Because I'm goofy about my dogs...

I wanted to share some recent pictures of them today, and one of my favorite stories. The long-haired Chihuahua is Precious, and the short-haired is Baggins (think Lord of the Rings).

Both Precious and Baggins were on our large patio when a pigeon dared to enter their domain. Please keep in mind that this particular pigeon topped them by at least four inches. They both tore off after the bird, barking up a storm, little nails clattering on the cement. Unfortunately, the pigeon didn’t realize he was supposed to be frightened and fly away. He just stood there cocking his head at my dogs. When Precious and Baggins realized the bird wasn’t running away from them (and the look on their faces at that moment will be burned into my brain forever), they both put on the brakes, little legs trying to backpedal as fast as they could. I swear there are still skid marks on my patio. Then the pigeon finally got wise, and flew away. My dogs let loose some triumphant barks, stuck their noses and tails in the air, and proudly sauntered away. But it was touch-and-go for a moment there.

I hope my girls bring you a smile today, as they always manage to do with me.

My Magical Best!

Kathryne

And the winner is......

Congratlations Michele L. You're the winner of Judi's book. Please contact Kim at kwatters21 (at) hotmail.com (no spaces) to collect yoru prize. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.

Rudy's Post Blog

Happy Holidays!!! It’s time to fill your four-legged pal’s stocking with Dingo bones and load their presents with the good stuff: filet mignon, marrow bones, broiled chicken breasts, and lots of rice and veggies (no onions or raisins, please) I’d also add a couple of carob chip cookies for all your extra special dogs.

HEIR OF THE DOG is on sale now, and it makes a great stocking stuffer. Give the book to your dog walker, pet sitter, groomer, vet tech, anyone who loves canines. They’ll thank you for it and beg you to get them book three, Death in Show, out in June of next year.

Nothin’ much is happening in Mom’s life. She still misses me and cries every day because I’m gone. But Sasha, a fun loving Bichon rescue, has made her smile, and so have Buckley and Belle. Now that she has a Bichon, she vows she’ll get another, so check out all the Bichon Rescue sites on the Internet. There are plenty of cotton balls with four legs lookin’ for a good home, and rescuing a canine is always the best way to go.

There’s no snow here in ....Virginia...., and there probably won’t be. It rarely happens in the southern part of the state, but we do get wind and rain. Lately, lots and lots of rain. If that rain were snow, it’d reach to the roof of our house, so I’m kinda’ glad for the warmer air.

Mom’s getting together a schedule of places she’s going to sign books for the new year, so take a look at the ‘appearances’ section of the website. I’ll be back in 2010 to tell you more about Death in Show, maybe give you a sneak preview if you’re naughty—er—no—if you’re nice!

So Ruff! Ruff! Ruff! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. Your canine pal,

Rudy

Interview with Judi McCoy

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Judi McCoy. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called Heir of the Dog. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?

The book is #2 in my dog walker romantic mystery series. I love writing these stories because they’re near and dear to my heart. Rudy, the ‘star’ of the series, is actually my boy Rudy, who passed away in January of this year. It’s been tough writing him, but he’s pushed me to do my best

Heir of the Dog is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

It was simple, really. In the book, Rudy inherits a huge some of money from a homeless man who is killed in the bowels of Central Park. He’s “Heir” to a fortune.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

My agent actually suggested I write something different, something that would ‘stretch’ my creativity. Well, writing about talking dogs has certainly done that.

Are you a plotter or a pantser and how did it affect the writing of this book?

I think I’m a little of both. I come up with an idea and think it through, decide on what happens in certain sections of the book, and start to write. I don’t use and outline, but I love the post-it note way of plotting

Did you have to do a lot of research for the book? What are your favorite research books or sites?

I went to New York three different times and walked Fifth Avenue, talking to museum guards, doormen, dog walkers, and anyone else who would speak with me. I also sat with two NYC homicide detectives to make sure of the way a murder was taken care of in the city. Two Februarys ago I went to Madison Square Garden and sat through the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, too.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

I’d always wanted to write a story about a dog walker, but never thought of turning it into a series until I discussed it with my sister.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I love writing Rudy’s dialogue. He can get away with so much more than any of the human characters can.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I don’t do any of that stuff. I’m lazy. I like to let my characters develop as the series/story goes along. Once I decide in my brain that I want that character, I make it work. If I don’t, they tell me what they want.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

My favorite author is Susan Elizabeth Phillips. Her characters are so real I believe they exist.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

I did something unique for the first book in this series. I’ve donated ALL my royalties to Best Friends, the largest no-kill shelter in the US. As long as that first book is selling, Best Friends will get the money. I don’t believe any other author has ever done this for a charity before.

What do we have to look forward next?

Book three in the series, Death in Show, will be out in June 2010.

Thanks, Judi.

To celebrate her book release, Judi McCoy is offering a free book of Heir of the Dog to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see who won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)

She's under a killer deadline right now but will try and stop in periodically. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

Check out author’s website at www.judimccoy.com.

Rudy's Blog

Sorry I haven’t sent out news in a while, but I’ve been following Mom in her travels and she’s been busy. I told you about that Malice Domestic gig in D.C., right, and all the book signings she did after that? And just last week she was in D.C. again for the big RWA conference, so she’s beat.

In between all that, Mom and Dad adopted Sasha, a smallish Bichon Frise. The four-year-old pooch came from a puppy mill (grrr...bad puppy mill) and lived in a wire crate her entire life until Robin of Tidewater Bichon Frise Rescue in ....Virginia Beach.., ..VA..... brought her home. JoAnne, her foster mom, was an angel, and took care of her for weeks while Mom toured. She and Dad brought Sasha home to live with Buckley and Belle on May 15, and it’s been fun the whole time.

I know Mom still misses me, because I catch her cryin’ every once in a while when she’s lookin’ at my picture, but she has Sasha now, and that little cotton ball with legs has helped Mom pass the time without me. When Sasha came to our house she couldn’t jump (her rear leg muscles never developed because she lived in a crate) she didn’t bark, and she didn’t realize all ‘business’ should be done outside on the grass.

Well, guess what? She now watches TV and barks at all the animals on Animal Planet, she jumps on the sofa, chairs, and Mom and Dad’s bed, and she’s getting the hang of going potty outside.

Here’s more news. Mom’s announcing a new CONTEST on her website www.judimccoy.com. Check it out and learn how you can win a spot as a character in her future books.

I’m off to play with Teddi, a cute little guy who just joined me here in Doggie Heaven a week or so back. He’s missing his Mom, so I’m helpin’ him along.

Until next time,

The Rudster

Rudy's Blog 3

RT Orlando 2009

Hello from Orlando, this year’s home of the Romantic Times Convention. I’ve been following Mom from place to place to make sure she’s okay. We took care of her two day Aspiring Author class, and her 30 students were great. They soaked up everything she said, just like Sponge Bob after a long dry spell. Her speakers were great too. Linnea Sinclair, Stacey Kade, Karen Kendall, Nancy Cohen, Allison Chase, Susan Yarina, Kathy Love, Debra Parmley, and Aleka Nakis did a bow-wow-licious job. I’d advise any dog to stop by their house and make them your friend.

Mom also spoke on a panel about writing humor in paranormal books, which I don’t get. I mean, what’s paranormal about angels, aliens, and goddesses? Or talking dogs? ALL us canines talk, it’s you humans who don’t listen.

She’s also done a couple of book signings in the past month. The last one was in Dallas and it was as big as a Buster Bone. She sold every book Georgette, the B&N bookseller, ordered, plus a few more they brought in from another store.

So far, I think the best part of the convention was Maureen and Jane, two of her students from last year. They brought the newbies spiffy bags filled with goodies they called ‘Judi Survival Kits’. It was such a surprise, Mom started to cry, especially when she saw the buttons with my picture on them. The other ‘best’ thing was a Starbuck’s travel mug with MY book cover decorating the side.

Okay, I gotta run. Mom’s crying as she types this because she still misses me bad. Just check out her website soon, because she’s putting up a section called Puppy Pages. If you send her a picture of your special four-legged friend (please NO cats) she’ll post the picture and write a caption.

Sounds good, don’t it.

Gotta run. The last dinner bell sounded and I’ve got a date with a cute little peekapoo for dessert.

The Rudster

Rudy's Blog

I’d like to thank the devoted readers of my first adventure for giving HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT a great debut month. The book was #8 on the Barnes & Noble mystery list and #26 on the Borders/Waldenbooks list of ALL books sold. Not too shabby for a who-done-it from a first time mystery writer.

Of course, Judi doesn’t consider herself a mystery writer in the true sense of the word. She claims she’s writing about characters who just happen to find themselves in the middle of a mystery. Her goal is to make our readers fall so in love with Sam and Ellie, and ME, that they’ll keep coming back for more… and more…and more.

I tried to tell her the series would be a hit, but did she listen? Nooo-ooo. And now that I’m in doggie heaven, all I can do is channel my positive thoughts and hope that they get through to her. Which brings me to another point.

Have you been watching American Idol? What the heck is going on with the girls this year? The red-head is a ditz, the blondes can’t sing, and Lil? Well, she runs hot or cold. It’s the guys who can sing, but I’m having a hard time deciding who I like best. Danny, or Kris, or that weird guy, Adam, with the
nail polish and eyeliner. I’m gonna keep my eye on all of them and report back to you as they get knocked out each week.

Oh, and one more thing. Judi will be on the road signing HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT in a couple of cities around the country. She’ll be in ..Charlotte.., ..NC.., the first weekend in April, then ..Dallas.. two weeks after that, then ....Orlando.., ..FL.... at the big Romantic Times convention. Stop in and say hello if you’re in the area.

And don’t forget to send her your lawyer jokes (for me) and any ideas you have for plots, especially the ones that will make ME the star. And if you think of a small misfortune to befall the demonic dick, Sam Ryder, let her know. Ellie is head over heels about him, but I’m not so sure he’s the right man for my girl. I know Judi is going to put his toes to the fire in the next book, HEIR OF THE DOG, but he manages to worm his way back into her heart. The putz.

So long for now, and fell free to comment on any or all of this blog. It’s a bitch to write, so you all better be reading it.

Rudy

Rudy's Blog

Hey, everybody, D-day (delivery day) is here. According to Amazon, HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT was available on March 3. I’m really excited that my first mystery is out. I know Mom is a nervous wreck, hoping the book sells big so Best Friends gets lots of cash.

Speaking of Best Friends, she was told by their CEO yesterday that they’re building a state-of-the-art puppy shelter and it should be up in April. Can you imagine, an entire building just for baby furballs, where they get to socialize, make friends, and learn basic commands like sit, stay, wait, and heel. How great is that!?

So, you all know your job. Got to Amazon or your local Borders, Waldenbooks, B&N, Books a Million, whatever is best for you, and buy HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT.

Gotta tell you,book two will be out in October, and Mom and I think it’s even better than book one. I inherit a boatload of moola and a bad guy is out to get it. Ellie puts me in a couple of dangerous situations, but I manage to fight my way out of them and, don’t tell her this, but I save the day…er…sort of. You’ll meet some new characters, too, like Bobbi and Bitsy, who are too funny. And those bean eaters show up, Too. idiot Chihuahuas are too stupid to live. I don’t know how Ellie can stand them. I sure can’t.

Mom’s in the middle of writing book three, and she’s still running a contest, so check out her website, www.judimccoy.com to find out how to enter.

And she’s doing a bunch of signings for HOUNDING THE PAVEMENT in the next couple months, so take a look at her travel schedule too.

Oops, I’m being called, so I have to run. Doggie heaven’s not so bad. All the treats a canine could want, belly rubs all around, and plenty of pals to play with. I’m up for it.

Talk to you all in a few weeks.
Rudy