PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR NEW PET WALL SECTION OF THIS BLOG

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OCT 15 BREAKING NEWS: In-depth interview with The Kindle Author Newsletter, by David Wisehart.

NEW INTERVIEW/FEATURED BOOK: The Zero Sum trilogy of Wall Street thrillers Book 1 – Kotov Syndrome – is the featured book on GoodeReaders for this week! And best of all, Book 1 is FREE!!! See the interview here.

NEWS FLASH: An Angel With Fur gets twelve 5 star Amazon reviews the first week after it first goes on sale. That’s got to be some sort of record. More news: An Angel With Fur has been #1 on Amazon UK Animal Essays for several days, only five days after release!

BREAKING NEWS: An Angel With Fur gets a fabulous book review. And Fatal Exchange just got an awesome review from influential reviewer and blogger Papermustang. And was featured book on The Kindle Book Review.

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An Angel With Fur

Most anyone reading this blog knows me as a hard-nosed author of action/intrigue/thrillers, or alternatively, the author of a snarky parody of all things writing and self-publishing related.

So it will probably come as a surprise that my new book is none of those.

It’s the true story of the dog who changed my life.

My constant companion, my confidant, my mentor and source of encouragement, my teacher, partner in crime, counselor, cheerleader and shrink.

It’s an amazing saga of unprecedented heroism, of the spirit’s triumph over adversity, of boundless joy and infinite hope, of compassion and trust and forgiveness and commitment; and ultimately of our own frailty and mortality. It is humorous, poignant, part farce, part celebration and part tragedy. As is all of life.

In the end, it’s a love story, and a tribute to my best friend in the world.

You don’t know me, and I’ve never met you, and yet I believe it’s impossible that this story won’t resonate at a level that makes you feel like we’re fellow travelers on a path we’ve shared for years. Anyone who’s ever loved, or battled long odds, or lost someone close to them, human or animal, will recognize in this saga an essential truth. If I can touch you the way Lobo, my companion, touched me, I will have done my job, and honored and celebrated a remarkable spirit’s contribution to my life.

We are all of us here for but a short while, and there’s no telling where our road will lead us or how long it will continue to wind. Some of us will prosper, others suffer ruin. We’re all of us hauling on an oar, making for a destination that is as inexorable as it is mysterious. If we’re fortunate, in our process of living we’ll leave indelible positive impressions on those we come into contact with, and they and we are the better for it. That seems like a reasonable goal for a life well lived, and it’s one I’ve learned to aspire to. In no small part, because of Lobo.

These days, it’s hard to believe that things are going the right direction most of the time – values seem to have gone to hell, danger surrounds us, we can’t be sure who we can really trust, and our most cherished icons are badly tarnished. Heroes are in short supply, and those we have are often lacking once all facts are known. It was uplifting for me to be able to tell a true story that is inspirational, and gifted me with a sense of life’s positive possibility, and the value and very real existence of heroism. It reminded me that while there is much evil in the world, there is also a huge amount of good.

Animals have the capacity to touch our souls, and the bond we can form with them can transcend many relationships with humans. It’s strange to say, but animals can teach us why it’s important to be good in the first place. Perhaps that’s one of their gifts to us.

At heart, An Angel With Fur is a dog’s story, but it’s also about much more. It’s about courage, selfless sacrifice, and the power of love. I hope you’ll take some time to consider it.

 

Russell Blake, October 5, 2011

An Angel With Fur web page. A portion of all sales will go to Amigos de los Animales Mazatlan, Mexico animal shelter. Book reviewers with verifiable review sites, please use the contact page to request a complimentary review copy. Please specify if you’d rather have PDF or MOBI.

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Since I published An Angel With Fur last week, chronicling the adventures of Lobo the miracle dog, my constant companion and partner in crime, I have gotten quite a few DMs and e-mails from folks who have pets of their own – some of which are no longer with us, and some of which thankfully are.

I can more than most appreciate the pride of being the caretaker of a spectacularly handsome or beautiful or cute pet, and I further understand that many have unique and compelling stories of their own.

After hearing numerous of these I thought it would be a fun idea to create a page where fans can have their pet’s photo and brief story memorialized, for others to share.

And so it is with much fanfare I announce the new Pet Wall section of the blog.

Simply send me a jpg of your pet, along with a 400 word or less summary of their story, and I’ll post them as I get the time. In this way their legacy can be celebrated, and shared with other enthusiasts.

Pets are amazing companions, and can transform even the most mundane day into a joyous adventure. Then again, I’ve really never met a dog I didn’t like, as opposed to people; a species about which I’m still making up my mind.

So please send me your photos and stories, and I’ll post them, and hopefully over time we will build a lasting memorial to our friends. Go to the Pets page, and send your e-mails to Pets (at) RussellBlake (dot) com – obviously no spaces between the at or the dot and the other words. Once I get enough I’ll start posting them.

Oh, and please spread the word so we get a decent amount of participation. Tweet it long and hard.

Click Here to see the Pet Wall.

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Comments

  1. Wed 05th Oct 2011 at 3:09 pm

    I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds like a complete departure from your other writing, and that is intriguing in and of itself. Also, I want to support your cause. I’ll be purchasing this book before the day is out!

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 05th Oct 2011 at 3:32 pm

      Thanks Kathy. Yes, it’s as radical a departure as you can imagine. It’s also just a very emotional read. You’ll see what I mean.

      Appreciate the support, as always.

      Reply
  2. Wed 05th Oct 2011 at 6:23 pm

    Well of course I’ve got to read this as I love your mad writing and will appreciate this other side of you. And I understand completely the deep love one can have for one’s dog. Mine was my soul-mate.
    Only thing that bothers me though is in the title, ergo, I thought dogs had hair not fur.
    Hope that doesn’t fuck up the whole premise.
    🙂 xx

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 05th Oct 2011 at 7:55 pm

      Nah. Furry friends. Fur ball. “An Angel With Hair” is more like, what, hirsute? Are most bald?

      Let me know how you like it. I think it’s an important book for me.

      Reply
  3. Paulette
    Wed 05th Oct 2011 at 10:32 pm

    I am most certainly buying this book. I don’t trust all that many humans. Have never met a dog I don’t trust. If they don’t like you, they growl. I have had many amazing dogs that will always have a special loving place in my heart. Many that loved me when I was at my worst. BTW. Love your other writings so I know this will be great!

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 05th Oct 2011 at 10:37 pm

      Please let me know how you like it, and review it on Amazon and Goodreads once you’re done. I’m very proud of this book. It took a lot out of me to write it, and I still have a tough time reading some sections, but it’s heartfelt and I believe will touch you.

      Reply
  4. Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 2:46 am

    You most definitely did your job and did it excellently, my friend! It takes a lot to throw me for a loop, and your story did that and I’m STILL weepy!!!

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 2:50 am

      Well thank you. It was very emotional to write it. I’m glad the story translates and can create that level of emotion in readers. It’s an amazing story, so I’m lucky, because when you have an amazing story to work with, it’s a lot easier to write a good book.

      I appreciate the 5 star review on Amazon. You must have just done nothing but sat and read the book all day. That’s a record!

      Reply
  5. Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 2:52 am

    I can’t imagine after reading it in one day, how you wrote it; knowing it must have ripped you apart at the time and memories never fade. You’ve truly given him a spectacular memorial and I’m sure he was with you when you struggled to write the sorrowful episodes. It took guts to go through it all again, realizing it wasn’t that long ago and must still bring you to tears when you think of him. Take pleasure in this fact; you gave him a terrific life while he was fit and healthy and so much more love when he wasn’t. You went above and beyond for your soul-mate and he’ll be wagging his tail, watching you care for the others in your household. They are very lucky dogs.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 3:09 am

      There are still parts of it that are very difficult for me to read. I suspect that will be true forever.

      I’m glad you liked it. This is the first time I’ve done a non-fiction book, and possibly the last. But it’s been an extraordinary emotional journey, that much is true.

      Thanks for the continued support. I’m so glad you liked it.

      Reply
  6. Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 3:08 am

    I completely understand how a dog can change your life. My dog has mine. Your book sounds terrific. Will have to check it out.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 3:20 am

      Please let me know how you like it. This is a very important book for me. Not that I don’t like all my books, but this one sort of has a special place in my heart. I hope it touches you.

      Reply
  7. Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 4:12 am

    Sounds like a great read Russell. Congrats.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 5:03 am

      Thanks. It is what it is. I invite you to try it for yourself. Not out of crass commercialism, either. But rather to share the experience. It’s a different kind of read. That’s all I’ll say.

      Reply
  8. Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 12:18 pm

    Hi Russell,,I would love to read your book, An Angel in Fur, but I noticed it is not in soft nor hard cover. I do not have a Kindle as I like to hold the book that I am reading. Will your book be available in soft or hardcover soon? I am an animal lover and I love reading books about dogs.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 1:54 pm

      It will be available within two to three weeks (hopefully) as a soft cover book. I will keep you posted on it, or perhaps follow me on twitter as I’ll make a few announcements about it.

      Reply
  9. Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 4:41 pm

    Excited to buy & read this book and contribute to the discussion that I’m sure will follow.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 11:09 pm

      Oh good! Please pop back in and let us know what you think of it!

      Reply
  10. Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 5:19 pm

    Russell, I’m tearing up already. I may not be able to get through the book, but I will try my best. I’m on the road working and need to remain tearless for a few days, but when I get home I’ll get right to it. Knowing your writing gift, I’m sure it will be a great experience, tears or no tears.

    Peace.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Thu 06th Oct 2011 at 11:09 pm

      The book will still be there when you get back. Everything in its time and place.

      Reply
  11. Sat 08th Oct 2011 at 6:26 pm

    Russell, can’t tell you how much this resonated with me. Two weeks ago, my favorite cat, the king of my little jungle and my companion for 10 years passed away leaving a big gap in my life. I plan on getting your book – one copy for me and another for a friend who I know would love to read it too.

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Sat 08th Oct 2011 at 6:50 pm

      You will enjoy it, I promise. It’s tremendously touching, but also celebratory. Odd combo, that, but it works. And it’s a hell of a story. I guarantee you’ve never heard one like it. Please let me know how you both like it.

      Reply
  12. Robert J. Scott
    Sat 08th Oct 2011 at 6:54 pm

    I look forward to reading your book, and unlike many, MANY who have “guaranteed” ME a review of mine (after telling me how much they enjoyed it), I’ll honestly review yours. I know that they can help to spike sales.

    As a dog lover all my life, I find reading about dogs far more entertaining, enlightening and pleasing than wasting time reading about high-society nonsense.

    Sound like a “bah humbug” kind of guy? Guess I am. 😀

    Reply
  13. Mon 10th Oct 2011 at 5:28 pm

    Animals have the capacity to touch our souls, and the bond we can form with them can transcend many relationships with humans. It’s strange to say, but animals can teach us why it’s important to be good in the first place. Perhaps that’s one of their gifts to us.

    This is so true & I’m very excited to read this book, Russell. I can relate to having had such a close relationship with a dog. I was an only child, but from the age of 10 until she passed away in 1998, our family’s Samoyed was my sister. While there are many who may think that a foolish statement, there is no other way to describe the relationship I had with her in a way that honors her memory & all that she helped me through during what proved to be some very tough times in my teenage years. She was my confidante, my furry shoulder to cry on, shared my joys with a wagging tail & that famous Samoyed smile, never judged me (yes, animals are quite capable of giving a person a look of complete disapproval), & quite literally saved my life by convincing me it was worth living on more than one occasion. If that’s not a what a ‘sister’ is supposed to be, I don’t know what is.

    I’ve not yet read the book, but I’m quite certain that, not only will I be thanking you for writing it, but that I will likely be in need of some Kleenex along the way.

    Blessed Be. ~ Cari ~

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Tue 11th Oct 2011 at 2:05 am

      I think it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll need the kleenex. Although it is like everything else in life – there will be moments of joy, and moments of sadness. Hopefully at the end, you’ll love both. Please let me know what you think of it, and if you enjoy it, spread the word.

      Reply
  14. Kym
    Tue 11th Oct 2011 at 7:29 pm

    I’m very excited to read this book. I think its something we can all relate to. I also think it will make a great & meaningful gift to give to other animal lovers in my life.

    Reply
  15. Wed 12th Oct 2011 at 7:48 pm

    Glad I found you on Twitter! This book sounds like an awesome read. I was actually getting a bit emotional just reading your blog. I’m a huge fan of fury friends (have 5 of my own..yes, FIVE) and I can’t imagine the time when they will grow old and leave this world. But as you mentioned they have not only enriched my life with their presence, but have made me learn to grow and appreciate so many things that I would’ve surely missed if they hadn’t been with me.

    Congrats on expanding your writing into another realm and here’s to your success!

    Reply
    • Russell Blake  –  Wed 12th Oct 2011 at 7:59 pm

      I hope you read the book, and then check back in with me and let me know how you liked it. As you know, this business is all about word of mouth, so it’s one reader at a time communicating that they enjoyed a book that builds it.

      I think you’ll find that you’ve never read anything quite like it. But let me know. Thanks for stopping by, and send a photo of your pooches for the pet wall!

      Reply
  16. Thu 10th Nov 2011 at 4:00 am

    You inspired me to share some of the story of my own furry angels; I may need to review your book sooner than later. (Or even an author interview, if you like?)
    🙂

    Reply

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