Merry Christmas, everyone! I wish you all a great holiday season and a wonderful New Year. I especially wish much health to all, as most people I know need that more than anything after this past year.
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Stubby in the Paper!
Today, thanks to some well-read friends, I learned that my interview regarding Stubby, the Magic Pencil with Allie Hostler of the Two Rivers Tribune had been printed. I am grateful for the chance to spread the word about my newest published book. Thank you, Allie.
This week the interview can read via the paper, which can be purchased in stores around Hoopa and Willow Creek. Next week, you will be able to read it on-line at Two River's Tribune's website.
This week the interview can read via the paper, which can be purchased in stores around Hoopa and Willow Creek. Next week, you will be able to read it on-line at Two River's Tribune's website.
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Interviewed for Publication of Stubby, the Magic Pencil
I had the pleasure of being interviewed on Friday afternoon. While sipping mint iced tea I discussed my writing and Stubby, the Magic Pencil with the editor of the Two Rivers Tribune. For all those interested, the interview will appear in this Tuesday's paper.
Happy writing all.
Happy writing all.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Stubby, the Magic Pencil as a Kindle Book!
Not only is Stubby, the Magic Pencil, now available as a trade paperback through lulu.com, the story is now also available as a Kindle Book on amazon.com.
I must say that formatting for a Kindle Book is a lot easier and quicker than formatting for a trade paperback. Those headers and footers can be tricky since some pages don't get them.
I also hooked up with my cover illustrator, Michelle Hays, yesterday. She was delighted to receive her copy of Stubby.
Enjoy the weekend all.
I must say that formatting for a Kindle Book is a lot easier and quicker than formatting for a trade paperback. Those headers and footers can be tricky since some pages don't get them.
I also hooked up with my cover illustrator, Michelle Hays, yesterday. She was delighted to receive her copy of Stubby.
Enjoy the weekend all.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Publication of my new book: Stubby, the Magic Pencil
I am delighted to announce the publication on my new book Stubby, the Magic Pencil. This is my first middle reader book for children ages 8-11. Currently the book is available through the publisher at Lulu.com. Follow this link: <a
href="http://www.lulu.com/commerce/index.php?fBuyContent=14927619"><img
src="http://static.lulu.com/images/services/buy_now_buttons/en/book.gif?20140805085029"
border="0" alt="Support independent publishing: Buy this book on
Lulu."></a>
Soon it will be available for purchase through Amazon.com and by order through book stores.
I thank all of those who have supported my writing over all these years.
Here is the official press release:
Release Date: September 2014
Title: Stubby, the Magic Pencil
Author: Heather Hobson
ISBN: 978-1-312-32837-2
Publisher: Lulu Enterprises, Inc.
Available in trade paper back or e-book at www.Lulu.com, Amazon.com, or order through your local bookstore.
Author’s Blog: HeatherHobsonwriter@blogspot.com
Author’s e-mail: HHWriter@gmail.com
Stubby, the Magic Pencil
by Heather Hobson
Rachel breaks her pencil during a test. Her teacher hands her a short pencil with gnaw marks to use. Disgusted, Rachel attempts to rid herself of the pencil, but it keeps returning. She soon discovers it possesses a talent she does not have: the ability to tell stories.
As Rachel holds the pencil, and it writes, the pencil reveals a tale about a kidnapped unicorn. The unicorn's friend, Prince Jacob, sets out to rescue the unicorn. Jacob convinces the wizard-kidnapper to take him on as an apprentice. While working for the wizard, Jacob discovers the horrible truth: his unicorn friend has been transformed and sent to another world.
This delightful tale is written for children aged seven to eleven and deals with the themes of self-esteem and loyalty.
Heather Hobson has dedicated the past twenty-five years to developing her writing, especially The Conrad Chronicles. She possess a BA in history from the University of San Francisco and a teaching credential through Mills College. Her publishing credits include The Conrad Chronicles: Revolt, Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna and many short stories, as well as poetry. She is a member of the Siskiyou County Writer’s Club. Stubby, the Magic Pencil is her first children’s book.
Ms. Hobson currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two wonderful dogs,
Maggie and Boomer.
Michelle Hays of Willow Creek is the cover artist for this book. She is a graduate of Trinity High School in Weaverville and has taken art classes from the Art Institute of Portland, Oregon.
Soon it will be available for purchase through Amazon.com and by order through book stores.
I thank all of those who have supported my writing over all these years.
Here is the official press release:
Release Date: September 2014
Title: Stubby, the Magic Pencil
Author: Heather Hobson
ISBN: 978-1-312-32837-2
Publisher: Lulu Enterprises, Inc.
Available in trade paper back or e-book at www.Lulu.com, Amazon.com, or order through your local bookstore.
Author’s Blog: HeatherHobsonwriter@blogspot.com
Author’s e-mail: HHWriter@gmail.com
Stubby, the Magic Pencil
by Heather Hobson
Rachel breaks her pencil during a test. Her teacher hands her a short pencil with gnaw marks to use. Disgusted, Rachel attempts to rid herself of the pencil, but it keeps returning. She soon discovers it possesses a talent she does not have: the ability to tell stories.
As Rachel holds the pencil, and it writes, the pencil reveals a tale about a kidnapped unicorn. The unicorn's friend, Prince Jacob, sets out to rescue the unicorn. Jacob convinces the wizard-kidnapper to take him on as an apprentice. While working for the wizard, Jacob discovers the horrible truth: his unicorn friend has been transformed and sent to another world.
This delightful tale is written for children aged seven to eleven and deals with the themes of self-esteem and loyalty.
Heather Hobson has dedicated the past twenty-five years to developing her writing, especially The Conrad Chronicles. She possess a BA in history from the University of San Francisco and a teaching credential through Mills College. Her publishing credits include The Conrad Chronicles: Revolt, Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna and many short stories, as well as poetry. She is a member of the Siskiyou County Writer’s Club. Stubby, the Magic Pencil is her first children’s book.
Ms. Hobson currently resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two wonderful dogs,
Maggie and Boomer.
Michelle Hays of Willow Creek is the cover artist for this book. She is a graduate of Trinity High School in Weaverville and has taken art classes from the Art Institute of Portland, Oregon.
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Stubby, the Magic Pencil is almost done!
Life took over this summer, and I didn't get as much writing done as I had hoped, but my new book, Stubby, the Magic Pencil is almost available for purchase. The release date is looking like the first week of September. I'm excited.
The cover artist that was chosen is new to the world of book covers. Her name is Michelle Hays. One of her art inspirations is Japanese animation. When you see the cover for Stubby, you will see this influence on her work.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
The cover artist that was chosen is new to the world of book covers. Her name is Michelle Hays. One of her art inspirations is Japanese animation. When you see the cover for Stubby, you will see this influence on her work.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Ah Summer! Writing time!
I am finally free to write full-time again. I love summer for that freedom.
Already my fingers are working away on a couple of projects. Before the end of this summer I shall have another book in print. This past week I connected with a young artist who has agreed to do the cover art for my manuscript Stubby, the Magic Pencil. The book is in the process of being polished and formatted for printing. This will be the release of my first children's chapter book.
In addition I am continuing to writer another mid grade chapter book about a dragon and edit one of the Conrad novels.
I have a busy summer planned.
Happy writing and playing everyone.
Already my fingers are working away on a couple of projects. Before the end of this summer I shall have another book in print. This past week I connected with a young artist who has agreed to do the cover art for my manuscript Stubby, the Magic Pencil. The book is in the process of being polished and formatted for printing. This will be the release of my first children's chapter book.
In addition I am continuing to writer another mid grade chapter book about a dragon and edit one of the Conrad novels.
I have a busy summer planned.
Happy writing and playing everyone.
Monday, April 7, 2014
Successful Adoption: Meet Boomer
After much searching and streams of paperwork for rescues that got us no where, we finally found our new beloved family member.
Meet Boomer (named after Lt. Boomer, played by Herbert Jefferson Jr. in Battlestar Galactica-1978). He's a five month old Jack Russell mix that is growing by the day. He has gained 5 pounds in the two weeks he has lived with us.
We located our wonderful pup at Greater Rural Rescue (Grrs) in Hoopa. They were super easy to adopt from. I called them up, made an appointment, and brought Maggie down. While someone watched Maggie I went and checked out the kennels. I picked eight dogs for Maggie to meet. One by one she met the dogs. Some really liked her and she shrugged them off. Others she liked, but they ignored her. Then she met Boomer and there was a click.
Boomer was found at about a month old with his mother and sisters wandering along the Highway in Hoopa. Luckily the Greater Rural Rescue had space and took them. His sisters have been successfully adopted. I heard his mother may have been adopted this past Wednesday.
Yet, if you are looking for a dog The Greater Rural Rescue has many. They also have a very reasonable adoption fee of $35 and minimal paperwork. You can find their most of their dogs listed on Petfinder.
 |
| Boomer-Jack Russell Mix Pup |
We located our wonderful pup at Greater Rural Rescue (Grrs) in Hoopa. They were super easy to adopt from. I called them up, made an appointment, and brought Maggie down. While someone watched Maggie I went and checked out the kennels. I picked eight dogs for Maggie to meet. One by one she met the dogs. Some really liked her and she shrugged them off. Others she liked, but they ignored her. Then she met Boomer and there was a click.
Boomer was found at about a month old with his mother and sisters wandering along the Highway in Hoopa. Luckily the Greater Rural Rescue had space and took them. His sisters have been successfully adopted. I heard his mother may have been adopted this past Wednesday.
Yet, if you are looking for a dog The Greater Rural Rescue has many. They also have a very reasonable adoption fee of $35 and minimal paperwork. You can find their most of their dogs listed on Petfinder.
 |
| Boomer and Maggie with green alien eyes |
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Trying to Adopt a Dog in Humboldt County: A journey dealing with shelter and local rescue groups
I am discouraged how difficult adopting a dog in Humboldt County can be. I understand you all love animals, as I do, and I commend you for that fact, but are you aware that when you make the application process so long and tedious that you push the average person to give up and buy a dog from a breeder or a pet store that is supplied by puppy mills?
I understand our county well. I know our dogs are in danger for being used as bait dogs. I know dogs are used and bred to guard marijuana patches and exposed to dangerous chemicals. I am very aware that people still drown puppies in our rivers, as well as use dogs for target practice.
But are you aware that your four and five page applications are more personal and daunting than most job applications, including those of a classroom teacher? Are you aware that the donation “fee” most of you ask for leads people to wonder why they shouldn’t just buy a dog from a breeder?
As for our county shelter, I know they are doing the best they can under a limited budget, but they should be open at least one weekend day a month. How do they expect people who hold legitimate jobs, who can afford to pay for a pet and their medical needs, to get to them when they are only open Monday through Friday?
In addition, we live in a rural county that is spread out. With our county shelter located in McKinleyville, many of us live at least an hour away and can’t get there the two late nights a week that they are open. That is why being open at least one weekend day a month is critical for saving the lives of our dogs and cats.
This leads me to one well-meaning Rescue Group A, that is gaining a tarnished reputation. The five page application they have is a bit much, but since theirs was the first one, I filled it out. I can understand the interview too. What I can’t understand is their system for adoption. They have left my husband and me with the impression they only want to adopt dogs out to little old ladies who sit at home and do nothing.
My husband and I picked out six dogs. They said they would calls us and tell us when we could bring our dog in to meet them. We waited three weeks, and as we did so, we noted that all the dogs we were interested in were posted on Petfinder and Petharbor. So finally, we called Rescue A to be told that we were low on each dogs’ list and wouldn’t be called to meet them until many others had been.
How long does Rescue A make their dogs wait for homes? People actually would adopt them if they could. I spoke to one person who gave up on Rescue A and went and adopted his dog from the Trinity County Animal Shelter. He is a well-off individual, who owns his own business, and brings his dog to work with him. Yet, he couldn’t even manage to adopt through Rescue A.
I am going to leave this with saying that I used to donate to Rescue A several times a year. I even supported their big annual fundraiser. I won’t be doing that any more. Greenpeace can have my money.
Next there is Rescue Group B who I spoke with a representative over the phone. When she mentioned an application, I cringed. After waiting three weeks on Rescue A with not results, I wasn’t eager for more paperwork. I told her about my dealings with Rescue A, and she assured me they were nothing like that.
I downloaded their application and found it is just as lengthy and evasive as Rescue Group A’s. They also charge a $175 adoption “fee”, while Rescue A only charges $110. Why would I want to bother with this paperwork and give away my driver’s license number again when I haven’t even met a dog?
I have met one extremely helpful person, who works for Rescue Group C. We were able to rule out the dog she was promoting as not a good match for my Maggie over the phone. I appreciated that. She has also tried to explain on behalf of all these rescues that the adoption “fee” is because the above rescues are supposedly willing to take dogs back if they don’t work out in their new homes.
Yet, so will the County Shelter. They will even refund your money if you return the dog within two weeks. One just can’t get to the County Shelter because of their hours.
This now leads me to Rescues D and E.
Rescue D I filled out a reasonable application of only two pages and at least got to introduce my dog to three dogs they had at a store helping them adopt out dogs. One dog is a good possible match, but I now have to wait for a call before I can take the potential adoptee home for a two night trial. I was supposed to be called the next day and not it is five days later.
Rescue E seems to be the most accommodating, but perhaps that is because I am a little familiar with them through dealings of another dog. At least they are willing to drive the potential adoptee to my house and do the meet and greet and home inspection at the same time, and before I have filled out any paperwork. When one lives in a rural area of the county as I do, that is a blessing. Unfortunately the visit I was eagerly awaiting at the end of this week has been postponed to the middle of next week.
I have two more rescues to check out if neither Rescue D or Rescue E works out. At least I have rescues F and G in the wings.
This has been a five week nightmare in trying to find a dog friend for my 12 ½ year old black lab/corgi mix. Meanwhile she is at home alone, missing having a friend (her former friend passed away from cancer), and other dogs are sitting in cages desperate for homes, but trapped by limited hours, daunting paperwork, high adoption fees, and other restrictions.
You have all awaken my eyes to why puppy mills are still thriving in this country, and why backyard breeders are successful. Buying a dog is easer than adopting one.
P.S. Some of you reading this will probably connect me to my applications, and that is fine. I write this to educate you, not to shame you. We all love dogs and are in this for them, but sometimes one must step out of his or her organization and examine the larger picture.
I understand our county well. I know our dogs are in danger for being used as bait dogs. I know dogs are used and bred to guard marijuana patches and exposed to dangerous chemicals. I am very aware that people still drown puppies in our rivers, as well as use dogs for target practice.
But are you aware that your four and five page applications are more personal and daunting than most job applications, including those of a classroom teacher? Are you aware that the donation “fee” most of you ask for leads people to wonder why they shouldn’t just buy a dog from a breeder?
As for our county shelter, I know they are doing the best they can under a limited budget, but they should be open at least one weekend day a month. How do they expect people who hold legitimate jobs, who can afford to pay for a pet and their medical needs, to get to them when they are only open Monday through Friday?
In addition, we live in a rural county that is spread out. With our county shelter located in McKinleyville, many of us live at least an hour away and can’t get there the two late nights a week that they are open. That is why being open at least one weekend day a month is critical for saving the lives of our dogs and cats.
This leads me to one well-meaning Rescue Group A, that is gaining a tarnished reputation. The five page application they have is a bit much, but since theirs was the first one, I filled it out. I can understand the interview too. What I can’t understand is their system for adoption. They have left my husband and me with the impression they only want to adopt dogs out to little old ladies who sit at home and do nothing.
My husband and I picked out six dogs. They said they would calls us and tell us when we could bring our dog in to meet them. We waited three weeks, and as we did so, we noted that all the dogs we were interested in were posted on Petfinder and Petharbor. So finally, we called Rescue A to be told that we were low on each dogs’ list and wouldn’t be called to meet them until many others had been.
How long does Rescue A make their dogs wait for homes? People actually would adopt them if they could. I spoke to one person who gave up on Rescue A and went and adopted his dog from the Trinity County Animal Shelter. He is a well-off individual, who owns his own business, and brings his dog to work with him. Yet, he couldn’t even manage to adopt through Rescue A.
I am going to leave this with saying that I used to donate to Rescue A several times a year. I even supported their big annual fundraiser. I won’t be doing that any more. Greenpeace can have my money.
Next there is Rescue Group B who I spoke with a representative over the phone. When she mentioned an application, I cringed. After waiting three weeks on Rescue A with not results, I wasn’t eager for more paperwork. I told her about my dealings with Rescue A, and she assured me they were nothing like that.
I downloaded their application and found it is just as lengthy and evasive as Rescue Group A’s. They also charge a $175 adoption “fee”, while Rescue A only charges $110. Why would I want to bother with this paperwork and give away my driver’s license number again when I haven’t even met a dog?
I have met one extremely helpful person, who works for Rescue Group C. We were able to rule out the dog she was promoting as not a good match for my Maggie over the phone. I appreciated that. She has also tried to explain on behalf of all these rescues that the adoption “fee” is because the above rescues are supposedly willing to take dogs back if they don’t work out in their new homes.
Yet, so will the County Shelter. They will even refund your money if you return the dog within two weeks. One just can’t get to the County Shelter because of their hours.
This now leads me to Rescues D and E.
Rescue D I filled out a reasonable application of only two pages and at least got to introduce my dog to three dogs they had at a store helping them adopt out dogs. One dog is a good possible match, but I now have to wait for a call before I can take the potential adoptee home for a two night trial. I was supposed to be called the next day and not it is five days later.
Rescue E seems to be the most accommodating, but perhaps that is because I am a little familiar with them through dealings of another dog. At least they are willing to drive the potential adoptee to my house and do the meet and greet and home inspection at the same time, and before I have filled out any paperwork. When one lives in a rural area of the county as I do, that is a blessing. Unfortunately the visit I was eagerly awaiting at the end of this week has been postponed to the middle of next week.
I have two more rescues to check out if neither Rescue D or Rescue E works out. At least I have rescues F and G in the wings.
This has been a five week nightmare in trying to find a dog friend for my 12 ½ year old black lab/corgi mix. Meanwhile she is at home alone, missing having a friend (her former friend passed away from cancer), and other dogs are sitting in cages desperate for homes, but trapped by limited hours, daunting paperwork, high adoption fees, and other restrictions.
You have all awaken my eyes to why puppy mills are still thriving in this country, and why backyard breeders are successful. Buying a dog is easer than adopting one.
P.S. Some of you reading this will probably connect me to my applications, and that is fine. I write this to educate you, not to shame you. We all love dogs and are in this for them, but sometimes one must step out of his or her organization and examine the larger picture.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Callings goes to second printing!
My book, Callings: Tales of the Conrads of Karna, is now officially in its second printing! I am also very pleased with the new cover. I really never liked the first cover I had, but that was the best cover available for use at the time. This new cover is much more appropriate for the book.
The book is still available through lulu.com and in about 6-8 weeks will be available on amazon.com with the new cover.
lhttp://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/callings-tales-of-the-conrads-of-karna/paperback/product-21450992.html
The book is still available through lulu.com and in about 6-8 weeks will be available on amazon.com with the new cover.
lhttp://www.lulu.com/shop/heather-hobson/callings-tales-of-the-conrads-of-karna/paperback/product-21450992.html
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Christmas Miracle happened!
Just a quick note to say that Sammy's Christmas Miracle has happened. He has found a loving home. Thank you all for your support.
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Happy New Year! Health and Wealth and Love to all!
 |
| Indigo as a Butterfly |
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone had a lot of fun and is ready for a fresh start. My wish for everyone this year is more health and wealth.
This last year ended with my sweet Indigo needing to be put to sleep. The battle with cancer she had been fighting was too much for her. She and I did put up a valiant fight with herbs, prayers, and walks. Dr. Nickerson had told us 2 to 3 months, and she made it a full 6. When she could no longer drink on her own and collapsed every 5 steps, it was time for her to give up the ghost and journey over the Rainbow Bridge.
We are sad for our loss, but soon we will bring a new rescue into our home.
Happy New Year to all!
I hope everyone had a lot of fun and is ready for a fresh start. My wish for everyone this year is more health and wealth.
This last year ended with my sweet Indigo needing to be put to sleep. The battle with cancer she had been fighting was too much for her. She and I did put up a valiant fight with herbs, prayers, and walks. Dr. Nickerson had told us 2 to 3 months, and she made it a full 6. When she could no longer drink on her own and collapsed every 5 steps, it was time for her to give up the ghost and journey over the Rainbow Bridge.
We are sad for our loss, but soon we will bring a new rescue into our home.
Happy New Year to all!
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