A BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT MY WRITING PROCESS

I was invited by Ann Staub of

PAWSITIVELY-PETS

to join a virtual blog tour where bloggers share their writing process. I was truly flattered when this pawsome pet blogging “extraordinaire” invited me! But before I give you a behind the scenes look at my writing process, let me tell you a little about Pawsitively Pets!

Ann was a vet tech for a number of years and she worked with all kinds of animals including birds, small mammals and reptiles. I love her special interest in exotic pet care and I’m so grateful that she shares this passion and knowledge with all her readers. I learn so much about animals, insects, butterflies and even turtles (did you know turtles have ears?). It’s always fun, factual and fascinating reading. She’s even changing the way I look at hamsters! If you’ve never read her blog, I encourage you to stop by and browse around, you’ll have a blast…

MY WRITING PROCESS

Now back to the behind the scenes look at my writing process. I’ve been instructed to answer 3 questions for this virtual blog tour, so here we go…

 What am I working on? 

For the week ahead, Harley and I have the craziest two part series about a PetBox product review that got wayyyyy out of control and took on a life of its own (with a little help from a Doodle)…

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I’m still reading and applying very useful information about how to help with Harley’s healing process since the loss of Leo. The two of them were like “peanut butter and jelly” – the hierarchy of the pack is a little disjointed so I’m trying to assist as he adjusts. Whatever I learn, I plan to share in hopes that it may help others. It’s tough when you lose your other half, even for dogs…

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Harley and I had a meeting the other day and he’s ready to start his “therapy” work. We’ve got a few projects in mind that we believe are a great fit for us. We’ll start visiting some places this summer and get geared up for fall when we begin “Tail Wagging Tutors”, a reading program using therapy dogs in Elementary schools.

 Why do I write what I do? 

Simply because of all the interest both Harley & Leo generated everywhere we went. I quickly recognized the joy their presence brought to others. It inspired me to share them with as many people as I could reach. They are/were both so friendly with people and animals, I wanted to capture the moments with photos and then the stories seemed to follow.

Harley is a four legged comedian with his various expressions and a definite crowd pleaser when he sits, tilts his head, and poses for the camera. He has the ability to melt all hearts in a matter of seconds, and is excellent at removing those fears many adults and children have about dogs. When I write about his antics and adventures people from around the world let me know how he’s helped brightened up their otherwise ordinary day.

I will endorse products, but they must be “Harley approved” which makes writing “review posts” fun since it stays in line with the “chronicles of a life with Harley”, he tests “everything.”

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 How does my writing process work?  

I am writing in my head all day, everyday. I see life with Harley as a “never ending story.”

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My version of organization is a style that seems to fit my personality. I save blog material all over the place; on the computer, an old fashion flip calendar, my favorite notebook (it travels almost everywhere with me), my recorder on my smart phone, and even on old torn pieces of paper if that’s all I have. Some posts come together rather easily, and some require more thought and time. Those are the ones we save “for later” because like a cake in the oven, I can read it and know when it’s not quite “done!”

I like when my posts can tell a story and I love to enhance that story with photos.  Harley gives me great blogging material through photos of him – just living his life. When I work, Harley is very supportive and patient. He often stays up late with me as I research and write…

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It’s exciting and fun when a story finds us! A simple afternoon spent in a public place will often evolve into an adventure – meeting interesting people, or discovering something wonderful that ends up benefiting others. Whatever I write about –  I want it to be entertaining, useful, thought provoking and worth your time. And if it inspires just one person along the way – then it’s a “hallelujah” kind of day here in Doodleville!

 Blogs I’d Like to Invite to Join! 

Probably the best part of this blog tour for me is the opportunity to invite 3 other bloggers to participate. I understand if you guys can’t join in, or perhaps were even invited already, but I’d still like to extend my invitation and recognize you for being outstanding bloggers…

OH MY SHIH TZU – Christine writes about her four fur babies and dog agility. You’ll find humor, passion, great recipes, fitness, training tips and some gorgeous photo’s of Riley, Katie and Trixie along the California countryside. Christine keeps it real – flip flops and all…

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MY BROWN NEWFIES & ME – Jen was actually one of the first pet bloggers I read. I gravitated to her earnestly because she writes about her two boys, as I did. She shares with us her day to day life activities with her family including Leroy and Sherman. Jen adds honest insight about slobber (BOL) and raising and caring for two ginormous and gorgeous Newfoundlands. Her photography is incredible and her humor can be the right prescription for anytime of the day. Check her out – I know you’ll get hooked!…

BROWN-NEWFIES

 

RUBICON DAYS – is relatively new on my list of pet blogs. So happy I found it through a mutual friend over at Keep the Tail Wagging. I find Rubicon Days a refreshing addition to the pet blogging world. Lara, Ruby and now sister Boca have made a huge impact here in Doodleville. A true advocate for breed rescues and pet adoption, she works extremely hard sharing training tips (which I’ve used, thank you very much!) as well as challenging ALL people (in various ways) to be the change when it comes to the life of a pet.

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Well there you have it! The WHAT / WHY / HOW “411” of a behind the scenes look at my writing process.

Might I suggest, since you’re already on the internet reading this post, grab a refill of whatever you’re drinking and visit the three blogs I’ve chosen. You’re gonna fall in love, Harley & I pawmise….

Until next time. Thanks for reading…

22 Comments
  • Emma
    July 20, 2014

    Great post. Your process is a lot like Mom’s.She has my blog in mind all the time and is constantly “writing” in her head. So glad you joined in this virtual blog tour. Mom wanted to ask you, but we didn’t know if you would be up to it, so we didn’t. Congratulations on starting the therapy job. Hope Harley loves it and does well!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2014

      Emma, I am “ok” with a process like your Moms! No apologies, I’m still “going through” as they say, but I’ve got Harley and together we’re going to see our way through. It’s not always easy, but it is its “own” process, and I’m learning as I go. Harley’s excited about the therapy gig, I think we’re going to have a whole lot of fun….

  • Christine & Riley
    July 20, 2014

    thank you so much! We are so honored… I loved your answers, but I still sit here and cry for Leo…. I know I never met him, but my heart is broken.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2014

      Oh Christine, it’s okay. I’m still crying also, but with so much love from you and all of Leo’s friends, the tears are not as heavy and the pain is still there, but not as “raw.” I know there will be moments for quite some time. He lives in my heart and always will until it stops beating. NOW – back to you 🙂 I love reading your “stuff” girl – flip flops and all!!! I can’t wait to read your “process” and please – keep those gorgeous photos coming….

  • DashLilly
    July 20, 2014

    Harley reminds me so much of my Dash. Such a sweet face and way with people!! Loved reading about the writing process! Doodle kisses to Harley from Dash and Lilly (and me!)

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 20, 2014

      Hey Deirdre – I so wish you all were closer. I would love to watch them interact while you and I sat around and laughed together. PAWhaps (big sigh) one day. Glad you enjoyed learning how the Doodle mind works BOL. Tail wags and paw waves to you all from us….

  • Jen | DOGthusiast | StylishCanine
    July 21, 2014

    I love knowing more about your process!! The photo with the laptop just melts my heart. And what fantastic blogs you’ve chosen too – some of my favorites. I’ll have to watch for their posts coming up.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 21, 2014

      Thanks Jen, this has been a blast learning everyone’s deep dark writing secrets BOL. Best to Mort!

  • DashLilly
    July 21, 2014

    Cathy: I started writing a blog. I wrote one a long time ago and never shared it, but started up again this summer and am sharing it. http://doodlemusing.wordpress.com Certainly not as strong as yours or the ones you mentioned, but fun for me! Might not be able to put the doodles all together, but we can share our deep love for all things doodle!! best, Deirdre

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 21, 2014

      Look at you Deirdre – Congrat’s. I will definitely go over and check you out this evening. Blogging is supposed to be fun! But I can’t imagine it not if you’re writing about Dash & Lilly. They are so beautiful. And “YES” we do share all things Doodle. Take care –

  • Jen
    July 21, 2014

    That is awesome learning more about your writing process! So interesting! I think we write for the same reasons 🙂

    Thank you so much for the kind words Cathy! That certainly made my day and I’m super excited to do this!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 21, 2014

      You are so welcome Jen, I think we have similar styles also. I’m so excited to hear that you’re excited 🙂 Can’t wait to read all about your writing process. Have fun….

  • Tiffany
    July 21, 2014

    Really neat to have insight on how you write. I can’t wait for all of your upcoming series!!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 21, 2014

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Tiffany. Thanks for sharing.

  • Lara Elizabeth
    July 21, 2014

    Cathy, thank you so much for the mention and kind words, I’m really touched. I found myself nodding along at many similarities in our writing processes!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 22, 2014

      Lara, you are most welcome, I cannot wait to read all about YOUR process. I’m proud, blessed and honored to hear that you see similarities. That’s too cool for doodle school 🙂

  • Aunt Ann
    July 22, 2014

    Keep writing, Keep writing, Keep writing………..

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 22, 2014

      Aunt Ann, I will – I will – I will

  • Ann Staub
    July 23, 2014

    Thank you for your kind words Cathy and Harley! I am glad you joined in so we could see what goes on behind the computer screen a little bit. I feel like I’m always writing something in my mind too. It can be difficult when you’re trying to fall asleep! The blogs you chose to nominate are all fabulous too. (PS – I need a laptop with a keyboard like yours!)

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 23, 2014

      You are certainly welcome Ann – we meant every word! I was honored you mentioned me, and it was really fun to write. Kudos to the peeps who started this. I love this community of bloggers, everyone is so friendly, supportive and encouraging. Can’t wait for Blog Paws 2015 to meet people up close and personal….

  • Pamela
    August 10, 2014

    I loved reading about your process. And I can so relate.

    I also “write in my head” all the time. And carry a notebook with me everywhere. And yet I occasionally find notes on the back of receipts, bookmarks, and even in the front cover of a paperback.

    I think writing is an interesting way to expand our relationships with our dogs. We process things by being with them and also by writing about it.

    • Cathy Bennett
      August 11, 2014

      Pamela – I was so excited when I found a “recorder” on my phone recently, it was like Christmas! Now when an idea hits me, I start talking into it, and that’s how I’m able to retain and review my thoughts when I’m near the computer. I’m just trying now to find a balance between writing about Harley and hanging out with Harley!