June 21, 2019

Writing (and Life) Advice from the Fuzzy Muses

June 21, 2019/ Heather Weidner

My two crazy Jack Russell Terriers (Terrors) are great companions and guard dogs. They protect us from countless squirrels, birds, and joggers. Each has a bed in my office, and they help me plot mysteries and listen while I talk through dialogue (if they’re not napping).

Here are some things I’ve learned from them.

1. Enjoy what you do. If not, find something else to spend your time on. There are way too many interesting things to see, eat, sniff, or bark at.

2. Don’t waste a beautiful day inside. Go outside and have some fun.

3. Wag and make friends. Relationships are important.

4. Don’t sit at your desk too long. Everybody needs a break.

5. Just go for it. If you want something, grab it. They don’t waste time over-analyzing things.

6. Bark if you really need to, but not too much.

7. Make sure you nap when you need to. You need to recharge.

8. Live in the moment. Don’t stress about what has happened or what might happen.

9. Play hard. Life shouldn’t be all work. EVERYTHING is a game to a Jack Russell.

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December 29, 2017

Pets in My Stories

December 29, 2017/ Heather Weidner

Pets are family, and they play a huge part in our lives. My husband and I share our home with two crazy Jack Russell Terriers, Disney (the brunette) and her brother Riley. They hang out in the office when I write. They also listen when I plot story lines or read dialog aloud. So it's quite natural that they'd be a part of my stories.

Margaret the Bulldog is the sidekick to my sleuth's partner. She has a starring role in Secret Lives and Private Eyes and The Tulip Shirt Murders. Margaret is a brown and white log with legs. She's not much security around the office, but she's good company. She's also the slobber queen, and her two favs are snacking and napping. Margaret is Duncan Reynold's constant shadow, and she likes riding shotgun in his Tweetybird yellow Camaro. (Secret Lives and Private Eyes also features a pair of Alpacas, Joe and Myrtle.)

I'm working on a novella called, Moving on. It should be out later this year. This cozy features a little Jack Russell named Darby who uncovers the murder. She's based on my JRT Disney. Darby is a bundle of energy who likes walks, games of rope tug, snuggles, and lots of treats. I have another novel in progress, and it has a JRT named Bijou. Disney was also the model for her. Riley's feeling a little slighted, so I'll have to base the next dog on him.

My short stories also have dogs and cats. They're such an integral part of our world. If you like books with pets, check out the blog, Pens, Paws, and Claws. I blog with nine other talented, pet-loving authors. Stop by to see their latest adventures.

What type of pets do you like to read about?

September 11, 2016

My Dogs and My Writing Journey

September 11, 2016/ Heather Weidner

I have two crazy Jack Russell Terriers (Riley and Disney). They are from the same litter, and everything is a game to them It's like having twin three year olds running through the house at 60 mph (all the time).

But they are great companions, and they listen when I want to plot scenes or read through dialogue. Here are some of the things that they've taught me about my writing journey.

1. Live in the moment. Enjoy what you're doing. The Jacks aren't concerned with yesterday or tomorrow. They focus on the here and now.

2. Don't work all the time. Make sure to build in some fun time. When I'm writing at home, they let me know when we've been still too long.

3. Everything is a game to the pair of Jacks. They think tying shoes, folding clothes, and unloading the dishwasher are part of playtime. And if the task isn't fun, they'll go find a ball and make it more interesting. I need to work on making my tedious tasks fun.

4. Reward yourself occasionally. The Jacks can hear a cheese wrapper or the treat box 100 yards away. Walks and car rides are two of their other favorite treats.

5. Be a good listener. They're my audience when I plot or read dialogue aloud.

6. Make new friends and foster relationships. The Jacks love people, and they always want to stop and greet everyone they meet. Everyone is someone new to play ball with.

7. Wag more and bark less. That's always good advice.

I hope your writing projects are going well. The Jacks and I are getting ready to start another round of editing on the second book in the Delanie Fitzgerald series.

August 26, 2015

It's National Dog Day!

August 26, 2015/ Heather Weidner

Happy National Dog Day from Disney and Riley!

June 07, 2015

7 Things I Learned from My Dogs...A Dog Blog

June 07, 2015/ Heather Weidner

Disney and Riley are Jack Russell Terriers, and life at my house is always an adventure. They have two settings, warp speed or sleep.

Here's what I've learned from them...

1. Live in the now. Today is what's important. The past and future don't matter as much.

2. Play hard. Life can't be all work. Everything is a game to a Jack.

3. Nap when you need to. You need to recharge every once in a while.

4. Don't waste a beautiful day inside. Go outside and have fun.

5. Know when it's time to cuddle on the couch with a good book.

6. Bark if you need to, but not too much.

7. Wag and make friends. Relationships are important.

Disney likes to sit at the kitchen table...

February 26, 2015

What Snow Days are Good for...

February 26, 2015/ Heather Weidner

We got socked with another snow storm. I'm a beach girl. I consider it cold if it drops below sixty-five degrees. These storms that dump six to ten inches of snow are too much. Schools and work are closed, so it's a great day to read, write, and edit.

I'm working on the second round of edits for Virginia is for Mysteries. I also sent out some submissions. Now, the JRTs and I are going to enjoy the white stuff from inside next to the fireplace. I'm reading Ellery Adams' Murder in the Mystery Suite. What are you reading?