Lilybits Chats with Ophelia

Lilybits, not large, but in charge.

Hello, Ophelia, thanks for joining me on Wednesday Whimsy. How long have you owned your humans? How did you come to them?

I’ve known them since their daughter and son-in-law rescued me. When they went away to college, I got to take over the parents’ house. And take over, I did. Now they think I belong to them. Right…

What’s the best way to train your human?

I sit and stare at the goodie bag. I have these to die for gorgeous eyes, and when I stare from the bag to them and back again, they can’t resist. It’s hilarious to listen to them. “Oh, look at those pretty eyes. Do you wanna treat, Princess? Such a precious little girl.” Gag me, but it gets the job done. Oh yeah, I own ‘em.

All that baby-talk is humiliating, isn't it! But you're right, those adorable looks

we give them work every time!

What does Linda like to write?

She writes romance but wants to write suspense. She’s all about spine tingling and scary stuff. I, personally, think all of it’s rather silly. I find stalking a mouse much for satisfying and scary for the mouse. That’s the way it should be. And in this 150 year old house, there is always a mouse or two to catch…if I’m in the mood.

Ophelia, being beautiful!

How do you help her write? Or do you help more with her agent’s job?

I really try not to distract her much. She is so ADHD that if I spot a fly on the wall, she, too, will soon be tracking it all over the room. So I just lay across my blanket on her office chair and look beautiful. It’s not hard. Just one of the perks of being me! After all, I WAS named after a great Shakespearean character. Beautiful, elegant, tragic…Ophelia.

Ahh! Nothing better than a cat's life!

Do you have any advice for fellow canine muses to get the most out of their jobs?

Canine? This is a clean, family-friendly post. Let’s not use such nasty words!

Oh, well, I thought I'd give it a shot since dogs need all the help they can get from

a more cunning species such as ours! 

What’s the best way to stay out of trouble?

Hahaha. While you’re laughing inside after being caught on a counter, you just look remorseful. Give them the old “I am sooo sorry. What WAS I thinking?” look and then wait for them to hike on out of the room so you can do whatever you like. And they fall for the “I’m sorry” like a hiker over the edge of a cliff. OR, and this is important, just let them think they run the show. It gives them some strange sense of self-importance. If only they knew…

Maybe I should try that "I'm sorry" look. Thank you for the tip! I appreciate the time you took for our little chat. 

About Linda S. Glaz: 

Linda S. Glaz, a Hartline agent, is an experienced editor, reviewer and writer, has participated as a final reader for Wild Rose Press, then for White Rose Publishing all the while reviewing for online sites. She has worked as an editorial assistant for Hartline Agent Terry Burns. She's extremely active in the judging community and speaks at conferences  nationwide.  She is also a member of  AWSA. Linda understands writers, because she IS a writer.

Interview with Sissy the Dog!

Lilybits: not large, but in charge!

Today, Sissy Threadgill is visiting us! She is writer, Tom Threadgill's, dog. Mom says Tom likes to write humorous blog posts that make her lol. What's a "lol" anyway? 

Please join me with another interview that's going to the dogs!

Hi, Sissy! Thanks for joining me today on Wednesday Whimsy. How long have you owned your humans? What’s the best way to train your humans?

About seven years I think. I’m not sure how old I am, ‘cause I was at a rescue place when I picked them. They were pretty well trained when I went home with them, but sometimes I have to remind them of stuff. Like when it’s time to go outside. Or eat. Or go to bed. Or go outside.

Today's guest, Sissy!

What does Tom write?

Books I think. This last thing he wrote is about a scary man. Maybe a dogcatcher, I’m not sure. Anyway, a brave man has to catch the scary man before he does more scary things. It sounds scary. Have you seen my toy? It’s my toy. You can look at it, but you can’t touch it.

How do you help him with his writing?

I remind him when it’s time to take a break and go outside for a walk. And sometimes when he’s really busy, I know he wants to play. So I stand right next to him and wag my tail. For a long time. He likes to pretend he doesn’t see me, but I know he does. It’s part of our game.

Any advice to other canine muses? How can we best help our writing humans?

I don’t know what a canine muses is, but if it tastes good I’ll try it. I like to help my Daddy by reminding him to stretch his hands. If I put my paw on his arm and pull real hard when he’s making words on the ‘puter, he remembers. But sometimes I have to jump in his lap to remind him it’s break time. Did I show you my toy? Don’t touch it.

Sissy with her human, Tom

Um, that's okay, Sissy. I think it has dog drool on it. Blech! 

Do you ever get in trouble for helping “too much”?

Not really ‘cause he needs a lot of help. Mostly I stick my nose under his hand ‘cause he likes to pet me when he’s working on his ‘puter. And on garbage day, he likes to take a lot of walks, so I help him remember that.

How does Tom help you?

He doesn’t try to get my toy.

Thank you for joining us today, Sissy and Tom!

After years in the big city corporate world, Tom Threadgill now lives in a small rural community in the South. When he's not pretending to write, he spends his time puttering around the yard while his dog watches with complete disinterest. His wife tends to agree with the dog. Tom can be reached through his website, TomThreadgill.com or on Facebook.