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Volume 3, Number 5
Publisher: Guerrero Ink
Online: guerreroink2005@yahoo.com or website http://www.arkanimals.com
Copyright © 2005 Diana L. Guerrero. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced without permission.
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May News & Tips

Thanks for your support and response to the last newsletter. This monthly communiqué is targeted to YOU so please let us know what you would like to see in future issues and please contribute to the question
of the month.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
2. Question(s) for the Month
3. Critter Chronicles: Pet & Animal Topics
4. Books: Some Writers Deserve to Starve
& The Writer’s Retreat Kit
5. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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1. Tales from the Trips (Latest News)
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Snowflakes are falling and the ground is covered by a big pile of wet, white snow. During my short morning walk to the coffee house, the passing cars created great waves of slush, and torrents of sleet pelted
my face. We locals are a hardy lot, BUT it helps to arrive at a destination and find a spot next to the roaring fire. Even better, I was delighted to find one of my favorite author buddies already among the morning
coffee group.

The weather is too warm for a real heavy snowstorm (it is supposed to be spring after all). We mountain folk know that we really do have to wait until after Mother’s Day to do any gardening. My gardening tools, pots and mulch ready and waiting. Soon ...

The 10th Annual Los Angeles Festival of Books was great fun. Thanks to those of you who stopped by. I attracted a lot of attention without my famous hat, but due to popular demand, I finally broke down and paraded around for a short stint. The next book hat promises to be even more fabulous.

I stayed with my Aussie author pal in Sherman Oaks and reconnected with many other writer pals at the event. I also got to meet some talented and disciplined members of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Romance Writers of America.

I have lots of other news but I don’t want to overwhelm you!
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2. Question(s) for the Month
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I appreciate the emails sent in response to April’s question(s) and hope to include a few tidbits in the new book. The Anglican Church in England sent a packet of information related to services and celebrations held during Animal Welfare Sunday, and the Golden Avenue Church of Religious Science (GACRS) asked about how to make an animal blessing event more successful.

In response to the GACRS: Most Blessing of the Animal events are celebrated on or around October 4th. The date is traditionally associated with the Feast
Day of Saint Francis--but World Animal Day is the popular alternative celebration for the non-religious.

You can hold an animal blessing event any time, just don’t compete with other popular events and avoid inclement weather periods. Other popular blessing dates
are celebrated in conjunction with the Feast Day of San Antonio de Abad (January 17th) and Calle Olvera holds the annual Blessing of the Animals on the Saturday prior to Easter Sunday.

I’d suggest involving pet clubs, animal business, and pet service groups. They can help get the word out and bring in new attendees (and maybe new members).
Blessing events are great fun and can be combined with a pet parade or other similar activities. They take a couple of times to catch on so if you set a date, try
to be consistent and hold the event around the same time every year.

I will be doing special blessing events when my book comes out--maybe we can schedule something sometime after release date.

My question(s) for you for this month:

Do you have pet insurance, or a will, that addresses the needs of your pet in the event you cross over before your critter? What is your opinion on the topic?
If you have any tips or hints to share on this topic please email them!

Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you.
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3. Critter Chronicles: Pet & Animal Topics
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There are a few hot topics out on the newswires. I thought I would mention the concern regarding pet microchipping.

The chips are inserted under the skin of your pet. The theory is that if your critter gets lost, and then gets picked up by (or is taken to) an animal facility, that institution can scan the chip and find the owner.

The problem is that the United States is one of the few countries without a universal (or global) scanner. Without one, not all microchips can be read. America’s chips are also not compatible with the International Standards Organization (ISO), which sets the standard worldwide.

Many of the US encrypted chips can only be read by proprietary technology--which means that unless you have the scanner for the exact type of chip--you might not get the info you need. ISO compatibility is important if you travel with your pet. If you are in another country, even Canada, your pet’s microchip could not be read if your pet gets lost.

What does all this mean? Make sure your animals have a license and ID tag on their collar. You don’t have to have tags since some are sew or applied directly
onto the collars now. You can also have some sort of tattoo placed on the under belly or inside the lip of an animal. If your pet is chipped, find out what type of chip--and push for changes to meet ISO compatibility.

Even if your pet is an indoor only animal you should have an ID. Don’t overlook the importance of having it. You only realize how critical it after your pet is lost.
This can happen in times of disaster or accidental escape.
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4. Books: Some Writers Deserve to Starve
& The Writer’s Retreat Kit
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My schedule has been so hectic that I have not had a lot of time to read lately. But during the late night and early morning hours of the Festival of Books I managed to get through a few and am recommending two writing books this month.

“Some Writers Deserve to Starve” by Elaura Niles is a must for any writer’s bookcase. (I have mine inserted between a few other amusing titles.) The title made me laugh and succeeded in getting me to take it off the shelf. This turned out to be a great strategy since
the book is small and was amidst hundreds of other titles at a big book superstore.

When I actually got into the book, I found it to be a humorous and cut-to-the-chase handbook. As I read, I flashed back on my writing groups, on literary events I’ve sponsored, and on experiences I’ve had. Many novice writers contact me and I seem to repeat the same things over and over again. Now I can just hand those aspiring scribes this book!

Compact and clever, this is a quick read--but don’t be fooled, it is also a comprehensive overview. Get it if you want to know the real story. Also, it will make for a great conversation starter when you have those literary types lurking around your bookcases during social events.

Regular subscribers know that I haven’t had much luck with the links in the newsletter so you can support our site by ordering any of my recommendations from the newsletter archive link:

http://www.arkanimals.com/Newsletter/newsletter_volume_3_past_issues.htm#elaura_niles

Some Writers Deserve to Start by Elaura Niles
ISBN 1582973547
$14.99
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As a writer I have been blessed. I live in paradise and, at anytime, can sit on my deck and gaze out over the lake, listen to wind whistling through the trees, or admire the millions of stars overhead. I can walk through the woods, sit and watch birds and animals, admire the trout attempting to climb up the creek to spawn, and glean inspiration and rejuvenation from my environment on a daily basis. However not everyone has the options I do. Judy Reeves has found a way to assist any writer, living anywhere. This kit helps you to connect with your muse while teaching how to create a retreat right where you are.

“The Writer’s Retreat Kit” by Judy Reeves is a gem. The attractive kit includes a book and a deck of cards. The prose in the book takes you on a gentle and innovative cruise. Your passage through a variety of expeditions teaches you alternatives to “traditional” retreats. Each theme offers four options and suggestions for additional nourishment. The work also provides exercises along with ideas for starting and ending ceremonies. The cards can be pulled for inspiration or direction, too. The combinations are endless.

Judy Reeves is a talented author who is a muse to writers all over the globe. In addition to contributing great and innovative programs for the writing community in San Diego, Judy was one of the first guest speakers and authors hosted by my Alliance of Writers. She blessed me by writing about the group in her, “Writing Along, Writing Together.”

If you need a gift for a writer--or are a writer looking for something innovative and fresh--both these titles are winners!

You can support our site by ordering any of my recommendations from the newsletter archive links below:

http://www.arkanimals.com/Newsletter/newsletter_volume_3_past_issues.htm#judy_reeves_4

The Writer’s Retreat Kit by Judy Reeves
ISBN 1577315006
$19.95

http://www.arkanimals.com/Newsletter/newsletter_volume_3_past_issues.htm#judy_reeves_3

A Creative Writer’s Kit by Judy Reeves
ISBN 1577314352
$19.95

http://www.arkanimals.com/Newsletter/newsletter_volume_3_past_issues.htm#judy_reeves_2

Writing Alone, Writing Together by Judy Reeves
ISBN 1577312074
$14.95

http://www.arkanimals.com/Newsletter/newsletter_volume_3_past_issues.htm#judy_reeves_1

A Writer’s Book of Days by Judy Reeves
ISBN 1577311000
$15.95

Let me plug two great women and their new book! Monika and I met sometime back and I love getting together with her. (BTW she does a great job on the Big Bear International Film Festival). Both Monika and Rona have been guests of the Alliance of Writers and are sensational panelists. Their book is scheduled for release in May so let any screenwriting pals know about it or order it from our link:

http://www.arkanimals.com/Newsletter/newsletter_volume_3_past_issues.htm#edwards_skerbelis

“I Liked It, Didn’t Love It: Screenplay Development From the Inside Out” by Rona Edwards and Monika Skerbelis.
ISBN 1580650627
$18.95
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5. Schedule of Upcoming Events & Appearances
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Although I am not traveling much this year I will be on tour again in late 2006. In the meantime, I am always up to something. Here are some of the events I will be attending and a schedule of my new cutting-edge programs.

If you have any suggestions or requests for courses please don’t hesitate to email them to me. You’ll find the teleseminar information page link at the end of the listing.

May 3, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Feather Plucking

May 17, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Toileting Terrors (Felines)

June 3-5, 2005 (Friday-Sunday, Tentative) Book Expo America, New York

June 7, 2005 Teleseminar Tuesday: Rescheduled Due to Travel

June 21, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Pet Noise Phobia

July 5, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Excessive Barking (Canines)

July 19, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Clawing and Scratching (Felines)

July 22-24, 2005 (Friday-Sunday, Times Vary) Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival, Big Bear Lake, CA

August 3, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Destructive Chewing (Canines)

August 17, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Destructive Digging (Canines)

September 6, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Bird Screaming or Squawking September 20, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Animal & Pet Careers

October 2, 2005 (TBA) West Hollywood Book Fair in WEHO, California

October 4, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) House Training Horrors: Dogs & Puppies

October 18, 2005 ((Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Topic To Be Announced

November 1, 2005 (Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Topic To Be Announced

November 15, 2005 ((Noon, Pacific Time) Teleseminar Tuesday: Topic To Be Announced

To view summaries of topics, enroll or check for changes and updates please visit: http://www.arkanimals.com/Teleseminars/teleseminars_telecourses_index.htm

Thanks for your continued support and suggestions.
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Have a great month and stay tuned!
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Please feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who is on the lookout for new books, speakers, and courses related to animals or writing.

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Thanks for joining me. If you have a topic you would like to see covered in this newsletter, please email your suggestion to: guerreroink2005@yahoo.com.

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ARK ANIMAL TRACKS
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Copyright © 2005 by Diana L. Guerrero
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