JENN McKINLAY: I know we've talked about this before but as my asst is about to launch DUDEsday (every Tuesday in May and June on my Insta/FB), having critters in fiction is on my mind.
What is DUDEsday? It's a chance to win this sweet bookmark of Dude (you can see him carrying a stick on the book's cover). Right now, you can jump the DUDEsday line by leaving a comment on this blogpost to be entered to win this Dude bookmark. Winner will be announced in tomorrow's blog. Good Luck!
Who is Dude? He's the Harlequin Great Dane sidekick of Hannah the female main character of The Summer Share. Not gonna lie, I feel like Dude steals the book just like the donkey Maybellene takes the spotlight in the book I just turned in entitled If Summer Never Ends. Why do I have a Great Dane and a donkey in my romcoms? Because I love animals, obvi, but also because I think they add comic relief and give insight into my main character's ability to care for others and be vulnerable.
Looking back, I realize there have been critters in all of my books just as in my life. Currently, I live in a house with 2 dogs, 5 cats, and several feral yard cats that we share the care of with our neighbors. That's A LOT of critters.
I have noticed that many of the books I've read recently do not have critters, although I've been reading a lot of fantasy so sometimes the critter equivalent is a sentient houseplant or a dragon, there's a fairly wide spectrum there. I can't say that I'd reject a book with no furry sidekicks, but I definitely enjoy a book a little bit more when they appear.
How about you, Reds and Readers? Do you notice when there's a pet? Do you have a preference, pet or not pet? Do you think they add value or detract from the story?
I love finding animals in a story, especially when they play an integral part in whatever is happening. I think those furry critters add to the story; I'm always happy to meet a character's pet . . . .
ReplyDeleteYes, I notice when there's a pet. It would be hard not to when they are usually a key supporting, if non-verbal, character.
ReplyDeleteI probably prefer if there isn't a pet if it means there's more time devoted to the crime-solving in mystery novels. However, unless the pet talks or has some magic powers, I am generally okay with them existing in the book. They detract if they factor into a story with said talking or magic powers but otherwise they are the background color that fleshes out the personal side of a character.
I always notice pets, and I can't wait to read about Dude (when does the book release?). I've had cats in all my books except the Cozy Capers series, where Belle the African gray parrot subs in with lots of comic relief. All the cats have been my actual critters, which is funny, because I don't put real people in the stories!
ReplyDeleteI’m always excited when there is a critter sidekick, in fiction and in real life!
ReplyDeleteLove pets in books. Dogs are definitely my favorite. In my current read the receptionist has brought a fish tank into Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott’s outer office. The little mentions of it are fun.
ReplyDeletePS I did post a haiku to yesterday’s blog last evening, if anyone cares to go back and read it.
Of course I love pets in books and in life, and can't wait to read this one Jenn!
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