Meet Miko and Daisy, proud owners of author and writing coach Suzanne Lieurance

Say WOOF! to my special guests Miko and Daisy, proud owners of author, speaker, freelance writer and coach Suzanne Lieurance (talk about busy!).

Suzanne is the founder and director of the National Writing for Children Center. She has written hundreds of articles and also over 25 books! But that's not all! She's also host of the popular Book Bites for Kids, a radio show where she interviews children's authors. My mom loves Suzanne and is always listening to her shows and teleclasses.

Listen, people, this is one lady you'll want to follow on Facebook and Twitter. So don't be shy.


Welcome, Miko and Daisy! How did you come to live with Suzanne?

Miko: Well, I'm Miko, and I'll answer that question first, since I got here first. Actually, Suzanne's younger son Tyler rescued me from some people who weren't very nice to me when I was just a puppy. They didn't feed me and they hit me a lot. Tyler convinced the people to let him have me, then he brought me home to his mom. She adopted me, even though I was supposed to be Tyler's dog.

Daisy: And, I'm Daisy. People think I look like a little black pig. But I don't think so. I mean...I don't have a curly tail like pigs do, for gosh sakes. Give me a break! And I can explain why I like to eat so much. Years ago, when I had a litter of pups, my humans were going through a divorce and they completely ignored me and all their other dogs (they had about 5 other big dogs, plus me and my puppies). They penned us up in their backyard. It got so cold, all but one of my puppies froze to death. And one of the other dogs in the pen jumped off the doghouse and accidentally hanged himself with his leash - or maybe he committed suicide like some of the other dogs in the pen thought. After all, we had it pretty rough. No one fed us, they kept us outside in the freezing cold. We all thought we were going to die until some lady rescued us. She found homes for all the other dogs except me. Nobody wanted a little black dog that looked like a pig. But then Suzanne came over to this lady's house and when she found out I needed a home she convinced her husband to let me come live with her family. I didn't like Miko at first. I mean, look at him! He's HUGE! And he thought he was the boss of the house. I had to straighten him out about that. Now we get along great! He's my big brother and he pretty much does what I say.

Miko: I do not, Daisy! You're not the boss. You just think you are!


Gosh, that's quite a story, you guys. What's wrong with some people!

Tell us more about your mom, Suzanne. I hear she's completely obsessed with children's books? What's it like living with that kind of person?

Miko: Yeah, our human loves to read, write, and talk about children's books all the time. But it's kinda cool. She dedicated one of her books to me and she called me her "four-footed little writing buddy." That's because when I was a puppy I used to lie at her feet while she wrote her books on the computer. We'd take "sunshine breaks" during the writing day and go outside and sit in the sun together. We still do that now when the weather is good.

Daisy: Yeah, I love the sunshine breaks. Sometimes we get a special snack when we go outside. Yum! Is it time for a sunshine break now? I bet it is! Let's get a snack!

Miko: Pay attention, Daisy! It's not time for a break or a snack!


Did someone mention SNACKS?

Anyway, she's written like 25 books, hasn't she? Ha! I bet success has gone to her head!

Miko: She just likes to write. She doesn't always write books, though. Sometimes she writes articles or writing courses, and she writes a bunch of stuff for children's educational publishers - test questions, reading passages, and stuff like that. She really likes to write adaptations of fairy tales and other old stories for kids. Right now, she's working on a middle grade novel. Plus, she has a bunch of picture book manuscripts she's sending out to publishers, so she stays pretty busy.

Daisy: She always remembers to feed us, though. That's the main thing! Every morning, we get our breakfast first thing, before she starts to write. Then we go outside and play for a while. Then we take a nap. It's a dog's life and we love it!

Is it true she also mentors other writers? I hear she teaches online courses and has a club for children's authors.

Miko: Yeah, our "mom" is a former classroom teacher, so she seems to think she has to help everybody learn stuff. She started the Children's Writers' Coaching Club so she could help other people become published children's book authors. People can find out more about it at www.cwcoachingclub.com. The club has weekly teleclasses about writing for children and people who are in the club can get their stories professionally critiqued each week - whatever that means. I don't read, so I'm not sure what a critique is. I just know Suzanne reads a bunch of stuff when she's doing critiques.


My mom is a member of the Children's Writers Coaching Club and can't stop raving about Suzanne. What's so darn special about her, anyway?

Daisy: Uh, I think she's special because she feeds us good stuff! Hey....do you give snacks for these interviews?

Miko: Cut it out, Daisy. You don't need a snack. Back to the question - I think Suzanne is special because she likes to teach and help people as much as she likes to write. That's good for those other people. But sometimes it takes away from Suzanne's writing time. And I don't like to be around when that happens because she gets grouchy. I like it when she's working on a book because she takes us for walks during the day so she can figure out what happens next in the story.

Daisy: I don't like it when she can't write either. When she's grouchy we don't get snacks!


I bet she doesn't have anytime left for you too. Shameful!

Miko: Yeah, sometimes she gets so busy she forgets about our walks. But, like I said, if she's working on a story that's giving her trouble, we walk a LOT! I guess I shouldn't say this, but I like it when she has trouble with her stories cause we get to go to the park a bunch of times during the week and see all the other dogs and people there. Daisy and I LOVE that!

Daisy: Yeah, walks are really, really fun. But, really, all I need is my food. As long as she doesn't ever forget that, I don't have any complaints. I'm good. Are you sure we don't get a snack for doing this interview? Do I smell bacon?


So what's with that radio show, Book Bites for Kids? I don't like it. Every time my mom listens to one of those shows, it's 30 minutes she's not playing with me!

Miko: Yeah, we have to be quiet and not bark when she's doing that show. She talks to other children's book authors about their books and stuff like that.

Daisy: Yeah, but she does the show during our nap time, so it usually isn't a problem. Sniff! Sniff! I know I smell bacon!


What do you love most about Suzanne?

Miko: I like her hugs and tummy rubs. And the walks.

Daisy: The food! Definitely the meals and the snacks! And we LOVE bacon! Sniff! Sniff!

Thanks for stopping by this side of the woods, Miko and Daisy. You're so lucky you have Suzanne as a mom now. She sounds like a darn fine human!

Hey, readers, if you like this, why don't you share it on Twitter and Facebook... please, pretty please?

Meet Blanco, owner of children's author Kai Strand

Today we have an unusual gust on Pets & Their Authors... a dragon!

I hope you'll enjoy his guest post.

See my spikes? I’m fierce. Ask any cricket! My name is Blanco. I’m a bearded dragon. Kai Strand is my author. Kai and I go way back to the Christmas of 2008 when I joined the family. I was just a little tyke then, hadn’t fully grown into my fierceness. I’m what they call a pale dragon. My color is lighter than many others, hence the name Blanco (meaning white). I’m actually named after a villain from one of Kai’s middle grade novels (this one hasn’t sold…yet). Yep, the creepy villain of the story sends shivers up your spine like I do when I spread myself wide and hiss.

Kai has a laptop, so she will sometimes tuck her feet up under her on the couch next to my vivarium (cage) and write. I like it when she does that because the clicking sound of the keys sounds like a murder of crickets climbing over each other to get away from my razor sharp teeth. It often lulls me to sleep.

As a matter of fact, I ended up going into an extended state of hibernation (what we refer to in my beardie world as brumation) last winter when she was working on final edits of her tween book, The Weaver. The Weaver is about a young girl, Mary, who lives in a town of storytellers. Mary’s mother is the most revered story weaver around, but poor Mary is suffering through her third year of novice word weaving. Mary meets a strange little gnome-elf who grants her one wish, but instead of weaving a better story, she suddenly is weaving strange little yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales. Because of my state of brumation, I never did hear if Mary resolved her problem. Maybe one of you can let me know. Feel free to contact me through Kai. You can read more about her and her writing at www.kaistrand.com. Or stay up-to-date on book info on her Facebook page.

Five cats spill the beans on children's author Lisa Cottrell Bentley

I apologize to my canine friends for having FIVE guest cats on my blog today (as if just one wasn't enough!). Anyway...

Say hello to Connor, Bronwyn, Astrid, Fiona, and Finnegan!



Q: So, hello, kitties. Who are you and who is your human?

A: We are Lisa Cottrell-Bentley's five adorable cats: Connor, age 15, gorgeous orange tabby cat...








Bronwyn, age 1, fluffy white cat who looks and acts exactly like
"Marie" from the Aristocats movie...










Astrid, age 13, sleek and prestigious black cat...










Fiona, age 2.5, skittish tortico who, while our largest, believes she is our smallest and she is scared of all the others...








Finnegan, age 1, soccer loving, sleek pure white cat with the world's fluffiest tail, littermate to Bronwyn, also known as "Finnegan Snowflake Albus Brian Sleek Spock Cottrell Bentley" or "Captain Fluffytail"...


Lisa is the author of the Wright on Time series. She also owns Do Life Right, Inc., an independent publishing company that specializes in children's and YA books about realistic homeschoolers of today.

"Wright on Time" is about an RV-living, homeschooling family who travels the USA. Each book is set in a different state with a different fun and educational theme. So long as Lisa doesn't actually take me on her adventures, I'm good. I don't want to live in an RV. In fact, I don't want to leave the house--ever.

Q: Really Finnegan, did you have to say so much about Lisa right from the start? I was just going to ask about her books to Fiona. So, Fiona, what type of books does your human mom write?

Fiona: Lisa writes? I thought that thing on her lap was just an inadequate lap warmer for when I wasn't around. I do a much better job at keeping her warm.

Finnegan: Action! Adventure! The best kind there are! There aren't nearly enough balls in her stories though... I think I'll go and remind her of the fun of balls. I like to give her presents.

Q: Of all your mom's books, which one is your favorite? Why?

Connor: I like them all, so long as Lisa feeds me. I have been told, however, that there is a minor character (Aidan's best friend) who was named after me. I sort of like this.

Bronwyn: Astrid: I really like "Wright on Time: Utah, Book 2". I particularly like when the Wright family learns how to clean and preserve dinosaur bones. I like to clean things.

Fiona: I love "Wright on Time: Arizona, Book 1". I want tochase those bats!

Finnegan: Definitely "Wright on Time: Wyoming, Book 3". I love the constant playing and going to new places in that book. I'd even love the airplane ride and golf cart excursion.

Q: Have you actually read them?

Connor: No, but I've tried to eat them. They aren't very tasty. Lisa should really work on that.

Bronwyn: I haven't learned how to read yet, but Teagan (my 10 year old) likes to read to me.

Astrid: I have. I've read them at every stage of their development. Lisa doesn't realize it, but I go and read everything on her computer every night after she goes to sleep. Why do you think I sleep all day?

Fiona: I would, except they are kind of hard to keep open with my paws. She keeps telling me that she's having audio versions made. I'm waiting for those.

Finnegan: I hear her pacing and talking out loud all the time. It's great fun to follow her while she does this. Plus, I like the stories, especially the little boy Aidan. I could have so much fun playing ball with him.

Q: Are they any good?

Connor: I already answered this question. They taste awful! Maybe if they were catnip flavored or something...

Bronwyn: I certainly like how the humans I find reading them stay still for a long time. It gives me a chance to really get cozy. So, I'm wanting Lisa to write more so that more humans will let their cats be cozy.

Astrid: My analytical mind says yes. The book series has everything I've seen lacking in children's fiction today. They have homeschooled kids, like the kids who live in my house. The kids love their parents and vice versa, like the people who live in my house. They all learn from life, and enjoy traveling. They are wonderful, wholesome books for kids and parents.

Fiona: Well, honestly, the family shouldn't be so adventurous. Living in an RV? They're nuts! Plus they are always doing crazy things like going into caves, flying in strange airplanes, and otherwise getting into trouble. I'd use caution with having kids read these, because I think kids
should just sit quietly in the corner and grow without going anywhere. It's safer that way.

Finnegan: Oh, yes! How could a book with a seven-year old like Aidan, who loves sports and jokes, be anything but good?

Q: Who is your favorite character in Lisa's books?

Connor: Well, the Connor character, of course, but he hasn't actually shown up in any of the books yet. So, I'll have to go with Nadia, the eleven year old, or Harrison, the dad. Harrison is a gourmet cook, so I know he and I would get along famously. I love food. Nadia would be fun to
snuggle with while she does her researching in books and on her computer. I love to snuggle.

Bronwyn: I like Prince Pumpkin the Third, the cute little turtle of the Wrights. He is cute and little and quiet, just like me.

Astrid: Hmm. This one is tough. I'll have to say my favorites are the various tour guides, and "Bob-characters" (as Lisa calls them). They are all a lot different from each other, but they are all experts at whatever the Wrights are learning about. I like smart people.

Fiona: The mom, Stephanie, is my favorite. She's cautious and careful and doesn't jump into things without thinking and considering the ramifications. She's the most like me. I really don't understand why anyone would jump into anything without thinking it through.

Finnegan: Aidan, the seven year old. He and I are so much alike it's crazy. I really hope to meet him someday. We could have so much fun batting around balls, racing each other, and jumping on things.

Q: What do you do for amusement while Lisa writes and ignores you?

Connor: She ignores me? I don't think so. I'd never let her. If I'm feeling like I haven't been fed sufficiently, I have no problem letting her know. I also enjoy spending that time licking the condensation off the side of her water glasses. I don't know why, but she doesn't really like it if I
try to drink her actual water. She's welcome to mine whenever she'd like. I'm all for sharing.

Bronwyn: What? Did you say my name?

Astrid: I spend that time napping in the bathroom sink. It's lovely and cool in this desert heat.

Fiona: I go and hide out in the loft, where the other cats will leave me alone.

Finnegan: She doesn't mind one bit when I go and sit on top of her hands.

Q: Does Lisa ever ask you for advice when she's stuck? Does she listen to your advice?

Connor: She's always rattling on about something, but I pretty much only hear, "Food, breakfast, snack, hungry." If she's saying those words, then I always wholeheartedly agree.

Bronwyn: Huh? What? Oh, I don't really have an opinion, but I'm fine whenever Lisa wants to pet me.

Astrid: Yes, all the time. In fact, all those good bits in the story--all mine. I don't mind that she is getting the credit, but since you asked I thought I'd let the truth be known.

Fiona: I'm always telling her to stop putting her characters in danger, but she never listens.

Finnegan: When Lisa paces, I like to reach out and grab her as she walks past me. It makes her realize I'm thinking of her. I also encourage her to add action and adventure. A story isn't good until the characters are running or playing a sport.

Q: Where can Lisa's books be found?

Connor: Underneath me. I'm happy to sit on anything. While they aren't tasty, they're not too bad as a bed. I hope you are done asking me questions now thought, because I'm too distracted to answer any more since I'm starving.

Bronwyn: On the bookshelf in our library, but I can't reach them.

Astrid: Lisa sells signed copies on www.WrightOnTimeBooks.com. The books can also be found at online stores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, as well as your local bookstores and libraries. If they don't have them, just ask them to order them for you.

Fiona: On the floor, after I've knocked them off the table or counter to make room for myself.

Finnegan: In kids' hands while they are reading them!

Guest Pet Blogger: "Cat Smarts Vs. Dog Smarts: a Cat's Perspective," by Sparkle

For decades, if not longer, humans have been debating whether cats or dogs are smarter. I have found this quite enlightening, not because there are any satisfactory answers (there aren't), but because it says a lot about what humans consider "intelligence." Take the latest study by scientists at Oxford University (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/family/pets/8151924/Dogs-are-smarter-than-cats.html): they claim that since dogs are more social, and their brains are bigger, they must be more intelligent than cats. So, according to these scientists, being social makes you smarter than if you are a solitary being. Hm. Tell that to writers, most of whom are not terribly social. I'm sure they are not exactly enthused by the implications of this study. From what I gather, most humans who pursue writing as a career tend to be more intelligent than other humans. Maybe not more sensible, but definitely more intelligent.

And as for brain size, wouldn't you say that it's not how big your brain is, but how you use it? While dogs are using their brains to figure out ways to please people and do their bidding, we cats use our brains to get around silly human rules such as "stay off the kitchen counter," or "don't go in the cabinet." Wouldn't you call that type of creative, industrious, authority-questioning behavior more intelligent than blind obedience?

Why don't we look at human beings from the perspective of these Oxford scientists: the most intelligent ones would be those who lived in large communal living conditions, had big brains and who were able to follow instructions really well (which really only uses a small fraction of those big brains). This means the most highly developed human beings are Army privates with big heads. And whether you humans are in the cat camp or the dog camp, you have to agree that that is a pretty wacky supposition. I think the real question should not be "Are cats smarter than dogs?" but "Are humans (especially scientists) as smart as either dogs or cats?"

About the blogger

Sparkle is an award-winning author, blogger, advice columnist and supermodel. She is also a cat – a ruddy Somali of champion lineage, in fact, whose father, GC Tajhara’s Miles Davis, was twice on the cover of Cat Fancy. Sparkle’s first book, Dear Sparkle: Advice from One Cat to Another, won the Wild Card category at the 2007 Hollywood Book Festival and honorable mentions in several other contests. She also recently came home with the Pettie Award — the pet blogging equivalent of an Oscar — for Best Cat Blog. Sparkle lives in Los Angeles with two humans, two feline roommates (both rescue cats), and (unfortunately) a dog.

Dear Sparkle: Cat-to-Cat Advice from the World’s Foremost Feline Columnist (Adams Media) is her second book.

You can visit Sparkle’s blog at http://www.sparklecat.com.

Guest post by Giggles and Boots, proud owners of Cheryl Malandrinos

Please say hello to Giggles and Boots!

These two feline critters live with freelance writer and editor Cheryl Malandrinos. Cheryl's first children's book, The Little Shepherd, just came out by Guardian Angel Publishing. Be sure to check it out here. It's a Christmas book, people, so keep it in mind for gifts. It would make a great stocking filler! Woof! I LOVE stocking fillers!

Anyway, what was I saying??? Oh yes--Cheryl! She's also a tour coordinator for Pump Up Your Book, a book reviewer and a blogger. Talk about busy!

Meet Giggles and Boots!

Giggles: I have to admit, I like Cheryl. She pretty much feeds me whenever I cry long enough, she keeps my litter box clean, and she plays with me during the day.

Boots: Humph. That’s because you’re her favorite.

Giggles: I am not. I just don’t go after her feet when she’s sleeping or tear up the edges of the carpet the way you do, sister.

Boots: Whatever.

Giggles: Yeah, well if she has to replace the carpet in Sarah’s bedroom she’ll end up replacing you too.

Boots: Katherine wouldn’t let her do that.

Giggles: That girl has it for you bad. The way she carries you to bed with her each night, then brings you into the bathroom and sits you on the counter while she’s brushing her teeth, she’s teaching Sarah all kinds of bad tricks. Now she picks me up on the counter each morning and it is cold.

Boots: Well, at least she doesn’t paint your face with makeup like Katherine does.

Giggles: (Snickers) That touch of pink on your cheeks brings out the amber of your eyes.

Boots: Keep it up and I’ll make sure you get locked in the basement overnight.

Giggles: We’re supposed to be talking about Cheryl.

Boots: You’re the one who started talking about the girls.

Giggles: Fair enough. What do you think of those Giggles and Boots stories she makes up every night for bedtime?

Boots: Some are just plain silly. I mean, can you see us flying a hot air balloon or getting dressed up and going trick or treating? Why the kids love those crazy stories is beyond me.

Giggles: Lighten up, they’re kids.

Boots: Well, you and I are kids too, but you don’t see us acting all crazy.

Giggles: Uhem.

Boots: Okay, maybe a little crazy. But Cheryl is the craziest out of the bunch.

Giggles: I know. Can you believe she adopted us when she already had three other cats?

Boots: And her with those bad allergies.

Giggles: She must really love us.

Boots: Well, she loves you anyway.

Giggles: Stop it. Aren’t you the one she calls Bootie-rat?

Boots: She calls you Giggy-rat.

Giggles: Yeah, but she pets you more than she pets me.

Boots: That’s because I actually purr. You remember cats are supposed to do that, right?

Giggles: I like being different.

Boots: You’re different all right.

Giggles: What’s that supposed to mean?

Boots: (Looks around the room) Oh, nothing.

Giggles: So, what do you think about Cheryl’s writing?

Boots: Don’t you think she could have worked a cat into her first book, Little Shepherd? I mean, she’s got a cow, a donkey, and a sheep. Would it have been so hard to add a cat?

Giggles: I think you’re going to have to depend on Katherine for that. She’s the one who writes cat poetry and stories.

Boots: They say the apple doesn’t fall from the tree.

Giggles: I think you fell out of tree and onto your head.

Boots: You didn’t just say that.

Giggles: Yes, I did.

Boots: (Waves a paw in Giggles’ face) Oh, no you didn’t.

Giggles: Did….

Boots: Didn’t….

And the winners are...

Drumroll, please....

The winners of 30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog, by Tamar Geller, are...

Carolee
Melissa
Victoria
Kathy Skempe
Deana
Terri Donna
Suzanne Marion
Suzanne Lieurance
Jessica Kennedy
Rebecca Camarena
Teresa Dovalpage
Janet Ann Collins
Admin
Bellavida
Beverly McClure
Fran
Thelma Reyna
Linda Faulkner
Cheryl Malandrinos

Congrats to the winners!!! But darn, I see not everyone posted their email address in the comment, so it'll probably take me a couple of days to contact everybody.

I hope your doggies become better behaved from now on... Woof!

Pet Interview & SUPER Giveaway!

Meet Clyde, proud owner of author and famous dog trainer Tamar Geller!

Is this cool or what? Famous dog-trainer Tamar Geller is giving away 20 copies of her NEW book, 30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog, to Pets & Their Authors for a SUPER GIVEAWAY!

All you have to do to be eligible is become a Follower and leave a comment! Please leave contact info so I can contact you if you win. The 20 winners will be announced next Sunday, October 31--yep, on Halloween! You have until then to vote. Woof! Woof!

Only people who live in the US are eligible (sorry about that, but international postage is painful, you guys--nothing personal!)

Tamar is a bestselling author and amazing dog trainer. She has done dog coaching to the stars­. Among them are Oprah Winfrey, Ben Affleck Courteney Cox-Arquette, Owen Wilson, Natalie Portman, and Larry King.

Here to give us the inside scoop is her companion of 13 years, Clyde.

Hey, Clyde! When did you first find out your human mom, Tamar, was a dog trainer?

She took me hiking on our first date & then played games with me that she somehow knew they were my favorite games. I realized that she understood the wolf in me!!!!

Tamar is famous! I mean, she's been on Oprah Has this gone to her head?

If it were me, it would have gone to my belly.

But seriously my mom takes things into her heart not her head.

So I hear she has a new book out, 30 Days to a Well-Mannered Dog. Is
this true? Just 30 days? Isn't that being a bit too idealistic?

Dogs are smarter than most people give them credit for.... We need people to make it fun for us to kearn and it takes us no time to be their willing partners. When we feel empowered and heard you’ll be surprised what we will do

Where is the book available?

The book is available at book stores and online book retailers everywhere! In my opinion, it should be available at dog parks as well!

I'm a reasonably well-behaved golden retriever. I think my only bad habit is to stare longingly at my humans when they eat. I also bark of pure joy when we're ready to go out, which is twice a day. My mom wants to know how to stop this. (Okay, she forced me to ask this question!)

Tell your mom that when she's eating she need to give you a chew toy that you are especially fond of, one that isn’t always available to you. A nice uncooked marrow (soup bone) will do the trick. Now when it comes to barking before your walk, tell your mom you are a expressing pure joy and excitement for life. Tell her that I think it's cute to be so excited about such a simple thing.

I saw on your mom's website something about Operation Heroes + Hounds.
What's that about?

Operation Heroes & Hounds is a non-profit program to assist my canine buddies in the shelter as well as the brave men and women who have served our country in the military. They help each other to overcome anybad experience that they had in their past.

What do you love most about Tamar?

She cooks “real food” for me on a daily basis and everyday she takes me on at least one exciting excursion. I love to go to her friends who have dogs. But she also lets me know about 20x’s a day how much she loves me. I hear her say to me “I love my Clydie”. She plays ball with me too. I love that. I need that. Guess, I’m a loved dog, huh?

Did she take you to see Oprah?

Many times & btw…. I love playing with Oprah’s dogs. They are so much fun!

Okay, leave us with some words of canine wisdom………

As dogs we like nothing more than to know that our relationship with our human family is one of partnership and teamwork. We don’t want to be dominated by… or submissive to… the humans we love so much. We just want to be understood. We’ve got seven basic needs, ya know? (pssst…. read the book). And btw the way to a dog’s heart is through his stomach! Woof!


Thanks, Clyde! Send a BIG kiss to your mom. I think I have fallen in love (don't tell my mom!)