Today our honorable mention winner, Carrie Ann Alexis, was also a winner in our April contest. Carrie Ann answers a few questions about our contest and other writerly things.
Did you write your story for the contest or was it part of a larger piece or something you had written before?
This was a story I had written before. I brushed off the dust and applied the tips I received from my critique from the last contest.
There are a lot of writing contest out there. What drew you to this one?
author Carrie Ann Alexis
Being an Honorable Mention recipient from the last contest I was invited back. The critique I received was worth so much more than any prize I could have won. Though, the prizes are pretty awesome too. I entered again, to see if I could improve my ranking. Plus, having my stories reach a much larger audience is nice too.
Did you know the piece you submitted was special?
This piece was special to me, even though I have not actually experienced this in real life. It was one of those stories that was easy to write, and came out of nowhere. It’s a story I know a lot of people can relate to. Even though it’s a very emotional thing to have to deal with, there’s beauty in experiencing such pure love from a pet. They are truly a significant part of the family.
Several things inspired this story. A neighborhood dog named Holly, my own dog I had growing up and the sound his tags made. Another neighbor who walks her beautiful Irish Setter past my house that I stop and pet whenever I get the chance. My dad always wanted an Irish Setter, but never got the chance to actually have one. I got my love for them from him, plus, I’m drawn to the red fur.
What’s next for you?
I’m looking over the short stories I have written, and will be choosing which ones can be put together for a book. I look forward to going back to these stories and applying what I have learned from the critiques and making them better.
Thanks so much for sharing these insights, Carrie Ann!
International bestselling author Dan Alatorre has 17 titles published in over a dozen languages.
From Romance in Poggibonsi to action and adventure in the sci-fi thriller The Navigators, to comedies like Night Of The Colonoscopy: A Horror Story (Sort Of) and the heartwarming and humorous anecdotes about parenting in the popular Savvy Stories series, his knack for surprising audiences and making you laugh or cry - or hang onto the edge of your seat - has been enjoyed by audiences around the world.
And you are guaranteed to get a page turner every time.
“That’s my style,” Dan says. “Grab you on page one and then send you on a roller coaster ride, regardless of the story or genre.”
Readers agree, making his string of #1 bestsellers popular across the globe.
He will make you chuckle or shed tears, sometimes on the same page. His novels always contain twists and turns, and his nonfiction will stay in your heart forever.
Dan resides in the Tampa area with his wife and daughter. You can find him blogging away almost every day on www.DanAlatorre or watch his hilarious YouTube show every week Writers Off Task With Friends.
Dan’s marketing book 25 eBook Marketing Tips You Wish You Knew has been a valuable tool for new authors (it’s free if you subscribe to his newsletter) and his dedication to helping other authors is evident in his helpful blog.
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10 thoughts on “Word Weaver Winner’s Profiles: Honorable Mention Winner Carrie Ann Alexis”
So true, Carrie Ann, that pets are part of the family, and just as difficult to lose as any family member… Have gone through it several times, and I’ll have to do it one last time… Irish Setters always took my fancy, as well. I never had one to love as part of the family because I always ended up at the nearest shelter to choose another furry friend and never found an Irish Setter there. Although I did rescue a wonderful female Newfoundland once. So many needy furries at these shelters, and their ultimate goal is the same — unconditional love to their rescuers! Beautiful story, Carrie Ann!
😊 Thanks Dan!! To add to this, and what’s next for me is The Book Under the Bed!! So excited to be a part of this. I talk about it here: ttp://wp.me/pgklb-1fr
Thanks Barbara, glad you liked the story. I love all kinds of dogs, I think more so now that I am grown and haven’t had one since my childhood. I’ve lived in places that didn’t allow pets. Although I plan to have one again soon. Shelters would be my first stop. Yes, those dogs need love and give it so freely. How awesome you found a Newfoundland!!
Yes, my Newfie, Ebony, was a sweet, sweet girl. But large! Bigger than four-year-old and under children, who would gasp and say, “Is that a bear??” Actually, I misspoke about Irish Setters, too! I rescued a terrier mix once — 1966 — who was supposed to be part Irish Setter. He certainly had the red color and feathering, but was a medium size. I named him Mick. Great to speak with you, Carrie Ann! Best !
I do an animal blog, also, called Horses and Animals Are Talkin’ http://www.horsesandanimalsaretalkin.wordpress.com
Reblogged this on Carrie Ann Alexis and commented:
My second Author Profile. Since I did one back in April, I talk more about the inspiration for my story in this one.
So true, Carrie Ann, that pets are part of the family, and just as difficult to lose as any family member… Have gone through it several times, and I’ll have to do it one last time… Irish Setters always took my fancy, as well. I never had one to love as part of the family because I always ended up at the nearest shelter to choose another furry friend and never found an Irish Setter there. Although I did rescue a wonderful female Newfoundland once. So many needy furries at these shelters, and their ultimate goal is the same — unconditional love to their rescuers! Beautiful story, Carrie Ann!
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Carrie Ann is such an amazing writer
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😊 Thanks Dan!! To add to this, and what’s next for me is The Book Under the Bed!! So excited to be a part of this. I talk about it here: ttp://wp.me/pgklb-1fr
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Awesome. Thank you!
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Thanks Barbara, glad you liked the story. I love all kinds of dogs, I think more so now that I am grown and haven’t had one since my childhood. I’ve lived in places that didn’t allow pets. Although I plan to have one again soon. Shelters would be my first stop. Yes, those dogs need love and give it so freely. How awesome you found a Newfoundland!!
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Yes, my Newfie, Ebony, was a sweet, sweet girl. But large! Bigger than four-year-old and under children, who would gasp and say, “Is that a bear??” Actually, I misspoke about Irish Setters, too! I rescued a terrier mix once — 1966 — who was supposed to be part Irish Setter. He certainly had the red color and feathering, but was a medium size. I named him Mick. Great to speak with you, Carrie Ann! Best !
I do an animal blog, also, called Horses and Animals Are Talkin’ http://www.horsesandanimalsaretalkin.wordpress.com
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For other readers who value animals as pets, you might like to check out my book Summer Day – all about a boy and his dog. https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Day-Frank-Parker-ebook/dp/B007ZBK4UI/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8
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I’ll have to check that out Frank.
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Reblogged this on Carrie Ann Alexis and commented:
My second Author Profile. Since I did one back in April, I talk more about the inspiration for my story in this one.
LikeLiked by 1 person