7 Lessons Puppies Can Teach Writers

1. Puppies and writers need structure. Don't fall asleep at your writing desk.

2. Engage readers like puppies on a sniffing expedition. If my puppies get the scent of something interesting, they'll vacuum dirt.

3. Puppy training requires patience. It's easy for writers to get overwhelmed and discouraged. Don't frustrate your puppy.

4. Puppies don't hold grudges. When they're corrected they get over it, and wag their tails. May you and I be as charitable.

5. Puppies who bark constantly and jump on people are annoying. Know when to bark about your book. But don't knock people over.

6. Don't poop on your story. (two examples)

• Don't let the story wander around in long-winded scene setting
• Be sure you are actually writing a story, not a cluster of life sketches.

     7. Keep wagging your tales.