of mine, and we became closer after the book.
I love your writing, and your storytelling! Happy New Year! Wishing you much success in 2020!
I’ll return the compliment, Cathrina. And add another round of congratulations for your recent award.
Hi Lee – I must read your books about self-abuse to get some insight as to the ‘whys’ … but I love the idea of being written into a book – that’d be great and then being able to bring Buddy into one of your stories … wonderful idea. Good luck and lots more books ahead I hope, and definitely stories in the anthology … cheers and I do hope you can have an easy year … with thoughts Hilary
Hi Hilary,
Sliding on the Edge is the only book I’ve written that tackles cutting. The whys aren’t clear-cut and there can be several reasons operating at the same time. Complicated. Thanks for your continued support. I’ve really enjoyed our connection over these years.
You can’t stop now! 🙂
Love seeing a glimpse into the real Buddy!
I’m working on recharging, Jemi! Glad you enjoyed Buddy’s story.
Sounds like you had one smart publisher. I think it’s wonderful that someone believed enough in you to change your life. Imagine all those readers who are enjoying your stories. That’s special. Happy New Year, Lee!
I loved my first editor. She was actually the one who did the aquisitions. I’m still in touch with her and we keep hoping we can work together again. Happy 2020, Joylene.
Aww, I love that you included Buddy in your story. He reminds me of my Clancy. I wanted a walking partner when I got him yet he is the only dog I’ve ever known who doesn’t like going for walks LOL. Doesn’t matter I wouldn’t trade him for the world.
I’m sure it meant so much to Mike that you wrote that tribute!
Dogs have a way of doing their own thing, even it’s cats that most often get the bad rap! Of course, as you know, once they’re in your heart, there’s no parting with them.
Hope you have a great new year, Julie.
Hey, the same thing happened to me! One book and then my publisher asked for another, which I had to write. Somehow I got roped into being a writer.
A retriever who doesn’t retrieve – funny.
Nothing is stranger than real life. Buddy was exactly as portrayed.
Being roped into this business is a strange way to become a writer, but it seems it works!