Giveaway - Guest Post SUSAN WINGATE author of Spider Brains @susanwingate

PLEASE WELCOME SUSAN WINGATE TO BOOKHOUNDS TODAY!

Robert rules me. Robert is a Westie--a West Highland Terrier. His motto is much like the Nike motto, "Just Do It!" Because when Robert wants something, like for me to write, I do it. If he was only a larger dog, I'm sure he would've taken up cattle herding as a career. As it is, he herds the cats, sometimes with the minor scratch and issue but he helps me organize the cats. Much like he organizes my writing schedule.

Robert sleeps late and because of his schedule, I wake early. We mosey on down to the den. Our first order of the day is to head outdoors and take care of business--potty business. Then, it's back inside to find a cushy spot on the couch, above my shoulder where Robert will sleep and I will work.

By 9 a.m., Robert's belly begins to growl, making Robert growl. He's a grumbler. He talks and often directs me just by breathing a certain way which means, "I'm dissatisfied about something, mummy." I always respond, "What's wrong, Robert?" Then he growls. I get up and try to decipher his growly words.

This all works quite well for Robert and until he eats, I get no peace. Once Robert's belly is full, we'll take another nap until nature calls again.

These are my days. I am run by Robert not the other way around. Even on walks, it's not unusual to find me begging Robert to continue walking. Or to say, "Come ON! Let's GO!" The leash strung tight between us, me leaning away from Robert and he from me as he sniffs the ground, undeterred by my commands.

My husband, Bob and I once watched an AKC dog show. When the Westie breed entered the arena that day, the announcer explained the bulk of Westie traits. Then he added, "Westies show a great deal of determination in their personality." What an understatement.

Bob once called Robert, Colonel Popcorn. And it stuck. Now Robert knows several nicknames...

·                     Colonel Popcorn

·                     Rotten Cotton

·                     Sugar Lump and

·                     Mister Squishy Pants

The first three nicknames all refer (in some way) to his color which is stark white. I'm not sure how I came up with Mister Squishy Pants but that name stuck as well.

Robert wanted me to mention, before I come to the end of this post, how happy he was to hear that Bookhounds YA had invited me to write a post for you. He also wanted me to mention that he really enjoyed reading SPIDER BRAINS: A LOVE STORY. So, like, I mean, if he enjoyed the story, then you will too. Of course, Robert has a very refined nature. I'm just sayin'. 

Book Description

Publication Date: April 24, 2012

“Simply put, Susan Wingate is a master of the written word. In SPIDER BRAINS, she weaves a heart-warming tale full of wit and intrigue: a nod to Kafka’s Metamorphosis in a quirky blend with The Princess Diaries. There are laugh out loud moments with the teenage protagonist, Susie Speider, whose voice was well executed and credible. But there are also moments that tug at the heartstrings and even bring a tear to the eye, as we see Susie’s angst when she faces pain from the past, as well as redemption through the relationship with her mother. Whether or not you’re a fan of YA literature, you’ll love SPIDER BRAINS. But don’t expect anything ordinary!” ~from award-winning, no. 1 Amazon & no. 1 Barnes & Noble bestseller, Joshua Graham (author of “Darkroom” (Howard Books) and “Beyond Justice”) After her father’s death last year and, now, in the throes of a gnarly teacher’s whim as she thinks ahead to college, a small black arachnid bites fifteen-year-old Susie Speider gets bit on the finger and sends her nights into fantastical dreams about taking revenge on a teacher–a one Ms. Morlson–who, ultimately, holds Susie’s college aspirations in the sweaty palm of her cold calloused hand. But, after Susie figures out the dreams are real, she ups the ante and visits the teacher regularly but… as the spider. And, oh, by the way! Who is that boy spider munching on flies, hiding over there in the corner?

About the Author

Most recently, Susan’s novels, SPIDER BRAINS and DROWNING each reached Amazon Bestseller status in 2012. DROWNING won the 2011 Forward National Literature Award for Drama. She would love for you to read her books. You can find them all under the tab on this site labeled “Books”. Susan's Favorite Quote: “If the doctor told me I had only six minutes to live… I’d type a little faster.” — Isaac Asimov. SUSAN has written eleven novels, two short story collections, a few plays, one screenplay and tons of poems. Her latest 2011 novel DROWNING (contemporary women’s fiction), won 1st place in the 2011 Forward National Literature Award and also won a finalist award for the category of Women’s Fiction/Chick Lit in the 2011 International Book Awards. A vibrant public speaker, Susan offers inspiring, motivational talks about the craft of writing, publishing and marketing, and how to survive this extremely volatile (e-)Publishing industry. She presents these lectures for private groups and at writing conferences, libraries and bookstores around the country. 

Details

• Paperback: 292 pages
• Publisher: Roberts Press (April 24, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0985183705
• ISBN-13: 978-0985183707

WANT TO WIN THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone over 13 years old with a US mailing address 

(sorry, NO PO Boxes)

Contest ends on 7.19.12 Winner will be chosen by Random.org 

Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.

Only one winner per household address. 

This giveaway is sponsored by THE AUTHOR and ONE book is available.

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