Due to "pupular" demand and the "pawsuasion" of Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar, I'm putting back up this article. I believe her writing, "pawspective", as she refers to it, can be of inspirational value to a writer, whether aspiring or "pawblished", um , published.
She also noted to me that when she does a blog and I try to do the same thing, is to never write to an audience. Penny and I both visualise, when we're writing, that we're writing to that one person, or animal on the other side of our computer screen. Below is the posting. At the time, Penny was a modest internet star. Her status was upgraded to superstar status after she did a guest posting on the site of Alex J. Cavanaugh
Interview With The Star Of This Site.
I've noticed that on a number of blog sites that writers have been interviewed. So I thought it would be interesting if Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, would possibly share her thoughts about writing. You may be aware that Penny does the occasional guest posting on this site. To my delight, Penny agreed to let me interview her and get an insight into her fascinating writing ideas.
Thank you Penny for allowing me to interview you.
Question 1 : Before you settle down in front of the keyboard, do you have any rituals you like to follow?
Answer : "Before I get settled down in front of the keyboard I go out to the garden and have a ceremonial crap. Then I come back inside, roll around on the carpet, wag my tail, go to the kitchen, check out the food before finally heading to the keyboard to paw out my must read articles."
Question 2 : Why do you write?
Answer : "Ah Gary, the reasons I write are numerous. I write because I wanted to help you with your writing skills. I write because I consider it most therapeutic. Indeed, my human, I write to teach humans that we animals are an example of unconditional, non-judgemental love."
Question 3 : What inspires your writing?
Answer : "When I take Tristan or you for walks, I observe, I listen, I sniff. And with my senses full of the magic of the great outdoors, I find myself inspired to write about the simple goodness that's all around. And I'm very sensitive to your son and yourself. I write to try and bring you both comfort through these daunting times."
Question 4 : Do you have any writing suggestions for aspiring authors?
Answer : "Write from the heart. Make your writing intimate. Write in such a way that your reader really feels like you're 'talking' directly to them. Make your reader care about the story. Most importantly, grab and hold onto the reader's attention from the very first sentence. Never give up and pursue your dream. Do your best to make your dream a reality."
Question 5 : I can see you're getting tired, Penny. Thus, just one more question. You're known as Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star. Does this fame come at a price?
Answer : "As you know and I will share this with the person or animal reading this, I'm forever being hounded by the pesky 'puparazzi'. You might not see them, Gary, but they are always lurking in bushes, around corners and trying to get that exclusive photo of me. Oh, before I go and piddle on your bed, Gary, I'm writing a book titled, "My Previous Bark", which recalls my days of when I was a puppy and the day I chose the humans I would live with. I shall never forget the day when little Tristan and I first saw each other...."
Thank you very much, Penny. "You're welcome and with that I shall now sneak off and piddle on your bed!"
Here's a photo of Penny in the garden getting some inspiration for a posting.
A ceremonial crap? At least you do it outside and not on the pages, Penny.
ReplyDeleteWrite like your reader feels you are talking to him. That is smart advice.
Now, when will My Previous Bark be out?
Greetings human, Alex,
DeleteYes indeed, a delightful dump. I have an urge to do something on my human's scribbled notes. I am talking directly to you. I think it's the best way to write. "My Previous Bark" is being formulated and hopefully will be finished by next summer.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Loved it! GOod job, guys!
ReplyDeleteHugs and chocolate,
Shelly
Hi Shelly,
DeleteI'm glad you loved this. I think it was very kind of Sir Poops and Hair Ball to make note of this pawsting.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Lol, I hope you enjoyed your piddle, Penny!
ReplyDeleteHi Leandra,
DeleteMy human might think that water beds have come back into fashion :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny is adorable and has a way with words!
ReplyDeleteHi CraveCute,
DeleteI love your name. I'm adorable and my human could learn about my way with words. If only he would pay attention :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny is full of good advice. Gonna get back to striving to make my dreams reality.
ReplyDeleteHi J.L.,
DeleteI know you will embrace my advice. You have the passion to make your dreams a reality :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Nice to know a little more about Penny and what inspires her to write.
ReplyDeleteI hope she didn't really piddle on your bed.
Hi River,
DeleteI have inspiration all around me. Would I really piddle on my human's bed? Hmmm.....
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
The simple goodness that's all around - Penny, it's out there and can be very inspiring.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane,
DeleteThe wonders of the great outdoors. My senses take it all in. Such inspiring moments.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Getting back to nature is an excellent way to find inspiration. Bravo, Penny!
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
DeleteThank you and thanks for reminding me, time to go sniff the great outdoors! :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Finally managing to answer people's kind comments on my blog, Gary, my husband waiting for a cancer operation, so some delay. x
ReplyDeleteDear Carole,
DeleteMy human and I are sending loving thoughts your way during such trying times for you and your beloved husband.
Hugs,
Penny and Gary x
Awww Penny! You are so CUTE!!!!!!!!! Give that puppeh an extra treat!!!
ReplyDeleteHi JoJo,
DeleteThank you, dear human friend. I shall make sure my human gives this here puppeh some extra treats :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Another great interview Gary. Those paparazzi are tricky. LOL
ReplyDeleteHi Maurice,
DeleteWhy thank you very much, good sir. The puparazzi are forever hounding me! :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
I think Penny and I have the same ritual before we start writing.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteWas that you in my garden?
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Gary!!!! NO - Penny!!!! You had me rolling on the floor at interview question number 1. Yes, and now I remember why this post was so popular. The raw intimacy makes me blush... my tail is between my legs(metaphorically). Indeed, I think a daily crap in the yard might help me... I'll let you know how that goes.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, to Gary: what a beautiful photo for your blog! I'm guessing that's near your home. Love your photography!
Hi Dixie,
DeleteA "poopular" pawst, pawhaps! :) Go human, be at one with nature in your yard. Just think of the extra fertiliser. We await your "PooTube" video.
My human does thank you for liking the photo at the top of this site. You are most kind to him. The location is in mid-Wales and is about 200 miles from here.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Pawsome interview Gary.
ReplyDeletePenny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet star, great advice to all you adoring fans around the world.
Hi DAVID,
DeleteOh my, it's that human with the jiggly, wiggly icon :) Thanks for thinking my interview was pawesome.
My advice, but free. Always good to hopefully help humans learn how to write like a dog :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
So generous of Penny to write in order to help you with your skills, Gary. I hope her work has paid off. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled you shared this again as I don't remember reading it in the past. I can imagine the puparazzi hounding has only increased now due to Penny's ever growing fame.
Hi Julie,
DeleteMy human is such a slow learner. Although, I've taught him a few basic tricks like how to roll over and shake a hand.
I like to share my doggy pawspective. The pesky puparazzi are behind every tree. Yikes, the cost of fame :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Nice helpful thoughts and best of all at your hall you don't eat your ceremonial crap. Sure the paparazzi chase you all over the map
ReplyDeletePat in the Hatt,
DeleteNo eating the crap and that's a wrap.The puparazzi are hounding me. Maybe I should go and have a wee.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
"never write to an audience. Penny and I both visualize, when we're writing, that we're writing to that one person" - It's me isn't it. Goes without saying eh? Excellent interview, a star and a budding star, quite a double act :D
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
DeleteOf course, my human, Gary and I, visualise your gorgeous self on the other side of the screen. We write directly to you. Thank you for liking my interview. Lardy and thee, two budding stars, it's great to see :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
It must be humbling to live with such a famous pupsonage.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteMy human is starstruck knowing me. He is humbled knowing I allow him to live with me.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
A laugh, a tear... and pure puppy happiness!
ReplyDeleteHi Jeremy,
DeleteWith laughs and tears and beyond the fears, my pure puppy heart, sets me apart.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
She's such a delight and so modest for such a superstar!
ReplyDeleteHi fairyhedgehog,
DeleteDespite all my fame, I remain but a humble superstar! :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
What Penny needs is a crown and scepter with a matching dog throne, so she can parade herself around when she's not busy blogging. In fact, I'm gonna ask my mate Elisabeth if I can borrow one of hers. Penny deserves it. Have a lovely week and send my regards to Gary.
ReplyDeleteHi Rum-Punch Drunk,
DeleteI shall have a word with some certain Corgis. Pawhaps, they can forward such things. Say hello to Lizzie. One does like a spare crown. And a jolly good remainder of the week, my human friend.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny and I get ready to write much in the same way....Not really. I never roll around in the garden, might crush the lettuce ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth,
DeleteLettuce think about that one cos I want to :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Truly inspiring interview. :-D
ReplyDeleteI also believe in writing in a way that speaks to readers.
Hi Misha,
DeleteThank you very much.
Writing in a way that speaks to the reader.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Excellent post, Wonderful read.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Hi Yvonne,
DeleteI'm grateful for that, dear friend.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Who piddled on whose bed first? And most copiously.
ReplyDeleteI do love Penny - and you.
Both superstars, and modest with it.
Hi Sue,
DeleteHe piddled on my bed first. Time for some copious piddling revenge! :)
You are very kind to the both of us. We send our loving, peaceful wishes to you.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
The best of advice Penny.....I shall take it to heart whilst you take your full bladder to Gary's bed.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores,
DeleteI knew you would like my advice. I must go now....:)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Excellent advice to write from the heart, Penny. It's easy to see how you've become an internet sensation. :)
ReplyDeleteHi L.G.,
DeleteAbsolutely! Write from the heart and the reader will sense that. Evidently, I'm a very Googleable dog, whatever that means :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Beautiful Penny!! We - erm... the catz and I are taking down NOTES!! We are in awe! Take care
ReplyDeletex
Hi Old Kitty,
DeleteYou is like takin' down notes n'stuff. You three cats will be super famous by doin' that, ya know what I'm sayin'? :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Fabulous post, Penny! I've missed you and your human. Now I'm settled, I'll be back around to visit. ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Mel,
DeleteThat's very kind of you, thank you. Delightful to see you and I'm very excited about your book cover :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Dogs make great bloggers, unlike seagulls . . .
ReplyDeleteHi Rob,
DeleteWhat the flock. Ah yes, seagulls leaves things up in the air and on your head :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
That first answer says it all! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat interview Gary and Penny!
Patches was wondering - do you also enjoy trying to guess which crap is the latest by smell - you know to make sure the entire yard is well fertilized! Sometimes it takes longer to find the perfect spot than it does to do the job. Mistress loses patience and I just want to prove to her it's normal!
Hi Yolanda,
DeleteJust back from the garden :)
Thank you for liking my interview with my human, Gary.
I go for the steamiest crap. Anything with a pungent odour is the best. I do circle around a bit before I do my bit. Patches, tell your mistress she should take notes on how to do it properly :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny I think your advice to always write from the heart is super impawtant. That's what makes us REAL. I like to try and keep it REAL. I also enjoy taking a crap before I write and Mom does too. Love, Cody
ReplyDeleteHi Cody,
DeletePaw sure, write from the fart, um heart. You keep it real, I keep it real and we keep our humans under control. Although, they could learn to crap as well as we do :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny x
I look forward to reading your book, Penny!
ReplyDeleteYou and Gary are great writers.
You make us laugh, cry and think.
What else can we ask for?
Hi Julia,
DeleteI'm most encouraged by that, thank you.
Your words are most flattering, dear friend.
A mixture of emotions and genres does keep the inspiration going.
We could ask for a world where humans listened and learned from the lessons of us vulnerable creatures.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny, I get most of my pawspective and information the old fashioned way. I sniff butts. Jake, down the street, has investigated the neighbors garden because I detect the strong odor of recently ingested crab grass. And Lucy, (the village tramp) has odoriferous lingerings of the neighborhood Casanova, Churchill the bulldog.
ReplyDeletePawsonally, I'd prefer if my owner didn't insist on feeding me her newest health fad treats of dried salmon. Although I love eating it, I don't want the other dogs to think I'm putting on airs.
Beau Wyzard
Hi Beau,
DeleteYour pawspective, pawfound. Sniffing butts and observing the idiosyncrasies of your neighbourhood friends, makes for fun times and plenty of gossip.
You must pawsuade your human that you even though you enjoy that dried salmon, wet salmon is better. I'm sure your fellow dogs in the hood wont thinking you are all posh n'stuff.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny should have her own blog for writing advice. No wonder she's an internet superstar.
ReplyDeleteHi Medeia,
DeleteI would have my own writing advice blog. However, my human would not get anybody visiting this site. I'm going to have my own talk show.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
My "pawsonal" opinion is that this puppy pep-talk is super-positive. It promises plenty of possibilities for good penmanship!
ReplyDeleteYes, get Penny her own writing blog.
Writer In Transit
Hi Michelle Wallace,
DeleteThank you kindly. Puppy poop-talk, um pep-talk is super-pawsitive. Lots of pawsibilities for good pendogship! :)
I couldn't possibly set up my own writing blog. Poor Gary would lose all his visitors :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Those damn Puparazzi. I never liked them!!
ReplyDeleteHi Keith,
DeleteYou get hounded down the street by the pesky puparazzi? I knew you were famous!
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny, you are one smart dog. Your writing advice is very good- write from the heart and is you're speaking to that one person. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteTina @ Life is Good
Hi Tina,
DeleteVery kind of you to note I'm one smart dog. We try our utmost to write in a candid way and directly to the one person or animal reading on the other side of the computer screen :) Thank you!
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
I agree, Penny. Nothing like a good morning constitutional walk in the garden to get the juices flowing.
ReplyDeleteHi Bish,
DeleteQuite right! A good dump and I'm good to go :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Thank you so much for your support, Gary x
ReplyDeleteDear Carole,
DeleteI know that Gary and I are most grateful to you and gladly forward on support to you.
Hugs, Penny and Gary x
Penny is as lovely as she is wise. Excellent advice.
ReplyDeleteHi Christine,
DeleteA lovely, wise dog. What a combination. I'm heartened to think my advice is excellent.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny, I can certainly see all the hard work you put into each and every article. I hope your human appreciates it :)
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteThank you and my human does appreciate my efforts in my articles. Although, he's kinda' jealous of me! :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
What a great interview with Penny. Nice to hear a bit from her about her habits, writing life and inspirations. Thanks Penny for sharing with us! My son is also named Tristan. It's a name I fell in love with a long time ago and love even more now. Keep up the good work Penny, and let us know if you come up with any new morsels of advice for us...
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa,
DeleteLovely to see you, my human friend. Glad you liked my interview. I sure do have my rituals. My rituals inspire my writing. My human, Gary, recalls that you told him your son's name is also Tristan. It's such a nice name and a great choice. I shall go to the garden and see if I can bring you some more morsels of advice :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Wonderful advice, Penny! Good luck to you with your memoir. Your humans are lucky to have you, and you them.
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse
Hi Shannon,
DeleteI thank you, Shannon. My memoirs will be my philosophical pawspective on the world around from the eyes of a puppy and beyond. My humans love me as I love them :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Dear Penny and Gary, Penny, you can piddle on my bed any ole time. Gary, you cannot.
ReplyDeleteAwesome interview people and animal.
Hi Joylene,
DeleteI have duly noted what you mention. I'm heading over to piddle on your bed. Gary, we shall banish to your outdoors. Pawesome interview, pawhaps.
And look, Joylene, it's Wendy from Down Under.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Can't have the 'puparazzi' lurking in bushes, around corners and trying to get that exclusive photo of you - crikey!
ReplyDeleteAnd to both Gary and Penny, neither of you can piddle on my bed. As you were.
Fine post, Penny :)
Gidday Wendy,
DeleteThe puparazzi are a sneaky bunch. Even wearing sunglasses doesn't fool them. Such is the life of a diva dog :)
What a shame. We were so looking forward to piddling on your bed, yes, both of us! :)
Thanks for liking my pawst!
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny is too cute and too funny. I love the picture of her at the computer! I also laughed out loud at her writing rituals! Thank goodness she takes you and Tristan for walks so that you can get out! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the writing tips, Penny!
Jess
Hi Jess,
DeleteThat's very kind of you to say. Of course, you are right about me. The peeboard, um keyboard photo is proof that I paw my own blogs. Nothing beats a ceremonial crap before writing. If I didn't take my humans for walks, I would spend all my time cleaning the carpets.
You are most welcome for my writing tips, human Jess.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
That is very clever and amusing.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda,
DeleteI am most encouraged, my human friend.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Maybe if I tried Penny's diet, and sniffed around more outside I'd be more successful. Thanks for the wonderful advice Penny, and I'm looking forward to your book!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hi Julie,
DeleteI'm on a high protein diet. Sniffing is good. A new way for humans to greet each other. You are most welcome for the advice. I must get back to pawing my book :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
A ceremonial crap?
ReplyDeleteThat might be a great idea!
Heather
Hi Heather,
DeleteA dainty dump, pawhaps.
It works for me :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Dear Penny
ReplyDeleteLove the photo of you doing the scratch and sniff test. So much for a super star to do in one day and so few hours. Bring on the tests, Penny must be up for them and the Puparazzi too.
Thank you for your post and have a happy weekend.
Dear human, Manzanita,
DeleteThe scratch and sniff test is vital in my writing inspiration. It's all go, go and go some more, in the life of a superstar dog! :) The puparazzi are a right pain in the butt.
Thank you and have a peaceful weekend.
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Penny is very wise. I don't think her pre-writing routine would work for most writers - although I'm tempted to roll around on the floor if she thinks it'll help :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Annalisa,
DeleteYou are wise to think I'm very wise. The garden routine might not work for you. Roll on the floor, shake a hand and write away, I say :)
Pawsitive wishes, your way,
Penny
Hi Penny .. forgive me I got lost wandering amongst the trees and sniffing my way northwards to meet up with you .. it's good to see your internet star status being kept quietly in the bushes ... and then I love that your master had the temerity to post that quite wonderful cuddly early photo of you ...
ReplyDeleteI bet you remember when Tristan picked you out .. and you became part of their family .. you've all been good for each other ... lots of new smells coming with this weather ... happy weekend .. Hilary
Hi Hilary,
DeleteNo worries and I appreciated you backtracking to this pawst. Glad your senses got you here. My superstar status has come at a price. The puparazzi just keep lurking behind the bushes.
I remember the day when Tristan and I first made eye contact. We both knew that a loving adventure had begun. The weather is wild and the air is smelling of fireworks. I must go and cuddle up to Tristan.
Pawsitive wishes for a nice weekend, Hilary.
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)
Penny, I love this, "I write to teach humans that we animals are an example of unconditional, non-judgemental love." I cannot think of a better reason to write.
ReplyDeleteAnd, by the way, you look beautiful in the header picture.
Hi Danielle,
DeleteThank you and I so hope that more humans will learn the lessons we offer. If only humanity would listen to us animals.
Glad you like the header photo of lovable me :)
Pawsitive wishes,
Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar! :)