Today I’m going to try something new on the blog: an author interview. I had a character interview in September, which I guess this is too, of sorts. Since I don’t want to make new things too easy, I’ve decided to interview a dog. George is a basset hound and an author.
Before now, my experiences conversing with animals has had mixed results. I’ve tried talking to dogs, and they always look at me like I’m saying the most interesting thing they’ve ever heard, but they’ve never answered. Cats have, on occasion, spoken to me, but it kind of creeps me out, so I don’t talk to them. Cattle can speak simple phrases: “I’m hungry,” “Where’s my calf,” “Where’s my mom,” and “Get away from my calf.” Bulls have two extra phrases: “You need to leave me alone, NOW!” and the other one I can’t mention here because I intend to keep this site PG-13. Even though cattle can speak, they lack the cognitive ability to understand. But I think, with Mindy’s help translating, this interview went well. You can let us know what you think in the comments section.
The release date for George Knows has not been set, but it will be available sometime in December from MuseItUp Publishing as well as Amazon, BN, Kobo, Sony eReader, and Smash Words.
Tell us a little about yourself.
George: It should be evident. I’m a the most brilliant basset hound in the world. I was born as the familiar to Karly, my Girlpup, and in the process of training her to be the best witch she can be. Our Auntie Heather also helps. Sadly, Karly is only a Peep, so I have limited material to work with. It’s a good thing Peeps have us dogs to help them. They are so badly designed.
How long have you been writing?
I don’t actually write, my paws are perfect for digging, walking, and sometimes trotting or running. Peeps didn’t make computers for us. I do have a human that almost understands dog talk, so I share my stories with her. I get treats, she gets to sit at her computer and have something to do.
Tell us about your current project.
Right now, I’m trying to find out where some Peeps bones came from that I found in the woods. They’re really old, they smelltaste like moldrotbone. I think a Big Thing like a dragon, called a Hodag has something to do with them. I don’t like to smelltaste Peeps bones, Peeps are supposed to GIVE us bones. I prefer cow. I want the Bad Thing out of my woods.
How hard was it for you to find a publisher for your book?
Peeps didn’t seem to recognize my brilliance. The lady whose fingers I use started sending me out when it was really cold. It was just starting to warm up when I got the contract.
Mindy: George isn’t very good with dates. His tummy alarm can tell you when his Peeps are coming home and when it’s time to eat very accurately, but dates don’t seem real important to him. I started Querying in January, 2012, and was accepted by MuseItUp in May, 2013.
What’s next for you?
George: I’m working on Tillie’s Tale. It’s about the newest member of my Pack, a basset hound puppygirl and the ghost that’s following her.
Do you have a writing schedule? If so, what is it?
I like to tell my stories between meals. And between snacks. And between walks.
Do you listen to music while you write? If so, what do you like?
Sometimes the Lady With the Hands listens to weird music when she’s just clacking on the computer. I prefer songs like ‘Who Let the Dogs Out’, and my favorite: “Old Lonesome George the Basset http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6dqm8nZ-Vg. I’m not lonesome, and I would’ve won lots of dog shows, but I’m busy teaching and being a familiar. Not enough time for that kind of foolishness. I do understand there are a lot of treats involved, though.
Where do you get your inspiration?
My life, duh. <Peeps!>
Mindy: All the scenes are based on real dogs I’ve lived with, but George seems to think it’s all about him.
It is. George Knows!
What have you done to promote your writing?
I’m peeing on every tree, shrub, and pole I can find. And having the Lady With the Hands help find logs for me to mark.
Mindy: I think you mean blogs, George.
George: That’s what I said.
Mindy: <sigh>
Tell us about any other published stories you’ve had.
George: The Lady With the Hands published stuff. Like a Zombie love story (Stupid, there are no zombies. I’d know, the smelltaste would be horrible. I like decaying stuff, but not rotten Peeps. I think she did stuff with pedigrees of rare weeds.
Mindy: Plants, George. You know about medicinal plants and I know you know what I studied.
George: You are supposed to figure out how to use them, not spend time in bad-smelltasting labs figuring out their gene ticks. You know I hate ticks.
Mindy: <sigh> Genetics. <Why do I bother>?
Where can people find you online?
I’m at Basset Bones, http://bassetbones.wordpress.com
Have you ever liked a movie better than the book? If so, which one and why?
I don’t read, so I prefer to watch movies. For a while. As long as I get a belly rub with the deal. I like to laugh at Lassie.
Elvis or the Beatles?
Pelvis bones are okay to chew on, Beatles are crunchy, but only a bite. Why do I have to choose?
Mindy: He asked about Elvis. The singer. And The Beatles, a singing group.
Don’t be dumb. Why would I care about those things? He’s obviously asking about food. Important stuff.
What’s your favorite quote?
Dinner was made for eating, not for talking.
William Makepeace Thackeray
Star Wars or Star Trek?
Stars don’t have wars.
How do you take your coffee (or tea)?
I have to steal from the Lady With the Hands. She drinks Chai and when she’s not looking I can get some.
Mindy: <Ugh>
George: You could share! That’s what Pack does.
Thank you for taking time for an interview George (and Mindy). I hope you find success when your book comes out, and good luck with the rest of your “logs.”
Eric Price 