A HUGE shout out to Ryan Field...

I just wanted to take a moment and express my appreciation to Ryan Field for his advice, his friendship, and just being a kind human being to me ever since we met about three years ago.

Entering the writing world is not at all easy; but when Ryan and I connected on a mutual site, I found his advice useful, relevant, and I found him easy to approach.

Swallowing my fears (not a very social person) I was happy that I took the step. Ryan was willing to walk me through questions about the industry and led me to helpful sites (which he still does today) and all without making me feel like I'm wasting his time or being a bother.

Ryan, I want to thank you for your years of friendship with me and here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and much success in everything you do!

Your friend, Steph

Here's Ryan's blog site:

http://ryan-field.blogspot.com/2013_12_01_archive.html

Update on my sweet baby boy....

This is my baby boy...Jack.

We went to the vet yesterday and his glucose is down to 268! (a 50% drop so far) and after not even 3 weeks on insulin. We'll need to learn how to test him at home (in the ear! ouch!) but he did great with them doing it.

Also good is that his weight has come up a little from 13 lbs to 14. He lost too much and the fact that he's gained, his coat is shinier, eyes bright, and he looks healthier and happier.

The only worry now is his back paws. He's walking a little wobbly still, but that's due to some nerve damage, but now that he's below 300, it will start to heal :)

I thank everyone for their advice and prayers and well wishes! This has not been easy and it's something we'll likely have to deal with for the rest of his life (he's only 9).

More updates soon (esp if the best news...remission) happens!

Steph

Where do you....????

Find names for your characters? I've read loads of books and have always wondered where the names come from.

Are they family names? Television or movie inspired? Heritage-toned?

Mine are all of the above. Plus sometimes I seek help from either a baby name book or a particular heritage's website for genuine names. Or even religious/biblical names.

For example, in Ranch Hands, Sid is for Sidney, Austrailia. Roger was a coworker's name. Jerry is for Jerry Springer.

Another example is For the Heart of Phillip, Phillip with the 2 L's is uncommon, and that's why I liked it. Robert of course, Andrew, David...all biblical names and/or kings. I will often use royalty/biblical/family/heritage-driven names first over anything contemporary.

How about you? Do you follow the baby name trends and use their list or make up your own?

Sweet baby boy

Hello! This won't be a post about my books or works in progress...it's about something dearer to my heart; my cat. Jack.

Jack has always been a big eater and when he lost weight we thought we had a triumph! Instead...we nearly had tragedy.

Two weeks ago Jack was diagnosed with diabetes. His glucose level was over 500 and if he were a human he would've been in shock! This of course bowled us over and we jumped into action.

We had to change everything from his dry food (not cutting it) to all wet food, protein-rich, and of course, the shots. Yipe! The shots are what I feared the most. But we are committed to this young, kitty life. He's not even 10 years old yet and has lots of life left in him for sure.

Therefore, we got everything from the insulin, the syringes, the food, and I bought him at least a couple of new toys to take his mind of the nasty prick two times a day. He takes the evening shot far better than the morning one for sure. LOL

Luckily, I'd found a site that spelled out everything for diabetic cats, what to expect, what to look for, and support for the pet parents out there who feel horrible that they can't do more.

I implore anyone that has a fat cat to really be aware they will likely become diabetic and to get their weight down (or better yet keep it from happening in the 1st place). Your pet and you will be far, far happier in the long run.

To end on a positive note, Jack's sugar was checked again last Wednesday and had come down (after only 4 shots) to 341...not great, but not the horribly high mark it was. (ideal is 100-200). He has a ways to go, but at least it's working! His weight has come up a little, he got too small. 14-15 lbs is perfect for his frame and he's at 14.2 right now.

Take care of kitty...they only have so long.

Steph