Meet Ophelia, Barbara Hodges' Basset Hound

Hey, cool, my guest today is a basset hound whose writer person, Barbara M. Hodges, is published by Twilight Times Books (my mom's publisher).

Here's a short bio...

Lady Shakespeare's Ophelia is a basset hound. She is six years young. Her closest friends are allowed to call her Phelia, all others address her as Ophelia or Princess. Ophelia allows Mom-slave, Barbara M. Hodges, Dad-slave, Jeff, and brother, Hamlet, her footman, to share her castle in Nipomo, CA. a small town on the central coast, made great by her presence. When not training her slaves she enjoys, sleeping, eating, playing, and sleeping, in that order.

Okay, Ophelia. Tell us about Barbara. What is she like? Don't be afraid to give us the inside scoop.

My people, Barbara and Jeff, have a party each Christmas. When I make my royal appearance there is no talk about anything but myself as it should be for the first moments. Later I hear them say my Barbara’s books are adored. She is often questioned as to when her newest will be available. For the most part Barbara has shaped up well in her training. It does bother me that I must remind her when it is time for her to cease writing and take me, Hamlet also, after all every princess must have a footman, to meet my loyal subjects at the park promenade.

When I first joined my people, they thought someone as dignified as myself would be sleeping in a royal crate, they were soon taught better. I was gracious about the whole matter and they do get a adequate space upon my royal king-size bed. Hamlet also after he pays me my homage.

Okay, YOUR HIGHNESS... Are you the boss of Barbara? (as if I don't already know the answer to this one... And they call me pompous?)

Of this there is no doubt. I simply make my wished known with a petite bark, and she jumps to do my will, even if it takes her a few minutes to figure out what it is I require.

What type of books does your human mom write?



She writes fantasy, science fiction and paranormal stories…in all are basset hounds. She of course requested my permission for doing so.

Has your Mom immortalized you in any of her books? Did she show your real character or did she exaggerate it for the book’s purpose? Are you happy with her portrayal of you?

In the book my mom-slave writes now, A Spiral of Echoes, there is a basset named Sammi-Sue and yes she is very much me, with much P.A. (princess attitude) So far she has captured me well. But I am keeping a close watch, I will not be in anyway defamed.

Have you read any of Barbara’s books? Are they really as good as she thinks they are?

Oh my yes. None go to the publisher without my paw of approval. Humm…yes they are. It took her awhile to accept her greatness, humble to the core she is, but I spend time each day training her to be a princess herself.

What does your writer mom do besides writing? Is she a hermit or does she actually set her foot outdoors? My mom has to be dragged outside.

When I nap Mom-slave is allowed to leave my castle. She goes to grandma’s and tells others what to do as they all splash around in a huge bathtub. I don’t get it, but she says it is great exercise for her.

At times we (Mom and Dad-slave, Hamlet the footman and my princess self) take the royal basset motor castle to NASCAR races. I love these. I gives more people the chance to adore me.

And my Mom-slave paints. She has yet to do my portrait as ordered, but I accept her excuse that she has not yet the talent to capture me in all of my beauty.

Now I have no more time for questions. I must begin Mom-slaves day for her.

I guess I should feel honoured to have such a high member of the doggie nobility as my guest. ..