Life according to Woobie

Woobie was our dog for fourteen years. And then...we had to let her go. She had other places to be. I hope she's romping and stomping with all the other dogs in doggie heaven. She's been gone three years now.

But before she went, she spent many days sleeping on my feet while I wrote about fantastical lands with wonderful critters and other stuff. I learned a lot about life from Woobie.

1) Go for a walk every four hours. It will give you the opportunity to see other people, breathe different air, and chase squirrels. Chasing squirrels is an important part of the writers life. Some people call them ideas or plot bunnies, but the truth is...they're squirrels.

2) You can learn more about humans by sniffing their butts than watching their faces. Everyone can smile. But it's only when you check their backtrail that you really know what kind of person they are. Very, very few people are good at hiding their backtrail.

3) If a human doesn't smell right--no matter how friendly they are--don't turn your back on them. Actually, the friendlier they are, probably the more dangerous they are. There's a reason your instincts are screaming.

4) If you're not hungry--don't eat. Humans are one of the few species that eat just to be eating. That's just... well, human. One treat a day is okay, though.

5) Drink a lot of cold water. The water in the toilet is always colder. That's where Woobie preferred to drink. Cold water is good for you. And it burns extra calories.

6) Take a couple naps every day. Catnaps re-energize you a lot faster than caffeine or food. If you're getting dopey go have a nap. If you're worried about oversleeping, set an alarm.

7) Loyalty is a two way street. Blind loyalty can get you thrown from a moving car. Know who you can trust and stick with them like glue.

8) When your human is sick, give them extra TLC. Stay close. Keep them warm. Let them know you care.

9) Everyone has accidents. When you're young you have a LOT of accidents until you get the hang of things. And when you're old... well things happen. But you're the same inside. So if your human has an accident, make sure they have extra loving. Just so they know they're not BAD.

10) When it's time to move on, make sure your human knows it's okay to let go. Humans have a real hard time with letting go. You have to let them know you love 'em anyway.

anny

Reminder! Tonight is the monthly chat at LRC! Details are in the upper right corner... Come one, come all, and bring your excerpts if you're a published author!

Winter Hearts, Twelve Days, the Saga and a Good-bye

Today my first shape-shifter story will be released from Ellora's Cave. Winter Hearts is the story of Quill, a middle-class angel assigned to a back-woods county in Tennessee. As part of the gifts given to his family to make their assignments easier, they are granted the ability to shift into any animal, big or small.

Unity, orphaned when she was a toddler has never had the experience of living as part of a family. When she is abducted after witnessing a crime, she ends up in the woods near Quill's home.

As they fall in love, they discover that there are some secrets that are best kept when shared.

For more info, click here http://www.ellorascave.com/

One of the toughest things I've done in a long time was let my dog go. She had bone cancer and it finally reached the stage where I couldn't keep her with me any more without being incredibly selfish. That didn't make it any easier. She sure tried to help me make the decision. She quit eating. She quit drinking. And she lost interest in going for walks. She slept a lot--most of the day and all night.

And then yesterday morning she stumbled down the stairs. So with a heavy heart I made the call. I'll miss her. There are no more words. Bye, Woobie. I loved you.

Anny

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me,

Five Faithful Companions.

Do you want to win some fantastic holiday reading? If so come celebrate the Twelve days of Romance with 12 authors from Ellora's Cave, Wild Rose Press, Total-E-Bound and Cerridwen Press. Each day beginning December 8th and running through December 19th one of the twelve authors will tell what their "True love gave to them" on either their blog or website.

Collect all twelve answers and e-mail them to anny@annycook.com with 12 days of Romance in the subject line to win some great books. There will be three lucky winners.
The prizes –1st prize--6 books, 2nd prize--4 books, 3rd prize--2 books. Entries must be in by December 21st at midnight EST. All books and prize winners will be drawn randomly.



Anny Cook Winter Hearts
Sandra Cox Boji Stones
Bronwyn Green Ronan’s Grail
Heather Hiestand Cards Never Lie
Barbara Huffert Deal of a Lifetime
Amarinda Jones Mad About Mirabelle
Kelly Kirch Time for Love
Cindy Spencer Pape Cowboy’s Christmas Bride
Brynn Paulin Fallen
Jacquéline Roth Access Denied
KZ Snow Mrs. Claws
Lacey Thorn Earth Moves

And now, the Saga...
Amarinda left me with Emmeline and the Pirate Jack:

“No Emmeline dear, there is an ancient parchment that is locked within the Gutted Frog statue at the inn.”

“And for some reason you can’t ask Mabel to get it for you.”

“She’s still a tad pissed I did not turn up for our wedding. But she likes you.” You’re both screaming harpies. “Be a dear and speak to Mabel about lifting the key.”

“Bilge breath, I have never been a ‘dear’ but for a seventy-five percent cut of the loot, I’ll tell you what I’ll do.”

Hmmm. What to do, what to do?

“I’ll bring the stranger to you and you can get the key from him, yourself.”

“What?” Jack backed away and regrouped. “I can’t take the key!”

“Why not, Jack? What are you holding back? You know I don’t like it when you try to put one over on me,” she reminded him with a meaningful look at her peeler. “So what’s the deal?”

“Uh-uh,” he stuttered. “Now Emmeline, don’t get all huffy. It’s just a teensy, tiny thing I left out. He’s been asking around for you.”

Her eyes began to glow as he backed further away until he bumped into the deck railing. “Jack? What is the stranger’s name?” she crooned as she stalked closer. “Come on, you wimp. You know you want to tell me.”

“We-llll,” he whimpered, “I did hear someone call him Beaky, I think.”

She hissed like a snake. “Beaky! That lowlife good for nothing slime bucket! Where is he? At the Gutted Frog?” She turned and rushed to the gangway. “He killed Rafe… I’ll make him pay!”

Alarmed, Jack pounded after her. “Emmeline! No! Don’t do it!”

“Don’t you worry, Jack! I’ll get your key! Actually,” she skidded to a halt. “If I’m getting the key, why am I giving it to you? I’ll get the map for myself!” Just as Jack caught up with her, she zipped away. “Ta, Jack!”

“Emmeline! Wait! The Beaky guy has a peeler!”

As always, please stop by Kelly's Place at www.kkirch.blogspot.com to see what she's up to and then pop over to Amarinda's World at www.amarindajones.blogspot.com to catch her take on the world state. Blessings on your day!