Shannon here: Carole Brown shares her love for dogs and featuring them in her books, plus an excerpt from her Romantic Cozy Mystery, The Herbalist. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a Kindle copy. Deadline: June 21st, 11:59 pm central. Here’s Carole:
Current dogs: Axel and Berry
Confession From An Author Who Loves Dogs!
I’m an author, and yes, I love my life! You see, from a very early age, I was dramatic and loved talking with my hands. I was told this, so I took it as truth. That right there should have alerted me to the fact that someday I would answer that call to write, but around five years old, I really, really didn’t realize it.
In high school, a close friend and I would write dramatic poetry. I went to college, taught school, married, had two sons…and then I realized what I should have accepted long ago. I needed to write, to express the feelings, emotions, and ideas that collected in my head and heart.
Because I enjoy so many things in life – traveling, our country home, being with family and friends, animals, bike riding, a little hiking, singing and music and so much more – I want to talk a little about one thing I love to include in my books.
Dogs. We’ve owned multiple breeds of dogs, from four Collie dogs to a Pug, a Mastiff, a German Shepherd/Husky mix, Jack Russell, Boxer and many more pups. We’ve loved them all.
Several of my books include dogs in them, but they don’t always have a main part. They just add a special warmth and fun to the story. In my latest book, The Herbalist, a romantic mystery, set in Appleton, WV—toward the end—the twins are gifted with a Golden Retriever. And, of course, it gives them immeasurable joy—just a little bit of happiness to two children who were wishing for a puppy.
Adding little touches to a book increases a book’s sparkle. It can be anything that the author thinks would fit, but for me, dogs are a great comfort and joy. And work, of course.
Here’s a little excerpt of when the twins in The Herbalist were surprised with a puppy.
Excerpt from the Herbalist by Carole Brown:
“Athan, there’s a dog in the car.”
“There is.”
“Why?”
“Because Rusty and Pepper wanted a dog, didn’t they?”
“Yes, but…”
“No buts. The kids want something that is a legimate desire, they should have it. All kids need a pet. So…they need a dog—they’ve got a dog.”
…..
Lana turned around. “Pepper. Rusty. Come quickly. We have something to show you.”
The twins came running, completely ignoring the new car. Instead, they focused on the beautiful Golden Retriever puppy that Athan lifted out of the car.
“Is this your puppy, Daddy Athan?”
“No, Rusty, the puppy is yours and Pepper’s.”
Two round eyes stared at him. “Daddy Athan, you mean it? You’re not kidding us like Mommy does sometimes?”
“I am not kidding. This puppy is yours if you promise to always take care and love her.”
“We promise, Daddy Athan.”
The two children were jumping with excitement, and when Athan set the puppy on the ground, the children tore off after the puppy scampering to nowhere.”
Carole again: A smudgeon of sweetness and something that adds flavor to the story, along with the children’s antics and childishness.
Question for Readers: What’s your favorite thing that gives you happiness and joy?
About Carole: Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. An author of twenty, best selling, award-winning full-sized books, one children’s book, one anthology and one companion book, she loves to weave suspense, mystery and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas.
She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. She has found that the traveling and ministering has served her well in writing her novels. Together, they enjoy their grandsons and one granddaughter, traveling, their dogs, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grands?
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About the book – The Herbalist:
It’s a long, lonely walk down this West Virginia road, especially when you’ve just been accused of murder.
Can Lana Taylor prove she isn’t guilty?
Can she realize that she does have a few friends who’ll stick by her regardless of the accusations?
Can she forget the past and learn to trust again?
And will Athan Meadows be able to not only find the answers Lana needs but also win her trust and love?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Carole’s other titles?
Get your copy/copies now!
Come back June 11th for Sarah Hamaker!
Hey Carole, glad to have you again. Spending time with my family brings me joy.