Many of us who love books, also love animals. I’ve noticed that among my friends who are devoted authors and readers, a fur baby is often an essential member of the family. Those ties run deep. In the past, I have commiserated with friends who’ve lost a fur child and celebrated delightedly with those who’ve welcomed a new member into the family. If you visit my Facebook page, you’ll see numerous shared posts on behalf of local rescues, and I can barely remember a time my home didn’t contain a dog.
Is there a connection between the love of storytelling and the love of animals? Some vital link, perhaps, in the minds of readers and writers which fires the imagination, allows us to extend warmth, compassion and understanding to a member of another species? Many of us, I suspect, feel more comfortable with our animal companions than with other humans. The love of an animal is unconditional, and nothing quite compares with the comfort of another little spirit existing in harmony with our own.
That being said, nothing is more difficult than losing a treasured furry companion. It’s an ache like no other. Each time I lose a dog I ask myself, is it worth this pain? The answer is always a resounding “yes”.
This truth inspired my latest Scottish Historical Romance, Loyal and True (Hearts of Caledonia Book One). Imagine if you lost your dearest companion, a fierce and devoted war hound, in battle—and it was your fault. Now imagine if he came back as a man…
Here’s to all our pets, past and present, and the unbreakable ties that bind us to them!
Loyal and True (Hearts of Caledonia Book One)
In defiance of her father, Caledonian tribeswoman Barta leads a daring raid against invading enemy warriors. But the fight goes badly, and her beloved war hound, Loyal, is killed. Unable to imagine existing without her dearest companion, she nevertheless must return home and accept blame for her terrible blunder.
For the first time in his life, Loyal is unable to rise and follow his mistress. When he appeals to the Goddess for mercy, she grants him leave to return on one condition: it must be in the form of a man. And only if Barta recognizes him for who he truly is will he be permitted to stay.
Loyal never suspects that, as a man, his connection with Barta will deepen, becoming passionate enough to transcend nearly any change. Will Barta recognize him before he’s lost to her forever?
Links:
Author Web site: www.laurastricklandbooks.com
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000002632317
Author bio:
Multi-published and multi-award winning author, Laura Strickland writes stories that span several Romance genres. Her Scottish Romances have been compared to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander and her American Historicals echo the work of authors such as Susan Wiggs and Kristin Hannah. Her award-winning Buffalo Steampunk series has broken new ground both for its setting and its portrayal of automaton characters pursuing their rights. Currently, she is at home in Western New York and at work on her next book.
15 comments:
Thank you for hosting me today!
Lovely post, Laura. I totally agree...a house is not complete without a dog. Thanks for sharing. Good luck with your latest release.
I love my rescue dog, and she's a great help when I need to plot--we walk and I come back with my problem solved (usually). Good luck with your book!
Thanks, C.B. Clark! I'm glad you stopped by!
Jennifer Wilck, I agree completely. I can't tell you how many great story ideas I've gotten with a dog at the end of the leash!
A most unusual plot,,, I dearly love original thinking..
Thank you, Jean!
Great post! Good luck with your book!
Thanks so much, Petie!
I think you're right about the connection between writers and furbabies. I've always loved animals, in fact that love goes even further back than my love of books and writing. I've often worked on plots from the back of a horse or out walking with my dog. Ilove the premise of your new release, and wish you much success with it.
What I like most about our pets is the love and trust they have for us. Great blog post. And I'm intrigued by your story. Best of luck with it!
Loved your post! I just adopted a friend's pet when he passed away. Now we are acclimating to the changes (my dogs and I) but we already know this Little Bit (her name) is special.
All the best!
Hywela, I suspect it's a certain empathy writers possess that allows us to bond so deeply with another being. It also allows us to get inside our characters' heads. A blessing! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Cat, I agree completely! In the company of pets, we know we are truly loved!
Melissa, Glad you enjoyed the post! Best of luck with Little Bit. I know she's in safe and loving hands.
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