Hello! Thank you for stopping by Mind the Dog Writing Blog, a W.O.W. Network blog. My dogs and I are so happy you’re here.
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I’m a graduate of Michigan State University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in German, with a minor in English, and have been a high school English teacher since 2006. During my time in this role, I have advised the high school yearbook (2008-2013) and resurrected the high school’s literary magazine with my fellow W.O.W blogger, Thomas Brandon, as well as advised the German Club. I am also the department head/lead teacher of the English Department.
In 2013, I completed a Master’s of Liberal Studies in Arts and Culture with a concentration in Creative Writing at University of Denver, allowing me to expand my teaching role to a college-level dual enrollment course called College Composition.
My work has appeared on Lifein10minutes.com, SweatPantsandCoffe.com, Richmond.com, extramile.thehartford.com, blog.league.com, ScoutKnows.com, and MyTrendingStories.com, as well as in Mother Earth Living, The Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Christian Science Monitor, Cicada, and Nine Lives: A Life in Ten Minutes Anthology, among other publications. Currently, I am working on the revisions of my first novel, tentatively titled Goodbye for Now, in addition to various freelance projects. I am also taking a year-long novel-writing class at the Visual Arts Center of Richmond, hoping to get a solid start on my second novel, The Experiment.
I am a member of James River Writers , Virginia Outdoor Writers Association (VOWA), and The Poetry Society or Virginia, as well as a regular participant in Life in 10 Minutes workshops. In March of 2018, I was honored when my poem, “Salem’s Indifferent Ox,” was awarded second place in the Nancy Byrd category of the Poetry Society of Virginia’s Annual Contest. The same month, VOWA awarded my story, “Rescued bird teaches lesson on where to find home” with an Excellence in Craft award: Second Place Column.
The past two years, I have worked as a juror for the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards. I am also the new chairperson of the Virginia Outdoor Writers Association Collegiate Undergraduate Writing and Photo Contest, as well as a board member.
The dogs who give this blog its name have been with me through all seven (and counting, no doubt) drafts of my first novel–curling up by my side as I type away hour after hour, creating characters who sometimes seem as real to me as my own friends and family, and places inspired by my current hometown in Virginia. You will get to know my canine companions quite well if you stick with me throughout my blogging, freelance writing, and novel-writing journey; they will be featured regularly as they continue to support my writing endeavors–and remind me when it’s time for a walk, a treat, or some backyard playtime. You can get even more of their canine cuteness on my Instagram account.
I read your”My Life” column in the paper today.
Wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it.
I always try to thank veterans for their service when I come in contact with them.
I was in the National Guard back in the 70’s and I remember how all service people were treated very badly.
Sincerely,
Jim Briinkley
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Mr. Brinkley,
I so appreciate your service, and your kind comment here regarding my column in today’s paper. You really cannot imagine what both mean to me. Thank you for taking the time to not only read my piece, but also to find me here and comment. I know a little of how service people were treated in that time period from various pieces I have read (one of my favorite being Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried), as well as from stories I have heard about my great uncle, who was drafted during Vietnam.
Amanda
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I have read your column 3 times over the course of the day. It truly touched me, and got me to realize how many times these opportunities to show gratitude to veterans, and others who have needs, simply pass me by without stopping and acting. Thank you for your honest and fresh writing, and your actions, that has stirred my soul this day.
Rob McClintock
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Mr. McClintock,
I cannot tell you how much your sweet comment has touched me. Truly, it reinforces my reason to write–to reach and to touch others. I feel humbled and honored and thrilled to know that I have achieved this with you. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my piece, as well as to reach out to me here.
Sincerely,
Amanda
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You are doing an awesome blog. Writing is such a beautiful opportunity to bring us to the world and you are doing it!
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Thank you so much.
Also–your blog is phenomenal! You had a very good idea for a blog! I loved the Appalachian night bug sounds.
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Thank you. Audrey came up with the idea and there are so many sounds that tell a story.
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Last year, during the late summer, NPR did a piece about the “sounds where you live.” It was something like, “Daybreak Where you Are…” Something like that. Listeners sent in soundbites. It was pretty cool!
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so glad I stumbled here – great blog, plus your dogs look so wise & experienced 🙂
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I’m glad you stumbled here, too! Thank you. Your two labs are adorable!
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I agree! thank you on their behalf 🙂
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A week or two ago I was walking my dogs and a young boy told me he liked them. I said, “Thank you. So do I!” and he started cracking up. Your response, “I agree!”, reminds me of that. 🙂
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Laughter is always a gift:)
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Read your article in the Richmond Times Dispatch Sunday ! Loved it , I felt just reading it calmed me down . Thinking about getting me a hammock . You have it all together with what counts . GOD bless you . Peg Narron Hardin
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Hi, Peg. Thank you so much for your comment here. You have no idea how much kind words from readers like you mean to me. I hope you’ll get yourself that hammock!
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