Now through March 25th you have a chance to win one of two copies of my new book I am giving away through Goodreads. Be sure to enter today!
Giveaway ends March 25, 2013.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Chillin’ out with Joie, my inspiration and reminder that life is so good!
I’m really enjoying hearing from many of you after you’ve read my new book. I’m feeling so honored that my book is touching a chord. It felt incredibly vulnerable letting my story go out into the world. But those of you sharing your thoughts with me have truly touched me. Thank you.
One thing I’d like to do is connect with book clubs for discussion around any or all of the topics in my book. If you belong to a book club, we can do this via phone or Skype. If your group has never done this before in terms of phone or Skype, I can help with that. I’m also available in person depending on your location. For more information please feel free to contact me.
While I wrote my book mainly for women, I was deeply touched by an email I received from David, who is 49 years old. He gave me permission to share what he wrote to me.
“Through your work, you’ve helped me look at certain things that I’ve worried about in life a whole different light. Bailey had back surgery a couple years ago, and we were fortunate that she recovered well. However, our vet has told us that after looking at some x-rays for Rudy, she would most likely be susceptible to back issues. So, I’ve been stressed about that for quite some time, that is until I read your book. What a positive outlook it has helped me formulate on the whole situation. I’m sure that whatever happens, it will turn out to be a blessing.
I’ve also lost a lot of loved ones in my life, my parents in my 20’s and many other relatives throughout the years. Thus, turning 50 this year wasn’t feeling all that great, but once again, you’ve given me a few things to contemplate and for that I’m really thankful. I know that I have the best years of my life to come, sharing them with my loving partner of 10 years and our beautiful, very special girls that you see in the photo. I’m looking forward to get on with it now more than ever!”
I wanted to share this because as I mentioned, I felt vulnerable putting my thoughts out there. While at the same time, I realize so many of us struggle with some of the same issues. While these issues may seem ordinary, I came to see that if they stop us from living fuller, happier lives, then we need to start talking about them and encouraging each other.
In an upcoming Joyful Paws Jaunt blog stop later this month I’ll be talking about how being vulnerable actually helps us when writing memoir on Kathleen Pooler’s memoir blog. But even if you aren’t planning on writing your memoir, I’d love to connect with you and your book club for discussion around topics that do make us vulnerable and stop us from going after our dreams and our hearts desires.
**If you’d like to try and win a copy of Through Frankie’s Eyes, be sure to stop by The Mary Reader blog soon and leave a comment to have your name entered. You must also sign up to follow Mary’s blog to qualify and details on the right hand side of her page.
My publicist, a.k.a. Joie, gave the approval to announce the schedule for my Joyful Paws Jaunt. This is my on line book tour that begins this week. You will find me and my new book Through Frankie’s Eyes making stops at blogs, radio shows, and a few in person events I’ll share over the next three months. Below is the full schedule. I will also be adding where I’ll be on any certain day to the end of upcoming blog posts when appropriate.
Before I announce the schedule, I do have to let you know that I was interviewed for the Tiny House Blog today. I was so excited to be featured on this blog that I’ve been following and admiring for many months now. You can see photos of my writing cottage as well as read my thoughts on tiny house living. Thank you, Christina for the opportunity to be on the blog!
Tuesday, March 4th: Host Kim Gifford’s recorded audio interview with me on her blog Pugs and Pics.
Week of March 11th: Host Tammy Strobel (and author of You can Buy Happiness) of Rowdy Kitten’s blog interviews me.
Thursday, March 21st: Radio host, Yvonne Perry interviews me for We Are One in Spirit. Show begins at 2:00pm cst. We will talk about staying connected with our beloved pets even after they have passed.
Monday, March 25th: Host Kathleen Pooler of Memoir’s Writer’s Journey blog shares my guest post on the benefits of being vulnerable when writing a memoir.
Tuesday, April 2nd: Radio host, Janet Roper interviews me on her upbeat and fun Talk 2 the Animals radio show. Begins at 8:00pm cst.
Friday, April 5th: Book signing at Cassy Tully-Fine Art. Part of her First Fridays series featuring different authors, artists, and photographers.
Wednesday, April 10th: Host Linda Hoye of Slice of Life-Writing will share my guest post on the writing process.
Wednesday, April 17: Host Lisa Begin-Kruysman of National Dog Week will interview me about how our beloved dogs help us to be more compassionate and giving people.
Week of April 22nd: I will be doing a guest post for the growing Mad about Dachshunds based in the UK. Dachshunds have become so popular in the UK that there is a 2-year waiting list to adopt one!
Wednesday, May 1st: Host Mary Shafer of Almost Perfect Pet’s blog will interview me as we talk about our shared love of pets with special needs.
Saturday, May 4th: Book signing event at Bookworm Gardens for their opening day of the season. “Walk, Roll, and Read” honoring Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog Day will start with a walk/run around the university loop across from the gardens (under one mile), reading stations, activities, and book signing. Bring the kids to meet Joie, my new ‘walk ‘n roll dog!”
Tuesday, May 7th: Author Jackie Bouchard of What the Dog Ate will host me on her blog.
Tuesday, May 14th: Host Abby Thomas will host me on her blog Our Dachshund Sophie. We are two women who have a very deep love for our love dogs on wheels so it is sure to be a heartwarming interview.
Tuesday, May 21st: Radio host Deb Scott will interview me on her inspirational The Best People we Know radio show. Airs at 10:00am cst.
Tuesday, May 28th: Host Peggy Frezon of Peggy’s Pet Place will host me on her popular blog.
Be sure to share this schedule with family and friends so they can also join in the fun and inspiration!