memoir

Book Review: Hounded- The Lowdown on Life from Three Dachshunds by Matt Ziselman

Posted by Barbara Techel

hounded

I didn’t want this book to end. What a delightful, honest, sincere, loving book! My poor husband had to endure endless shaking of the bed as I chuckled reading the many antics of Baxter, Maya, and Molly.

As I was nearing the end of the book I really began to wonder if author Matt Ziselman may have been a Dachshund in a former life because his accounts of what this breed is all about are so right on!  But I especially related to, and enjoyed, the lessons he has learned (and continues to learn) from his loving trio of short-legged dogs.

As much as these weensters can also frustrate their human friends, I was brought to tears when Matt talks about all three draped on him as he tries to write the final chapter of the book. With Maya pinning down his right arm he says, “I want them to stay right where they are…I will have free and full movement of my right arm, and my heart will not feel as full and warm as it does right now. I want my friends to stay.”

This is a must read for every Dachshund owner out there, or I should really say, for every person that is owned by a Dachshund. But it is also a must read for anyone struggling with challenges, and let’s face it we all are. But seeing life through the eyes of our four legged friends is a refreshing and encouraging way to just get on with life with a little humor and learning to live in the moment.

Learn more about Hounded on their Facebook page, Twitter, website, or order a copy today from Amazon!

Reflection of Sending My Story Out Into the World & Joyful Paws Jaunt Blog Tour Ends Today at Peggy’s Pet Place

Posted by Barbara Techel

Through Frankie's Eyes 304 x 404 awardIt feels a bit surreal that here it is, the end of my blog tour, for “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” I invite you to check out my last stop which is over at Peggy’s Pet Place. Peggy is a pet columnist and author who has written about the animal-human bond for quite some time now. I really enjoyed her interview questions and I think you will too.

All the excitement, angst, ups and downs of releasing a book are beginning to fade a bit from my memory being this far along in my journey of having written, published, and now sharing it. I feel so grateful for all those who were willing to host me on their blogs and radio shows. So many of these wonderful people I’ve never even met in person, but they have generously supported my work. Pretty amazing, that we, as authors, have this at our fingertips these days to share our story. Also amazing is the fact I’ve been able to connect with so many of you, that I otherwise may not have been able to. One of the greatest rewards is hearing from many of you who have shared your thoughts with me in regards to my new book. It means more to me than you will ever know… thank you.

While at times I questioned if my story would touch others, I also knew that it would find its way to those that needed to hear what I had to share. It continues to find its way to others and it makes my day when I hear from those who say my story has helped them look at their life in a new (and better) way.

The publishing world continues to change rapidly, with authors taking their own fate in their hands with the tools available to us to get our message out into the world. It is not always easy, while at the same time, we have so many more opportunities now, so in a sense it is easier—though there is a lot of noise out there to compete with.  But I remind myself how important my work is to me.  I want to continue to help others through my words and stories, and plan to do just that.

So while my online tour officially ends, it truly is just the beginning. One is never done and I look forward to new avenues in which to share my story and my work.  As always, I welcome your feedback. In the new world of authors and publishing, it also greatly helps if you would consider leaving a review for “Through Frankie’s Eyes.” A huge thank you to all those of you who already have. I’ve shed a few tears of joy at how my book has touched others. Nothing better than that knowing you touched a chord with another, so again, I say a deeply grateful thank you.

How Vulnerability Can Be A Beautiful Gift in Memoir Writing– Plus Giveaway for a Copy of “Through Frankie’s Eyes”

Posted by Barbara Techel

Max, our Golden boy, reads about Frankie

Kathy’s dog, Max even thought he should perhaps read ” Through Frankie’s Eyes”

If someone would have told me years ago that being vulnerable is actually a beautiful thing, and not a weakness, I think I would have saved myself a lot of heartache.

This week on my Joyful Paws Jaunt blog tour Kathy Pooler hosts me on her memoir blog. Kathy is such a kind and open soul.  She cares deeply about helping others write their memoir’s as well as encouraging others to share their story.  We talked in early February about what might be best for a guest post for me to write for her blog.  Being scared to write ones story came up for me as I was soon launching my new book.  It was also relevant to Kathy as she is working on her memoir as well.

Vulnerability really struck a chord with each of us, as well as we believe for others, so the subject seemed a good one to write about.  So I invite you to click on over to Kathy’s blog and check out my guest post.  Please do leave a comment and you will have a chance to win a copy of “Though Frankie’s Eyes.”  Even if you have purchased a copy, still do leave a comment and if you win, giving my book might be a great gift for a friend.

There really seems to be much talk about vulnerability lately with Dr. Brene Brown sitting down recently to talk with Oprah about her book Daring Greatly after researching and studying vulnerability and shame for the past twelve years. If more of us embrace vulnerability and leave shame behind, imagine the possibilities!

**If you have read my book and would like to have your dog featured on my special board on Pinterest, please do email me (barb (at) joyfulpaws (dot) com) your dogs photo posing with my book!**