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Animal sidekicks in romantic suspense

Dogs have been showing up as crime-solving sidekicks since before Columbo and his faithful basset hound “Dog.” An August 9, 2007 blog written for The Cozy Mystery List includes more than 35 authors who write series with canines as significant secondary characters. In my own Grayce Walters series, the heroine is an animal acupuncturist with intuitive abilities that allow her to “talk” to dogs. I was inspired to include a four-legged hero in the series by Gus and Talley, two Golden Labs who were my constant companions for many years.

Although cats make an occasional appearance, dogs join our heroines and heroes on the page much more frequently. Let’s take a look at what makes dogs popular characters in romantic suspense.

Dogs are loyal.

Dogs are known as man’s best friend, and according to Cesar Milan, it isn’t because dogs depend on people for food, water and shelter. Dogs are pack animals, which is why dogs are seen attaching themselves to people and even other animals. This pack instinct means dogs are affectionate and have a need to bond with their “pack mates.” These characteristics make dogs good companions and confidantes for our fictional characters.

Dogs are cute.

Virtually everyone loves dogs. Stoic soldiers cry when an Army dog is killed in action. Little kids want to pet that frisky, tail-wagging puppy. Old ladies sit for hours with their lap dogs. Young women are drawn to men walking dogs in the park (it reflects men’s nurturing side). Dogs bring out the “aww” factor in all of us. Writers use dogs to tap into readers’ fond memories of their own special Fido or Duke or Spot.

Dogs are intelligent.

All animals have the potential to play a significant role in your story, but dogs are particularly well qualified to find a clue, rescue a damsel in distress or take down the bad guy. Inherent qualities such as intelligence, strength, stamina and scent detection make it believable and logical that your canine characters can help solve the crime.

Dogs have personality.

Ask people to describe the nature of cats and they are likely to use words like “independent,” “finicky” or “arrogant.” They don’t distinguish a huge difference in breeds of cats like we do with dogs. The wide range of traits and characteristics associated with dog breeds make is vastly easier to “cast” a canine as a character, depending on the tone, voice and sub-genre of the book. If your heroine is a snobby socialite, pair her with a Yorkshire Terrier. If your hero works search-and-rescue, partner him with a Labrador Retriever. Using dogs in your story can reflect the traits of your heroes and heroines, and even villains. The variety of dog breeds makes is possible to cast whatever type of character your story demands: a noble German Shepherd, an elegant Standard Poodle, a playful Jack Russell Terrier, an agile Border Collie.

Do you have a favorite fictional canine?

COVER REVEAL!

Here it is! The cover reveal for A CODE OF THE HEART, book 3 in the  Code Breakers Series. Another job well done from the wonderfully talented Kim Killion.

A CODE OF THE HEART, the story of Amelia Bonnington and Derrick Brinsley, is scheduled for release in February 2015.

New Year's Traditions

It’s amazing that despite how traditions evolve over the centuries, the core of these customs remains the same. As we mark the close of 2014 and prepare to launch 2015, here is a look at historic and contemporary traditions.

Out with the old, in with the new.

Some Regency England citizens prepared for the New Year by scrubbing the house from top to bottom. Anything perishable such as rags or ashes, were removed so nothing carried over from one year to the next, according to author Maria Grace.

Today, many people apply a little elbow grease before the clock strikes twelve on December 31st in order to create a “fresh start.” They may dispose of alcohol, unhealthy food or other items related to “bad habits” they hope to abandon in the new year. Other housecleaning practices may include returning borrowed items, paying off debts and mending quarrels. The symbolism of such “clean slate” behavior can be traced back to many early civilizations.

Creating your own luck

Rather than depend on the whims of fate, Regency citizens attempted to influence the events and fortune awaiting them in the new year. Farmers were known to hang specially baked pancakes from cows’ horns and burn hawthorn bushes in the fields for a prosperous year. Cows’ udders were washed with water to insure productivity.

The contemporary custom of sharing a kiss on midnight with the one you love is practiced so the romance flourishes in the upcoming year.

What traditions are customary for your celebration of the New Year?

The Nutcracker Tradition

One of my longstanding Christmas traditions is appearing in the Pacific Northwest Ballet’s Nutcracker performance in the role of “Grandmother.” This year’s participation is especially poignant because it is the last year that the Maurice Sendak / Kent Stowell production will be presented. I’ve been a part of this holiday tradition for more than 20 years and have many special memories of the cast and audience.

This unique interpretation of Nutcracker debuted on December 13, 1983, and soon became a classic Seattle tradition. The vibrant stage sets, designed by Sendak, also required the engineering brilliance of Boeing. The Christmas tree, which doubles in size during a dream sequence, was re-designed by a Boeing jet interior designer so that it no longer required nine stage hands and operated more smoothly.  (You can see this tree in the photo collage below.)[…]Continue Reading

Keep pets safe during the holidays

While the glittering lights, prettily wrapped packages and delicious treats all make for holiday fun, these same festive elements can pose risks for pets. Keep the season merry and bright by pet-proofing your holidays with these tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association: Seasonal decorations can be hazardous to pets. The holidays bring lots of seasonal home decorations, such as candles, decorated trees, and potpourri. Pet owners are urged to make sure pets are not left alone in decorated rooms to avoid potential dangerous situations. Don’t allow pets to chew on power cords or consume decorative elements such as tinsel.

Holidays plants can be poisonous to pets. Some holiday favorites such as mistletoe, holly, and lilies are actually harmful to pets. These plants should be kept out of pets’ reach.

People treats aren’t necessarily pet treats. One of the main challenges that comes along with the holiday season is the excess of food. It is encouraged that you keep “people food” in places that cannot be accessed by your pets. As your guests if they can do the same. Pet owners are urged to keep human treats away from pets. Specifically treats that contain chocolate, Xylitol, grapes/raisins, onions or other foods that are toxic for pets.

Pets react to holiday stress, just like people do. The holidays tend to bring lots of family and friends together in one place. Some pets get scared or excited around crowds or when they see new faces. It’s advised that pets are placed in a separate room while guests are visiting. Holiday travel and spending time in an unfamiliar environment can also cause disruptive or problematic behavior in pets. If your pet is unaccustomed to travel, consider hiring a pet sitter or boarding them at a qualified facility.