I am relieved to announce that "Bedtime Tails" is in a new form. After detailed editing, my chapter book is ready to get back out there. I am most excited. . .
. . .Except for a rather spooky strange coincidence.
I checked in with Puppy Love the other day. The featured puppy at that time was Amelia the Boxer. Today's featured puppy is Rory the Bulldog. So? Both names are featured in one of my chapters - a young girl named Amelia and a canine sibling named Rory the English Bulldog. I wrote this chapter in early 2011.
You know, if this spooky strange coincidence had occurred in October, I would be spooked myself. Alas, however, I am taking this coincidence as a sign of hope that this time around, "Bedtime Tails" will get a pawfive in publishing.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Pawfive in Publishing. . .Not for me
In the winter of 2010, and into early 2011, I wrote a short story collection entitled "Love Always, Chessie."
"Love Always, Chessie" comprised ten personally favorite dog breeds. Each breed covered two chapters - the first being a nonfiction history of the breed and the second an entertaining, fiction story.
On completion, I submitted my collection to six literary agents and one educational publisher. All responded with a no (or simply no response at all). I was hurt. . .
Until I scrapped the idea of "Love Always, Chessie" being a short story collection when really "Love Always, Chessie" is children's literature.
I revised the layout of the collection - deleted the history chapters, wrote a fiction story for a new tenth breed. (Chessie's story, as the last, was a brief and personal memoir written by her owner - my grandmother.) I researched illustrators for both children's literature and dog breeds. I found two! Their wise advice led me to now submitting the newly titled "Bedtime Tails" as a children's chapter book.
Well, I first pitched "Bedtime Tails" as a picture book series. That did not fly. I hoped for each entry to be published individually towards the overall series. My stories, however, were too advanced for a very young reader. My projected range had long been for ages 7 to 10.
Then I listened to my illustrators (who also advised I not include illustrations as an illustrator is actually selected by the editor or publisher) and attacked the theory that in fact "Bedtime Tails" is a chapter book.
Wikipedia defines a chapter book as aimed for intermediate readers around the ages of 7 to 10. Each chapter or story is of moderate length and complexity. Chapter books are comprised mainly of text and sketch illustrations rather than heavy reliance on pictures. That's me! That has been me all along!
As of June, I have been submitting "Bedtime Tails" as a chapter book.
My first rejection came and was somewhat personal - "thanks for considering me. . .not the best fit for what I am looking for. . .best of luck"
My second rejection came two weeks later and was very personal. The agent and his assistant seriously considered my work, but in the end found "Bedtime Tails" not the best fit. Okay. My work was seriously considered.
My third rejection came with what could almost have been a yes. She responded to my query immediately with a request to see the first three stories. Holy dog was I nervous. She considered my work and the following day, wrote back. In both responses, she firmly believed that my concept could definitely sell. However, my voice was simply too mature for the age range she had in mind. So close!
My fourth rejection came today - as of this post. He requested a sample chapter. That's it. Two weeks later, I was still waiting. I followed up with nerves nowhere near of steel. He likes my concept but feels that my voice isn't fresh enough to capture publishers.
I once read a blog post on Guide to Literary Agents that said if an author tends to get a lot of personal rejections, as opposed to a lot of "Dear Author" rejections, that author and their work, whatever that may be, has caught the attention of the publishing world via literary agents. In other words, the author and their work is a sure fire to be picked up and published by somebody. A "Dear Author" rejection (and piles of them) basically means that publishing isn't going to happen for whatever reason.
So perhaps I do not get a pawfive in publishing. Perhaps I need to go back to the drawing board with the draft of "Bedtime Tails" I have now and freshen up my voice or age range. Perhaps I should hold off on submitting more queries (I have pages left to go).
I just. . .really want to be published. I thought "Bedtime Tails" was the way to go, considering my responses.
Pawfive in publishing for me? Not today.
"Love Always, Chessie" comprised ten personally favorite dog breeds. Each breed covered two chapters - the first being a nonfiction history of the breed and the second an entertaining, fiction story.
On completion, I submitted my collection to six literary agents and one educational publisher. All responded with a no (or simply no response at all). I was hurt. . .
Until I scrapped the idea of "Love Always, Chessie" being a short story collection when really "Love Always, Chessie" is children's literature.
I revised the layout of the collection - deleted the history chapters, wrote a fiction story for a new tenth breed. (Chessie's story, as the last, was a brief and personal memoir written by her owner - my grandmother.) I researched illustrators for both children's literature and dog breeds. I found two! Their wise advice led me to now submitting the newly titled "Bedtime Tails" as a children's chapter book.
Well, I first pitched "Bedtime Tails" as a picture book series. That did not fly. I hoped for each entry to be published individually towards the overall series. My stories, however, were too advanced for a very young reader. My projected range had long been for ages 7 to 10.
Then I listened to my illustrators (who also advised I not include illustrations as an illustrator is actually selected by the editor or publisher) and attacked the theory that in fact "Bedtime Tails" is a chapter book.
Wikipedia defines a chapter book as aimed for intermediate readers around the ages of 7 to 10. Each chapter or story is of moderate length and complexity. Chapter books are comprised mainly of text and sketch illustrations rather than heavy reliance on pictures. That's me! That has been me all along!
As of June, I have been submitting "Bedtime Tails" as a chapter book.
My first rejection came and was somewhat personal - "thanks for considering me. . .not the best fit for what I am looking for. . .best of luck"
My second rejection came two weeks later and was very personal. The agent and his assistant seriously considered my work, but in the end found "Bedtime Tails" not the best fit. Okay. My work was seriously considered.
My third rejection came with what could almost have been a yes. She responded to my query immediately with a request to see the first three stories. Holy dog was I nervous. She considered my work and the following day, wrote back. In both responses, she firmly believed that my concept could definitely sell. However, my voice was simply too mature for the age range she had in mind. So close!
My fourth rejection came today - as of this post. He requested a sample chapter. That's it. Two weeks later, I was still waiting. I followed up with nerves nowhere near of steel. He likes my concept but feels that my voice isn't fresh enough to capture publishers.
I once read a blog post on Guide to Literary Agents that said if an author tends to get a lot of personal rejections, as opposed to a lot of "Dear Author" rejections, that author and their work, whatever that may be, has caught the attention of the publishing world via literary agents. In other words, the author and their work is a sure fire to be picked up and published by somebody. A "Dear Author" rejection (and piles of them) basically means that publishing isn't going to happen for whatever reason.
So perhaps I do not get a pawfive in publishing. Perhaps I need to go back to the drawing board with the draft of "Bedtime Tails" I have now and freshen up my voice or age range. Perhaps I should hold off on submitting more queries (I have pages left to go).
I just. . .really want to be published. I thought "Bedtime Tails" was the way to go, considering my responses.
Pawfive in publishing for me? Not today.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
The Bible according to Fido : Part 3
I should say the ultimate Bible according to Fido. . .
A Free Dog Training Resource to Bookmark
By Woof Report
"If you can use a few pointers (or more) to help fine-tune your dog's manners, get online. Find expert training tips free of charge with the Virtual Pet Behaviorist, the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center's interactive online behavior library.
"Developed and maintained by a team of experienced behaviorists and trainers, it offers a wealth of knowledge, including 150 downloadable articles on training, behavior modification, enrichment, and more.
"Topics range from behavior problems like food guarding, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, and housetraining to teaching tricks and tips for bringing home a new pet."
This invaluable tip is offered by Woof Report, a free weekly email newsletter covering anything dog.
If you own a dog or are considering adopting, check out Virtual Pet Behaviorist. All that is offered truly is the ultimate Bible for Fido.
*Subscribe to Daily Dog Tips by visiting Dogster
A Free Dog Training Resource to Bookmark
By Woof Report
"If you can use a few pointers (or more) to help fine-tune your dog's manners, get online. Find expert training tips free of charge with the Virtual Pet Behaviorist, the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center's interactive online behavior library.
"Developed and maintained by a team of experienced behaviorists and trainers, it offers a wealth of knowledge, including 150 downloadable articles on training, behavior modification, enrichment, and more.
"Topics range from behavior problems like food guarding, separation anxiety, fear of strangers, and housetraining to teaching tricks and tips for bringing home a new pet."
This invaluable tip is offered by Woof Report, a free weekly email newsletter covering anything dog.
If you own a dog or are considering adopting, check out Virtual Pet Behaviorist. All that is offered truly is the ultimate Bible for Fido.
*Subscribe to Daily Dog Tips by visiting Dogster
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Bible according to Fido : Part 2
Did you know. . .
Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible. Her advice on behavior and training is invaluable on dogster.com. The following is but one thought on dog training.
Use Proper Voice Tone When Giving Commands to Your Dog
By Tracie Hotchner
"Try to keep the same tone of voice when you give a command to your dog - the tone of your voice is as important as the command word itself.
"Keep in mind that your tone needs to be consistent in order to get a reliable response from the dog.
"Change the tone of your voice and you may be changing the whole meaning of the command."
This advice appears to be reasonable if not simple to follow. . .unless you are a first-time dog owner. However, with the brief experience I had, this advice is certainly the Bible according to Fido. I will keep these words of wisdom in mind when I search again for the right dog for me.
*Subscribe to Daily Dog Tips by visiting Dogster
Tracie Hotchner is the author of The Dog Bible. Her advice on behavior and training is invaluable on dogster.com. The following is but one thought on dog training.
Use Proper Voice Tone When Giving Commands to Your Dog
By Tracie Hotchner
"Try to keep the same tone of voice when you give a command to your dog - the tone of your voice is as important as the command word itself.
"Keep in mind that your tone needs to be consistent in order to get a reliable response from the dog.
"Change the tone of your voice and you may be changing the whole meaning of the command."
This advice appears to be reasonable if not simple to follow. . .unless you are a first-time dog owner. However, with the brief experience I had, this advice is certainly the Bible according to Fido. I will keep these words of wisdom in mind when I search again for the right dog for me.
*Subscribe to Daily Dog Tips by visiting Dogster
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Bible according to Fido : Part 1
From one Casey to another. . .
Casey Lomonaco is a certified dog trainer and owner of Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in New York. Casey recently posted a daily dog tip to dogster.com on the topic of behavior management.
Management: The First Step in Solving Behavior Problems
By Casey Lomonaco
"The first step in solving any behavior problem is to identify the opportunities a dog has to rehearse the unwanted behavior and select management tools (like leashes, crates, gates, and tethers) to prevent him from rehearsing it until new, desirable behaviors are taught.
"If your dog is a counter-surfer, management will include keeping your counters free of tempting items when you are not able to supervise your dog.
"If your dog is a habitual jumper, management may involve keeping your dog leashed or behind a gate while guests enter your home during the training period.
"For puppies that are still learning appropriate elimination behaviors, management means crating or tethering the puppy at all times.
"Dogs, like everyone, get better at behaviors they practice. Preventing your dog from rehearsing unwanted behaviors will help set him up for success."
Invaluable advice too late in coming for Casey Hovis. However, the above management tip for proper behavior training is definitely the Bible according to Fido. As I look for another dog to love and adore in a certainly more appropriate forever home, I will keep this daily dog tip first in mind.
*Subscribe to Daily Dog Tips by visiting Dogster
Casey Lomonaco is a certified dog trainer and owner of Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in New York. Casey recently posted a daily dog tip to dogster.com on the topic of behavior management.
Management: The First Step in Solving Behavior Problems
By Casey Lomonaco
"The first step in solving any behavior problem is to identify the opportunities a dog has to rehearse the unwanted behavior and select management tools (like leashes, crates, gates, and tethers) to prevent him from rehearsing it until new, desirable behaviors are taught.
"If your dog is a counter-surfer, management will include keeping your counters free of tempting items when you are not able to supervise your dog.
"If your dog is a habitual jumper, management may involve keeping your dog leashed or behind a gate while guests enter your home during the training period.
"For puppies that are still learning appropriate elimination behaviors, management means crating or tethering the puppy at all times.
"Dogs, like everyone, get better at behaviors they practice. Preventing your dog from rehearsing unwanted behaviors will help set him up for success."
Invaluable advice too late in coming for Casey Hovis. However, the above management tip for proper behavior training is definitely the Bible according to Fido. As I look for another dog to love and adore in a certainly more appropriate forever home, I will keep this daily dog tip first in mind.
*Subscribe to Daily Dog Tips by visiting Dogster
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Casey at bat
I will forever mark the dates May 4, 2011 and May 5, 2011 as the most memorable in my lifetime (well, two of the most memorable). On these two days, my boy Casey came to bat.
As has been stated in the post, Rat Terrier Breed Info, Rat Terriers are a bundle of energy. This breed tends toward the small to lower medium size. Casey weighed in on the standard or lower medium end. His thin size matched his large energy. His very young age (9 months) drove him even further.
I have never owned a dog - baby, young, or adult. I created Puppy Love to imagine the feeling of puppy love, through research and adoption advocacy especially. I have gained so much knowledge through posts on Puppy Love and yet what I have come to learn did not in any way prepare me for Casey.
My experience with Casey can best be described in the following way : A brand new edition to a baseball team is up to the plate and must hit a grand slam to win the game. . .and the World Series. No pressure, right? Well, I was that new edition and Casey was the game I had to figure out how to win.
Casey ran a million miles per hour before I took my first step. He was ready to play before I knew the time of day. We were out the door faster than I could put my shoes on. He didn't care. Casey had four indoor accidents despite the hours logged in the park across from my home. Casey went after my cat the way a Rat Terrier stalks its vermon prey. He didn't care.
My boy Casey was a poor fit given to me by the animal shelter who did not give a second look in the adoption process. They knew in full that I was brand new in looking for a dog and so had zero experience. Their only advice was to call the behavioral center if ever I had a question or concern. I did in fact call the behavioral center and no one returned my call. I was up to the plate against the best pitcher in the league. I wanted to keep Casey for time to come, but his puppy and breed energy kept me from hitting that grand slam.
I have learned an invaluable lesson through my first dog adoption, albeit temporary. A first time adopter should never consider a puppy. If a first time adopter considers a puppy, know the breed well and know the dog well too. Furthermore, if a first time adopter chooses a puppy to bring home, that home must be a house with a decent back or front yard. More so, if a first time adopter brings home a puppy, have time and energy. A puppy will eat up most of an owner's day. In the time that I had Casey, I realized the months that would go by before I could return to my work in card design and Serene's Fantastic Escape manuscript revision. The longer I would have been away from my projects, the longer my wait time would be to present queries to agents and possible publishing and to present cards to local businesses for sale and possible official business development.
I will continue to look for a dog, older of course and of a much calmer breed.
I wish all the best to Casey in his quest for a forever home.
As has been stated in the post, Rat Terrier Breed Info, Rat Terriers are a bundle of energy. This breed tends toward the small to lower medium size. Casey weighed in on the standard or lower medium end. His thin size matched his large energy. His very young age (9 months) drove him even further.
I have never owned a dog - baby, young, or adult. I created Puppy Love to imagine the feeling of puppy love, through research and adoption advocacy especially. I have gained so much knowledge through posts on Puppy Love and yet what I have come to learn did not in any way prepare me for Casey.
My experience with Casey can best be described in the following way : A brand new edition to a baseball team is up to the plate and must hit a grand slam to win the game. . .and the World Series. No pressure, right? Well, I was that new edition and Casey was the game I had to figure out how to win.
Casey ran a million miles per hour before I took my first step. He was ready to play before I knew the time of day. We were out the door faster than I could put my shoes on. He didn't care. Casey had four indoor accidents despite the hours logged in the park across from my home. Casey went after my cat the way a Rat Terrier stalks its vermon prey. He didn't care.
My boy Casey was a poor fit given to me by the animal shelter who did not give a second look in the adoption process. They knew in full that I was brand new in looking for a dog and so had zero experience. Their only advice was to call the behavioral center if ever I had a question or concern. I did in fact call the behavioral center and no one returned my call. I was up to the plate against the best pitcher in the league. I wanted to keep Casey for time to come, but his puppy and breed energy kept me from hitting that grand slam.
I have learned an invaluable lesson through my first dog adoption, albeit temporary. A first time adopter should never consider a puppy. If a first time adopter considers a puppy, know the breed well and know the dog well too. Furthermore, if a first time adopter chooses a puppy to bring home, that home must be a house with a decent back or front yard. More so, if a first time adopter brings home a puppy, have time and energy. A puppy will eat up most of an owner's day. In the time that I had Casey, I realized the months that would go by before I could return to my work in card design and Serene's Fantastic Escape manuscript revision. The longer I would have been away from my projects, the longer my wait time would be to present queries to agents and possible publishing and to present cards to local businesses for sale and possible official business development.
I will continue to look for a dog, older of course and of a much calmer breed.
I wish all the best to Casey in his quest for a forever home.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Puppy Love Special Edition - Rat Terrier Breed Info
As owner of Puppy Love, I am beyond thrilled to say that I am, as of far less than 24 hours ago, a new mom to a Rat Terrier named Casey.
Casey is 9 months old and was brought to The Anti-Cruelty Society on April 27. He is sweet, affectionate, very hyper, and most ready to be in his forever home. I am anxious about the obedience training he will definitely need. Anxiety and nervousness, however, take a back seat to how much I adore and love him.
I adore and love Casey. . .a sentiment of puppy love.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Terrier breed is classified along many lines. The most popular line of the Terrier breed is the Jack Russell, or Parson, Terrier. Yet every line of the Terrier is different in terms of physical appearance. The Terrier breed along all lines generally exhibits the same personality and behavior. Always remember, though, that each individual dog no matter what breed can deter from what it should be. Casey is a mix and does not look exactly like a Rat Terrier. He does exhibit his breed's personality. So let's get to know my pup.
The American Kennel Club describes the Rat Terrier as an American born breed meant to hunt rodents. In the 1800s, immigrants to the United States crossed Fox Terriers with European Terriers - Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and so on.
Rat Terriers are multi-colored with large patches of color against solid white. Casey is solid white with large black patches. Note that other colors include chocolate brown, tan, red, blue, and many other shades.
Dog Breed Info describes the temperament of the Rat Terrier as follows : intelligent, alert, affectionate, energetic, playful, fearless. I was allowed to take Casey out of his kennel to walk around with him. Other potential adopters did the same with their desired dogs. Casey was highly energetic and fearless towards an approaching Saint Bernard and Pit Bull. He was most affectionate towards me, my mother, and especially my grandmother. Casey raised up to his hind legs every moment he sensed another dog coming his way. I note now how exactly Casey matches in behavior to his Rat Terrier/Terrier breed.
Rat Terriers are most known for not being loud barkers or obnoxious yippers. Casey barked once when he saw a dog being let out of its kennel. His bark was not loud and he calmed down fairly quickly. If I can train him to stay calm indoors, I should not have issues with my neighbors!
Dog Breed Info states that Rat Terriers learn quickly (hence their high intelligence) and train well. As a new mom to a puppy especially, this is very good to know. Rat Terriers, like many other breeds, are eager to please. I hope that my relationship with Casey will be a two-way street - I will learn about him and what most interests him and what most disinterests him, and he will learn about me and what makes me happy and pleased and what will make me upset. I hope he will love me as much as I love him. The learning process will start immediately and last for time to come.
As with all dogs, training in and out of the classroom requires firmness, consistency, and confidence on the part of the owner and the owner's family. As a new mom, this rule is particularly important. . .which is why I am so nervous.
Rat Terriers come in three weight classes - toy, medium, and standard. Casey falls under the standard class. He currently weighs 12 pounds and The Anti-Cruelty Society prefers he gain 10 or so more pounds. Therefore, he should weigh no more than 35 pounds. (See Dog Breed Info for all weight classes.)
Rat Terriers need extensive and daily outdoor exercise. A long walk will do and playtime outdoors will be fun. Rat Terriers, however, are fairly active indoors. As Casey is only 9 months old, outdoor time initially is especially important - more specifically for potty breaks (The Anti-Cruelty Society suggested 8 to 10 times a day for the first month or so!). When he learns to better control himself and outdoor time isn't as frequent, we will still go on walks. I, though, will look forward to toy time. I do not want to completely spoil Casey, but oh the selection of toys!
Dog Breed Info does not indicate major health problems. Casey's health records did not indicate health problems either. And. . .I am lucky in owning a Rat Terrier. This breed's life expectancy is 15 to 18 years. I want him to be with me and my family for a long time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's it. A look at the Rat Terrier. An expected look at my Casey. Photos will come to Puppy Love soon. Until then, I wish all dog owners a pawfive and I declare a pawfive to all those looking to adopt. They will love you more than you will ever know.
Casey is 9 months old and was brought to The Anti-Cruelty Society on April 27. He is sweet, affectionate, very hyper, and most ready to be in his forever home. I am anxious about the obedience training he will definitely need. Anxiety and nervousness, however, take a back seat to how much I adore and love him.
I adore and love Casey. . .a sentiment of puppy love.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Terrier breed is classified along many lines. The most popular line of the Terrier breed is the Jack Russell, or Parson, Terrier. Yet every line of the Terrier is different in terms of physical appearance. The Terrier breed along all lines generally exhibits the same personality and behavior. Always remember, though, that each individual dog no matter what breed can deter from what it should be. Casey is a mix and does not look exactly like a Rat Terrier. He does exhibit his breed's personality. So let's get to know my pup.
The American Kennel Club describes the Rat Terrier as an American born breed meant to hunt rodents. In the 1800s, immigrants to the United States crossed Fox Terriers with European Terriers - Bull Terrier, Manchester Terrier, and so on.
Rat Terriers are multi-colored with large patches of color against solid white. Casey is solid white with large black patches. Note that other colors include chocolate brown, tan, red, blue, and many other shades.
Dog Breed Info describes the temperament of the Rat Terrier as follows : intelligent, alert, affectionate, energetic, playful, fearless. I was allowed to take Casey out of his kennel to walk around with him. Other potential adopters did the same with their desired dogs. Casey was highly energetic and fearless towards an approaching Saint Bernard and Pit Bull. He was most affectionate towards me, my mother, and especially my grandmother. Casey raised up to his hind legs every moment he sensed another dog coming his way. I note now how exactly Casey matches in behavior to his Rat Terrier/Terrier breed.
Rat Terriers are most known for not being loud barkers or obnoxious yippers. Casey barked once when he saw a dog being let out of its kennel. His bark was not loud and he calmed down fairly quickly. If I can train him to stay calm indoors, I should not have issues with my neighbors!
Dog Breed Info states that Rat Terriers learn quickly (hence their high intelligence) and train well. As a new mom to a puppy especially, this is very good to know. Rat Terriers, like many other breeds, are eager to please. I hope that my relationship with Casey will be a two-way street - I will learn about him and what most interests him and what most disinterests him, and he will learn about me and what makes me happy and pleased and what will make me upset. I hope he will love me as much as I love him. The learning process will start immediately and last for time to come.
As with all dogs, training in and out of the classroom requires firmness, consistency, and confidence on the part of the owner and the owner's family. As a new mom, this rule is particularly important. . .which is why I am so nervous.
Rat Terriers come in three weight classes - toy, medium, and standard. Casey falls under the standard class. He currently weighs 12 pounds and The Anti-Cruelty Society prefers he gain 10 or so more pounds. Therefore, he should weigh no more than 35 pounds. (See Dog Breed Info for all weight classes.)
Rat Terriers need extensive and daily outdoor exercise. A long walk will do and playtime outdoors will be fun. Rat Terriers, however, are fairly active indoors. As Casey is only 9 months old, outdoor time initially is especially important - more specifically for potty breaks (The Anti-Cruelty Society suggested 8 to 10 times a day for the first month or so!). When he learns to better control himself and outdoor time isn't as frequent, we will still go on walks. I, though, will look forward to toy time. I do not want to completely spoil Casey, but oh the selection of toys!
Dog Breed Info does not indicate major health problems. Casey's health records did not indicate health problems either. And. . .I am lucky in owning a Rat Terrier. This breed's life expectancy is 15 to 18 years. I want him to be with me and my family for a long time.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
That's it. A look at the Rat Terrier. An expected look at my Casey. Photos will come to Puppy Love soon. Until then, I wish all dog owners a pawfive and I declare a pawfive to all those looking to adopt. They will love you more than you will ever know.
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