Guest Blog Post for Pens, Paws and Claws Blog Gets Personal

A few months ago and before the publication of Dead Odds, I agreed to write a guest post for the Pens, Paws and Claws blog.

This one was much different from so many other posts I've written. First, the format is Q&A -- or as the kids prefer today, AMA (Ask Me Anything).

Second, it was much more personal than I've gotten previously. No pain, no gain, right?

As you can tell by the title/them of the blog, there's an animal/pet connection. My wife and I have owned two dogs, both Miniature Schnauzers, over the past two decades. Both of them have left us, sadly, each leaving a hole in our hearts.

Baron does his guard-dog thing, looking for invading squirrels.

Baron was my writing buddy, and he'd sleep in a chair when I'd get up early or stay up late to write. He loved the outdoors, loved chasing squirrels, lizards and cats, although if a cat dared to stand its ground, Baron would leave it alone. He once cornered my sister-in-law's cat under her bed during a visit, and it wasn't pretty. We plucked claws out of his nose and eye that day.

Xena was the Alpha dog, but when she wasn't fierce, she was tender. She loved to cuddle up. Many days she acted more like a cat than a dog.

These days my wife and I are the neighborhood dog-sitters. If we're home and one of the neighbors needs help, we'll usually step up for feedings and walks.

Xena always liked hanging out by the pool.

What does this have to do with writing mysteries and thrillers? Balance, my friends, balance. Animals can bring out the best in us, and getting some exercise and helping out a neighbor can help put you in the right creative frame of mind.

Click on the link above and enjoy the guest post.