Best part of being an author, and a challenge

First, I have to show you what I watched this morning while having breakfast:

My dog watched for a while, then shrugged her shoulders and went back to her squeaky toy. She's seen this show before.



Now, allow me to share with you what I think is the best part of being an author. Here are a few awesome emails I've been receiving from young readers of DOGSLED DREAMS.
note: some are editted to take out spoilers and I've replaced the name with the first initial


Dear Ms Johnson,

I really liked your book "Dogsled Dreams" and really liked how you described the characters. My favourite dog would be Apollo, because I think Apollo is a good dog.
I thought the book was REALLY FUNNY, interesting, and sometimes surprising. Sincerely J (gr. 5/6)



Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book Dogsled Dreams. the dogs love running and stuff like that. I would love to try dogsledding. It sounds fun.
It was funny when the teacher slipped and landed on the pups’ pee. And I’m just like Rebeca I do those things and say those words !
Sincerely,
B


Dear Ms. Johnson,
I love your book "Dogsled Dreams". I thought your characters were fun and adventurous.
My favourite characters in "Dogsled Dreams" are Rebecca, Apollo, Rebecca’s dog team and Rebecca’s dad. But my favourite character would have to be Rebecca. She was exiting!
I probably like her so much because I am a girl too!
I liked it because of the thrill. It made me nervous exited and worried.
From,
K Grade 6



Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book Dogsled Dreams sooooo much. I think it is the best book our teacher has read so far. I am going to read all your books.
My favourite dog is Doppler it is also Rebecca’s favourite dog. The book is so funny, I really liked the part when Rebecca and her dad went to the school to show the dogs to little kids and the dogs ran outside the classroom and to the hallway and one of the dog peed in the hallway and made the teacher slip, that was hilarious.
I think you write awesome books and I cant wait to read them all.
Sincerely, Y Grade 5



Dear Ms. Johnson,
I loved your book, Dog Sled Dreams. My favourite part was when the teacher slipped on the pile of pee. It was so funny. Your book was so cool. I loved it so much because it also had humor. One thing is that I hate Robin, she is so bad.
Sincerely,
S Grade 5



Dear Ms. Johnson,.
I thought your book was interesting, EXTREMELY funny, and sometimes surprising.
My favourite part is when Rebecca and her dad brought the puppies to school and they went to the bathroom on the floor. Then the teacher slipped and landed in the puddle the puppy made.
My favourite dogs are Tarzan, Doppler, Apollo, and Blaze.
Do you actually have a dog named Apollo? And do you race dogs yourself?
Your #1 fan
E. Grade 5




LOVE ALL OF THESE! And yes, Emma, Apollo was my leader for many years. Here he is:

And finally, I know I've already posted a cell phone pict, but please indulge me again. And to make it worth your while - here's a challenge -

if you find my book in your own bookstore, send me a photo and I'll send you a YA or MG book. Simple as that!


And so -  a few pictures that I can't stop looking at and grinning:

 Cole's bookstore. bottom left - that's me!

Chapters bookstore - holy crap!!!

Don't forget to enter my Insanely Mega giveaway. Nine winners! Nine fabulous books up for grabs.