Talking 'Bout a Res-o-lu-tion

Art From Hubpages.comSo how's everyone doing with those New Year resolutions? It's been less than a week but I thought I'd report on how the New Year is shaping up, what's working, what's not, and potential areas of concern. 

The Resolve: Drink 64 oz. of water each day.

The Reality: Pretty close. I've finished off the 64 ounces four out of six days and came close on the other two. I find it difficult to reach the goal if I leave the house. At home I carry around a massive water jug and sip constantly from a straw. Out and about, I'm more likely to order a coffee and nix the water. Still, heading in the right direction. 

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Hanging Out With Writers

Spent the weekend in White Plains, New York at the annual Cat Writer's Conference. Laugh if you will (and many do) but this is a serious group of writers. Most have medical knowledge to rival any veterinarian. Many are on the front lines of legal battles to protect animals in their state and across the nation. And many of these wonderful people do more rescue work in a week than I can ever hope to accomplish in a lifetime. I am astounded, and grateful, for the work they do. You just would not believe the horror stories of the animals they rescue. Would. Not. Believe them. 

Aside from being amazed that this group of people not only lets me hang out with them but actually present to them, I love the fact that returning from a writer's conference always gets me jazzed up to do more with my writing.

Aside from Who Moved My Mouse?, I've done no pet writing this year. No columns, no magazine articles, nada. Which got me thinking that I've done very little magazine writing this year, period. A few articles for local and regional publications, but most of my efforts this year went toward my book, a ghostwriting project, and corporate work. Nothing wrong with any of that, but hearing everyone at the conference talk about their articles and pitching editors got me to missing it a bit. I'm going to spend some time coming up with some article ideas that are pet/cat based and dip my toes back in the water. 

I'm open to ideas and suggestions. Any pet related ideas you'd like to see explored?  Send 'em my way!

Airport Etiquette

It started innocently enough. On my way to NY for Cat Con (also known as the international Cat Writers Association annual meeting), I settled myself into my window seat for the short flight from Greensboro to Atlanta. A sweet grandmotherly type toddled up the aisle, clutching her boarding pass and glancing frequently at the aisle numbers as if afraid she’d lost count.

I was happy when she stopped at the aisle seat next to me. Waiting to find out who’ve I’ve been assigned as a seat buddy is always a nerve-wracking event.

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Now Appearing...

[We pause this blog for more relentless self-promotion.]

A few of you have been kind enough to ask if I have any book signings in the immediate area. I've got a link on the Who Moved My Mouse? website that lists Dena's Appearances. You can check there for updates but below I've listed a few area upcoming events. Book signings can be a lonely time. I myself have avoided eye contact with many an author in a bookstore who sat alone and uncomfortable amid their pile of "please buy me" books. Don't let that be me! Come out and support your favorite cat author! 

Purrs...

Dena

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