Donna and the Dogs
Ramblings of a dog writer

Seeking a Senior?

January 4, 2012 09:15 by Donna

Our trip to Kent to drop off the gifts this past Monday was a lot of fun. The weather was warm, and we were able to stay for a short while to walk two more dogs. Nick got to work with another energetic pup named April, while I had the pleasure of spending some time with a sweet senior named Nanny - and she's the reason I wanted to put up this quick post.

All I have to say about this twelve year old cocker spaniel are good things. She was incredibly friendly, and every time I stopped walking she checked in with me as if to say, "Hey, why'd we stop?" And while Nick attempted to tire April out, I gave Nanny a short break and sat down on a nearby bench to spend some time with her. She leaned into me to be petted, and at one point, she attempted to scramble up beside me, but when she realized I preferred a "Sit" instead, she began throwing them at me at every opportunity - even when we resumed walking again.

Sometimes seniors can be the best dogs to adopt. They're often housetrained, well past their destructive years, and a pleasure to have around. If you, or anyone you know, is looking for a friendly, laid back, and incredibly smart companion to take on peaceful walks with them, please consider Nanny:

UPDATE: This dog has been adopted!!! Yay!!!

And of course, if you'd prefer an energetic young pup to train and take on longer walks, don't forget about April:

------------------------------------------------------------------------

My Novel's Progress: Current wordcount: 67,935


Comments (6) -

January 4. 2012 15:03

Jodi

Her face is so, so sweet.  I immediately wanted her.  Of course, you've heard this before from me.  I need a twelve step program.

I hope they find their forever homes soon.

Donna, what kind of novel are you writing?  How do I know how many words to add to make my book?  I swear I am going to start it soon....

Jodi

January 4. 2012 17:21

Donna

You and me both Jodi. I was thinking, "And why, exactly, was it I don't want little dogs?"

I'm writing a suspense novel. A good range for that type of novel for a first time author is from 80,000 to 90,000 - but that is by no means written in stone. I just got lucky that mine seems to be falling in that range (I'm working on the climax now).


Romances and mystery are sometimes shorter, fantasy and sci-fi - longer.

What type are you writing? Usually, if you google the type and "word count" you'll get a bunch of guidelines. Some may vary, and it is all opinion anyway, but that should help you to get a rough idea.

I wouldn't go crazy trying to write to reach a certain word count. Write a good story, and then worry about cutting or editing scenes if needed if you think it is way too long or way too short. A well written story has the best chance of selling, regardless of word count -or at least that's what they say.

Hope that helps a bit. Smile

Donna

January 4. 2012 21:01

Jodi

Thanks Donna, that does help.  I'm not sure what category exactly it falls into but I would say action/mystery.  Kind of like Janet Evanovich or Sue Grafton (not that I'm putting myself in THEIR league.)  

Are you a first time author?  Have you shopped the book yet?  Do you have an agent?  Those are all things I will worry about later, right now I just have to write the dang thing!

I know you will have a great novel and I cannot wait to read it.

Thanks for answering my questions!

Jodi

January 5. 2012 08:12

2 brown dawgs

Awe they are both cute!

2 brown dawgs

January 5. 2012 09:22

Donna

Hi Jodi. Sounds intriguing! Have fun working on it!!

This is my first novel, and I've had nothing book length published before - so I haven't shopped it around yet. Generally, agents and editors don't want to hear from a new author until a book is finished and well edited - for fiction at least. Non-fiction is sometimes another story, depending on the subject matter and your platform.

Donna

January 8. 2012 16:49

Dennis the Vizsla

We're still waiting for Dennis to get past his destructive years!  Wink

Dennis the Vizsla

Add comment




biuquote
Loading